April 28, 2025 by Lucas M. Hartman

I’ve always had this habit of being late. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember. Whether it’s for work, events, or just meeting up with friends, I somehow manage to show up late. Every time I tell myself it’s going to be different, but it never is. There’s this strange comfort in it, but also a deep-seated anxiety that comes with knowing I’m not meeting expectations.

You know the saying, “When in doubt, throw it out”? I guess I’ve internalized it a bit too much. If things aren’t going my way or I feel overwhelmed, I just push them aside. But with being late, it’s a pattern I can’t shake. And the consequences are real. People start to regard you differently when you’re always the one holding things up, and it’s starting to eat away at me. The judgment is there, even if no one says anything.

The other day, I had an important meeting. I knew it was crucial for my career, but I still couldn’t help but drag my feet. And sure enough, I was late. The look on my colleague’s face said it all. I tried to make excuses, tried to explain that I wasn’t feeling my best, but the truth was, I just didn’t plan my time properly. It stung. It stung more than I thought it would, to be honest. That moment was a wake-up call for me.

I’ve been thinking a lot about it since. I didn’t lose much in terms of tangible things—no job, no big event ruined—but I lost something more important: my own respect. It’s not just about showing up for others; it’s about showing up for yourself, respecting your time, and valuing the time of others.

I know this is something I need to work on. Life threw me this lesson, and it wasn’t an easy one to learn, but I’m grateful for it. I’m not sure how to change this bad habit yet, but I’m going to try. At least now, I’m more aware of it, and maybe that’s a good first step.

Time to start being a bit more punctual, for my sake and for the sake of those around me.