How to Arrive on Time

One of the first signs someone else may use to tell you are inefficient at time management is whether you arrive on time or not. People who are constantly late for appointments or meetings are obviously not very effective at time management but this can be overcome.

Arrive on Time by Organizing Beforehand

“I couldn’t find my…” this is often an excuse given for being late – “I couldn’t find my keys” or “I couldn’t find my wallet”, etc. The first step in ensuring that you arrive on time is therefore to keep everything organized so that you know exactly where things are. Have a place for everything and keep everything in its place. Keys should be kept near the door, and a bag, briefcase or anything else you need for going out should also be kept near the door with everything you will need in it so you can just pick it up and go.

Arrive on Time by Checking Directions First

If you have never been somewhere before then arrive on time by first checking the directions and if you still aren’t sure try setting aside some time before the day of the appointment or meeting to actually drive the route so that you will know it on the day. If you are using public transport then make sure you know exactly which buses, trains or trams you will need to catch, what times they leave and where you will catch them.

Arrive on Time by Leaving Slightly Early

Unfortunately things often come up en route. In order to prevent these situations making you late, leave a couple of minutes early in order to factor in time for these delays. If you leave to get their just in time the chances are you will be rushed and still arrive late due to these unforeseen circumstances.

Arrive on Time by Spacing Meetings and Appointments

Don’t pack your day with one appointment and meeting after the next but allow yourself some time between appointments to get to the appointment with time to spare. Spacing appointments and meetings too close together is a sure way to not arrive on time.

Arrive on Time and Use your Spare Time

Arrive on time, or even a few minutes early, and use the spare time you have to review your notes for the meeting, do some reading, or bring along something else small which can be done while you wait for others to arrive.

What to Do If Others Do Not Arrive on Time

In order to try to prevent problems caused by others who do not arrive on time, try to phone beforehand to confirm your appointment and ensure that the person you are meeting will be in and available. Once your meeting is confirmed bring along something to do incase there is a delay and you are kept waiting. If you find that someone is constantly late then you could try to speak to them about it or even just factor their lateness into your planning.

In conclusion, you can arrive on time by being organized, checking that you know the route beforehand and factoring in time for unforeseen circumstances. Don’t space your appointments too close together but if you arrive somewhere early use that time to review notes, do some reading or do something else. Check that others arrive on time by phoning their office beforehand, and bring something to do incase they are not on time.