Greetings, friends!
Punctuality usually means a person’s tendency to come to meetings on time, keep promises on time and deliver any work on time. In fact, the meaning of this term is somewhat broader. Today we will analyze in detail what this quality is, what advantages it gives and how to develop it in ourselves.
What is punctuality?
Punctuality is the ability to competently manage time and responsibly treat each task set for oneself, to keep within the established deadlines. He always fulfills any promises and contracts at a strictly appointed time. Usually punctual people are forward-looking and forward-looking. They schedule time with a small margin, which allows them to adequately respond to dramatically changing plans, disrupted meetings, traffic jams and other time-consuming events.
From the point of view of psychology, punctuality is determined by such character traits as discipline, self-organization and self-respect. Only truly punctual individuals can boast of being in complete control of their lives.
A punctual person is a real pedant when it comes to meeting deadlines. For most people, it is considered normal if they inform in advance that they do not have time to fulfill a promise or come to an appointment on time. Punctuals try not to break the deadlines at any cost, because it is important for them that everything happens to the nearest minute. They value other people’s time and do not like to waste their own.
Punctuality is a very useful personality trait that is quickly noticed and always appreciated by others. If a person is punctual, others trust his words more and generally perceive him more positively. They know that he will always keep his promise and will not call at the last moment to cancel shared plans. And any person is pleased when he is treated with respect and his time is highly valued.
Pluses of punctuality
This quality is highly valued both in business and in personal relationships. People who are never late or miss deadlines make a good impression on most people they know. It is simply impossible to list all the advantages of punctuality. But a person who is responsible for someone else’s and his own time always receives such advantages as:
- respect and trust from the outside acquaintances;
- high chances of career growth;
- full control over life;
- inner peace, confidence in the future ;
- a high self-evaluation;
- maximum productivity.
Many people perceive punctuality as the main indicator the reliability of a person. And in some cultures, this quality is a mandatory requirement for business partners (Japanese and Germans generally do not deal with people who are late for business meetings). Interestingly, other people’s lateness annoys even those people who themselves do not really know how to manage their time.
Disadvantages of punctuality
Of course, punctuality is very useful. It makes a person more successful and productive, makes others respect him, and provides many other benefits. But there are also some disadvantages. The most noticeable disadvantages of punctuality are:
- punctual people are demanding of others, which makes them seem strict and callous bores;
- they perceive other people’s lateness as disrespect for themselves, this affects the relationship, and sometimes their self-esteem;
- punctual people who clearly plan things, it can be difficult to adapt to dramatically changing circumstances;
- in some cases punctuality can lead to neuroses;
- a punctual person can become a tyrant in the family, demanding from loved ones that they do everything to the nearest minute.
People who know firsthand what punctuality is simply do not understand how you can miss deadlines or come to meetings 10 minutes late. They believe that even a small delay is a sign of disrespect, and may take this situation as a personal insult. Knowing how to manage time wisely and work effectively, they often become bosses. As a result, subordinates have to constantly work under the pressure of a pedantic dictatorial director, and this rarely contributes to the development of a healthy work atmosphere.
How to develop punctuality?
Despite considered disadvantages, punctuality is a very useful quality that allows a person to be much more effective and successful. Even if you don’t have it, it can be developed if you instill in yourself some good habits.
1. Never make excuses
Most people tend to explain their mistakes by external circumstances and even shift their own blame onto other people. But it is important to understand that the circumstances in which you live today are the result of your actions, your efforts and your choices.
It is you who determine what opportunities and limitations you have, from what factors and people you depend on. Therefore, you do not need to make excuses either to others or to yourself. Learn to change circumstances so that they do not interfere with your punctuality.
2. Plan Your Day
Many people think that planning the day is the lot of fanatics of personal efficiency. However, this habit will benefit anyone who wants more control over their own time. By writing things down in a special diary, over time, you can learn to calculate much more accurately how long it will take for a particular activity.
This will allow you to better plan things, not make mistakes with deadlines and not let others down. In addition, you will learn to realistically assess your strength and understand in advance what things you will have time to do today, and which ones are better to postpone to tomorrow with a clear conscience.
3. Allocate time in case of force majeure
This rule implies that before each scheduled event there should be a small amount of free time – literally 3-5 minutes.
This technique helps to come to meetings on time and have time to deal with spontaneously arising hitch and delays. But you do not need to be zealous with this, reserving 15-20 minutes before each task – a few minutes is enough for most unforeseen circumstances. And constantly wasting time, punctuality cannot be developed.
4. Use motivational statements
Small motivating phrases are reminiscent of positive affirmations, but they start acting right away. Just formulate yourself a principled statement, such as “I’m never late!” and write it down in a prominent place as a reminder. You can also make a small list of sentences for yourself, in which this phrase will be supplemented with some good reason, for example, “I am never late so as not to look irresponsible in the eyes of my girlfriend.”
5. Don’t start “a little shih affairs “ shortly before the release
It so happens that a person is going to a meeting and he has 10 minutes left. Therefore, he turns on his computer, visits YouTube or another entertainment site, sometimes opens a book or starts another episode of his favorite TV series to while away those 10 minutes. As a result, it does not come out in advance and at the wrong time, but 5 minutes later than planned. If you have a little time left, it is better to leave early and take a walk slowly.
Conclusion
People who know well what punctuality is can manage your time effectively. This makes them not only more responsible, but also more productive, thanks to which they achieve success more easily, move up the career ladder faster, and almost always achieve what they want. Even in personal relationships, they are highly respected and trusted, because others know that punctual people can be relied on.
