Back to Time Management Index Time Management

7 Tips to Get You There

on Time

by Maria Gracia Updated December 15, 2023 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. Are you always wondering why your family and friends are always on time, and you're always late, no matter what the event? If so, here are 7 tips to get you where you're going so you arrive in plenty of time. 1. Be prepared ahead of time. At least 24 hours prior to the time you must leave your home or office, make a list of everything you must do before you leave. Make sure you have enough gas in the car. Go to the ATM or bank and get the pocket money you need. Put your briefcase or purse right near the door. Gather what you're going to wear, so you can simply grab everything and get dressed quickly. Jot yourself any reminders on a sticky note and stick it to the inside of your door (things to pick up, things to bring, or things to do). You'll save lots of precious time if you have everything organized and ready to go, you won't have to rush, and you'll get to your destination without stress. 2. Prepare your family. If you have to send your kids off to school in the morning, be sure all of their belongings are also prepared the night before. Lay out their outfits. Be sure their books are in book bags and sitting by the door. Make lunches the evening before. Be sure they wake up early so there's ample time to get dressed and eat breakfast. 3. Leave early. If you have to be somewhere at a certain time, be sure you leave early enough. Pad your time. This way if there is traffic, you'll still be on time. In other words, if it takes you a half hour to get there, leave at least 45 minutes early, or more. 4. Avoid obstacles. If construction is scheduled on the interstate, take an alternate route. Avoid rush hour. Read your local papers and listen to local radio stations so you're prepared. 5. Know how to get there. If you're not really sure how to get to your destination, allow for extra time. If possible, drive to that destination prior to your appointment. This way, you'll know exactly how to get there on your scheduled day. Certainly use your navigation system in your car or on your phone, but always print out directions from a site such as Google Maps…in case your navigation decides not to work when you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Always keep a paper map in your car just in case. 6. Avoid unnecessary distractions. If the phone rings right as you're leaving your home or office, let your voicemail screen the call, unless that call is directly related to the destination you’re headed for. Believe me, if you pick up that phone, you're going to be late! The same goes for tasks you think you can finish before you leave. Most everyone underestimates the time tasks are going to take. Leave them for when you return. 7. Keep an eye on the time. Set two alarms to go off…one 15 minutes before you have to leave (this is the time to stop in the bathroom, put on your coat, grab your water, etc.) and another at the time you must leave. When the second alarm sounds, it's time to get in your vehicle and go. Back to Time Management Index