The Community for Catholic Moms

Punctuality

Wow, I'm feeling a little guilty today. Twice in the same week it has been brought to my attention by both of my places of employment that my punctuality, (or lack thereof), is becoming a hinderance. Ooops!! I know it's a problem and it has been forever, (especially since my mom is the queen of being late...), but I still feel horrible every time I'm late for something...which is all the time! I really try to be on time, and sometimes I go for a few weeks where I'm pretty darn punctual, but then I always fall back on bad habits.

Does anyone have any motivational advice? I tried to look up the patron saint of punctuality, but I don't think there is one. What about any prayers for punctuality?

Thanks girls, and God bless!!

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Permalink Reply by Emily Braun on May 3, 2010 at 8:04am

Thank you for your help! I know that there are many other people out there who struggle with punctuality, but sometimes you still feel like the only person in the world who is constantly late! So once again, thank you for sharing your story and your advice! I need to try your idea about preparing to leave 15 minutes early.

God Bless!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Raybaud on May 21, 2010 at 5:07pm

I'm not bad when it comes to work, but I'm always "pushing it" when it comes to personal commitments or family gatherings. So last year, I set the clock in my bathroom 15 minutes ahead. Yes, I know I could subtract and and still procrastinate but I didn't end up doing that. I actually was ready "on time" and out the door when I was suppose to be. See, even if I was running a bit late, I wasn't a bit late! ;-)

Wishing you all the best, Emily.

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Permalink Reply by Emily Braun on May 25, 2010 at 5:09pm

Thanks for your words of wisdom, Jennifer!
God bless!

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Permalink Reply by Erika Marie on May 30, 2010 at 10:08am

i have problems with this too. One simple tip i heeard once that has helped me is to say to yourself outloud: "i'm always early" this is better than saying i'm always late and even better than being 'on time'

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Permalink Reply by Emily Braun on May 31, 2010 at 10:20am

I like that idea! Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Kerry on May 30, 2010 at 8:17pm

Emily, I, too have problems w/ punctuality ... I push it also. I've set my car clock 15 minutes earlier, but sometimes it still happens. I will do well for a stretch of time and then ... POW! late again. I try to remember that some people take it as if I DON'T CARE and I do. I'm not that type of person and most people know that about me, but still ... I'll keep you in my prayers. Pls remember me in yours. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Emily Braun on May 31, 2010 at 10:20am

I know exactly what you mean! Reading your reply, you sound just like me. I just said a prayer for you and your punctuality, my dear! Hope it helps!

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Raybaud on May 31, 2010 at 7:32pm

You know I always cut folks with young kids a little "slack." I remember those days. So many things can happen that you don't aniticpate.

Take it one day at a time Emily. Tuesday, try to be "on time" for the day. Then take on Wednesday and see how many days you can go without being late. Make it a sort of game. I do that with my exercise. I have a small calendar in my closet that I put a small sticker on everyday I workout. It's very rewarding seeing the calendar fill up each week/month.

If being tardy is a constant issue for you and you risk getting in trouble at your jobs you may just want the visual to keep you motivated to be "on time" and earn that sticker.

Sounds silly but I really look forward to putting that sticker on each day I get my exercise in.

Wishing you the best "on time" week EVER! ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Emily Braun on June 2, 2010 at 10:22am

thanks so much! your words are a blessing!

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Permalink Reply by Kristen H on June 3, 2010 at 6:54am

Emily,
I am usually early which is great except when wherever I am going is not ready for me! The reason I am habitually early is that my mom was habitually late. To the point that it negatively affected me. I was always the last child picked up from any gathering and a lot of times the parents of other kids or whoever was organizing the event would be forced to stick around until she got there. And more than once I was verbally admonished for my mother's tardiness because it was keeping others from their families, jobs, etc. I know adults probably should not have said that to a child, but they made a positive lasting impression on me. When I am late, it affects more than just me.

For me it is remembering that if I am late to work, it keeps the person from the shift before getting out on time. If I am late picking my daughter up from school, it is less time she gets with me and time her teacher has to spend away from her family. When I take myself out of the equation---what positive impact on me does being early/on time have--that I am more motivated to do more, do better.

What I need to work on is charity for habitual extreme lateness. My sister-in-law is like this and the worst part is she makes no efforts to improve and honestly does not care (she's said as much on more than one occasion). It sounds like you don't truly have that problem because you feel badly about your tardiness. Perhaps when you find yourself doing well for a sustained period of time, you can offer up a prayer of thanksgiving and offer it up for those like my sister-in-law and people like me who sometimes get caught thinking negatively of someone like her.

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Permalink Reply by Emily Braun on June 3, 2010 at 9:03am

What a beautiful response. Thank you. I like the idea of offering up a prayer of Thanksgiving when I am actually on time! I don't believe I thank God enough for times like that!