Value other people's time

What does it say about you if you are always late? If you are always unable to organise yourself to be where you agreed to be at the time you agreed to be there? Plain and simple, it says that you do not value other people's time.

When someone sits and waits for you to arrive (beyond the customary ten or fifteen minutes grace period) you force them to think about many things. First, they think for a split second that they might have made a mistake with the time or date but then quickly realise that they didn't. Next, they think that something unfortunate may have happened that often sparks genuine concern for you. As time progresses they then start to "feel" a continuum of emotions that settle somewhere in the vicinity of carelessness and inconsideration on the part of you, the long-awaited and untimely guest or visitor.

By demonstrating personal irresponsibility about time and forcing your intended guests to experience such a roller coaster of thoughts and emotions you are actually declaring your own disregard for self. When you are incapable or unwilling to empathize with others as a result of your tardiness, you are actually exposing your deeply rooted belief that you are not worthy of their time. By waiting for you, they are unknowingly meeting some displaced need that you have for attention and concession on the part of others.

Next time you are running late or have the potential to make someone else late think about the messages that you are sending. Be considerate of the fact that others value themselves and may ultimately value "you" more that you value yourself by agreeing to meet with you.

Pity for those that are cursed with habitual latecomers that they are destined to overvalue these inconsiderate individuals until they take a stand.