I woke up at 6 am this morning, three hours before I’m supposed to be in the office, and was still 10 minutes late to work.
This is pretty standard for me. I’m almost always a few minutes late. I don’t mean anything by it, and I certainly don’t think I deserve a different set of rules than everyone else — it’s just the way I am.
I wake up early and try to fill the time before I leave for the office with as many activities as possible: a short workout, breakfast, catching up on the news, daydreaming while struggling to put my socks on, etc.
I’ll look at the clock and think, “Oh, I still have plenty of time.” One or two tasks later, I’ve only got 40 minutes to get to work and a 45 minute commute.
This has been the case with every single job I’ve ever had and is typically true when it comes to social meetings as well. I’m habitually unpunctual, and apparently I’m not alone.
As management consultant Diana DeLonzor states:
Most late people have been late all their life, and they are late for every type of activity — good or bad.So if you’re chronically late, I feel for you and sympathize with the onslaught of criticism you likely receive on a consistent basis.
Surprisingly little scientific research has been done on tardiness, but some experts subscribe to the theory that certain people are hardwired to be late and that part of the problem may be embedded deep in the lobes of the brain.
I know you’re not a lazy, unproductive, inconsiderate or entitled person. I know you’re not attempting to insult anyone by your tardiness.
Your lateness is simply a consequence of your psychology and personality — nothing more, nothing less.
With that said, while those of us who are continuously tardy should work to overcome this trait, there are also hidden benefits.
