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Welcome to another edition of the 1% Habits Newsletter!

This is where you’ll get up-to-date information on small wins to improve your habits, productivity, and life satisfaction. 

Let’s get to it.

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📈 Want less stress? Start showing up early

One of my favorite expressions — one I picked up back in my military days — is this:

“Early is on time. On time is late. Late is inexcusable.”

It’s one of those “dad phrases” I say all the time, to the point where my oldest has it memorized. And while it might sound a little extreme, there’s a lot of truth packed into those words.

Being on time isn’t just about punctuality. It’s about respect. Respect for other people’s time, respect for commitments, and respect for yourself.

The Benefits of Being On Time

In professional life, punctuality can set you apart. Showing up early to meetings, interviews, or deadlines communicates reliability, organization, and professionalism. Employers and colleagues notice when you’re consistent — and they also notice when you’re not.

In personal life, being on time builds trust. Friends, family, and partners appreciate when they don’t have to wait or wonder if you’ll show up. It reduces stress, prevents last-minute chaos, and helps you feel more in control of your day.

Simply put: punctuality strengthens your reputation, reduces unnecessary stress, and creates smoother relationships both at work and at home.

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Five Habits to Become More Punctual

If punctuality doesn’t come naturally, the good news is it’s a skill you can build. Here are five habits that can help:

1. Plan to Arrive Early

Most people aim to arrive exactly on time — which means the smallest delay (traffic, parking, a long line) makes them late. Instead, build a buffer into your schedule. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early.

For example, if you have a meeting at 9:00, plan to be in the building by 8:45. If you’re meeting a friend for lunch at 12:30, aim to be in the parking lot by 12:15. Even if something unexpected happens, you’ll still arrive on time.

Think of it this way: early is calm, on time is rushed, late is stressful. By planning for “early,” you give yourself breathing room.

2. Prepare the Night Before

A lot of lateness happens not because of the commute, but because of the scramble before leaving. You can eliminate that by preparing in advance.

Lay out your clothes, pack your bag, make lunches, and set aside anything you’ll need for the next day. Even small things — like finding your car keys or charging your phone — can make the difference between being on time or running late.

For example, when my kids were younger, we had a “launch pad” by the front door — a spot where backpacks, shoes, and sports gear were placed the night before. It saved us from the morning chaos of “Where are my shoes?”

3. Use Timers and Alarms

We all lose track of time, especially when we’re absorbed in something. That’s why alarms and timers are so powerful. They act as external nudges to keep you on track.

Set an alarm for when you need to start getting ready, not just when you need to leave. For example, if you need to leave at 7:30, set an alarm for 7:10 that says, “Start getting shoes on.”

You can also use countdown timers. If you know you tend to linger, set a 10-minute timer before your departure as a final reminder. This is especially useful with kids (more on that later).

4. Prioritize Your Commitments

Sometimes lateness isn’t about poor planning — it’s about overcommitting. If you’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next, you’ll always be cutting it close.

The solution? Be more selective. Say no to things that don’t align with your priorities, and give yourself more space between commitments. For example, instead of scheduling back-to-back meetings, leave a 15-minute buffer. Instead of cramming three errands into one lunch break, do one or two and save the rest for later.

Punctuality isn’t just about time management — it’s about energy management. When your schedule is realistic, being on time becomes much easier.

5. Respect Other People’s Time

At its core, punctuality is about respect. When you’re late, you’re essentially saying, “My time is more important than yours.” That’s rarely the message you want to send.

Flip the mindset: see punctuality as a way to show courtesy. If you’re meeting a friend, being on time tells them you value the relationship. If you’re at work, it shows professionalism and reliability.

A practical way to build this habit is to imagine how you’d feel if the roles were reversed. If someone kept you waiting 15 minutes, how would you feel? Probably frustrated. Use that empathy as motivation to be the person who consistently shows up when you say you will.

The Parenting Challenge

Now, I’ll be the first to admit: punctuality gets a lot harder when you have kids. Mornings can be chaotic — breakfast, backpacks, lost shoes, last-minute bathroom trips. It’s a circus act.

One solution that worked for us was using a simple timer. When my kids were little, I set an alarm on my phone for 10 minutes before we had to leave. That alarm acted as a gentle nudge for the kids, encouraging them to pick up the pace without constant reminders from mom or dad.

They’re in their final years of school now, and I still have that alarm. By placing the responsibility on an external source, my kids learned to manage their own time more effectively — and mornings became a lot less stressful.

Why does this work?

● It reduces stress for parents. Instead of nagging, you let the alarm do the reminding.

● It encourages independence in kids. They start responding to the alarm instead of parental pressure.

● It promotes smoother routines. That 10-minute buffer means fewer forgotten items and less chaos.

If you want to try this, here’s how:

1. Explain the purpose of the alarm to your kids.

2. Pick a sound that’s noticeable but not jarring.

3. Set it for 10 minutes before you normally leave.

4. Reinforce the habit by celebrating when they respond quickly.

It’s a small change, but it can transform mornings from frantic to manageable — while teaching kids valuable time management skills they’ll use for life.

Final Thoughts on Punctuality

Punctuality might sound like a small thing, but it has ripple effects across your personal and professional life. It builds trust, reduces stress, and shows respect for others. And with a few simple habits — plus tools like alarms and checklists — it’s a skill that anyone can master.

Early is on time. On time is late. Late is inexcusable. It’s a phrase my kids will probably roll their eyes at one day — but I hope they’ll also carry it with them, because it’s one of the simplest ways to stand out in a world where being late has become the norm.

Talk soon,

Steve

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