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Continued from Reforming Habitual Latecomers Part One
There are many other possible reasons why a person becomes a habitual latecomer. But the bigger question is: Can they be reformed?
Luckily, yes.
The process of reforming a habitual latecomer is not simple. It requires the help of those around him, but most of all, his own conviction to change. A latecomer who is determined to change must let the people around him–his immediate family, his close friends and co-workers–know that he wants to change because he will need their help.
Here are some strategies:
First, instruct your friends not to wait for you longer than a specified length of time. If they can have the nerve to wait for you for half an hour (or even longer), tell them to wait for only up to 15 minutes. After a week, adjust the allowance to only 10 minutes. The next week, cut it down to only five minutes… until you are forced to arrive on time. Do not hold grudges if they leave you. That should force you to be more punctual.
Second, fine yourself or ask your friends, relatives, or co-workers to fine you the next time you arrive later than 10 minutes. After a week, let them fine you if you arrive one minute later than the agreed time.
Third, ask a member of your family (your mom or sibling) to act as your timer. For instance, ask her to wake you up at six in the morning and not to leave you until you actually step out of bed. Then ask her to pester you so that you leave the house at exactly seven. If you rely on yourself alone, you won’t be able to do that because you have no sense of time! You need someone else to discipline you until you become disciplined on your own.
Fourth, if you agree to meet friends or relatives at a certain time, agree too that if you arrive more than five minutes late, you will shoulder all their snacks or perform their library research! You can also agree to be their “slave” for the day if you come late!
Fifth, work at your self-esteem. This is a more difficult strategy and it takes longer to achieve. The effort is worth it though, because once you gain self-confidence, you will improve as a whole and not only where it concerns punctuality. Develop a talent that you have. (Yes, you do have a talent. Everybody has!) Excel in your own field so that people will admire and respect you.
Sixth, ask your mom, sibling or your spouse to advance the setting of your alarm clock without your knowing.
Seventh, psyche yourself. Keep reminding yourself that you can do it, that you can be punctual. Repeat this every time you have an appointment,
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