I’ve always been surrounded by people who are late, so I never thought of being in time as being a trait. In fact, people who are early always seemed a bit stuck up to me. But now that I’m not exactly in my teens anymore – getting closer to 30 by the day, yikes – I’ve started to realize that being late is deemed unorganized and unprofessional. You can even upset people by being late, after all it makes them think your time is more important than theirs. After hearing one time too many that I was too late, I decided to better my life. I’m not a pro, late used to be my middle name and I’m still learning. But if you’re a bit like me – a girl or guy who thinks a watch is just another fashion accessory – you need to read what I’m about to say. Here’s your 6 step plan to head out of the door in the morning in no time!
Plan your outfits
Evenings are usually for chillaxing, but I promise you you’ll only need 10 minutes for planning your outfit for the next day. How? Try working with outfit templates. This could be mixing an a-line skirt with a polo neck or the classic jeans, shirt and flats combo. This way of thinking can make it easier for you to dream up outfits without wearing the same thing every day. The most important thing at work is to look represeprofessional. Don’t aim for your best outfit ever, you’re probably the most fashion forward gal or guy in the office anyway!
Find the perfect time to get up
Spend a few mornings timing how much time you need exactly from waking up until getting out of the door. Add 15 minutes to that just to be sure and you’ll know when to set your alarm. Forget that snooze button, the best way will always be to jump out of bed straight away. Does this make you cranky? Think about going to bed a little earlier 😉
Switch off your phone
After you wake up there is so much on your phone that can distract you. You can spend hours scrolling through your Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat feed, or maybe you woke up to a funny text from a friend. All those things can wait. Keep in mind that your main priority is heading out of the door in time. Save everything for that oh so boring commute to work or for during your lunch break.
Washing your hair – should you, or should you not?
Something I always underestimate – and don’t tell me I’m the only one – is the time it takes me to wash my hair. Washing, rinsing, conditioning, rinsing again and then drying can take around 30 minutes. If you have a short do and don’t recognize this problem then good for you! If you do, think about washing your hair before you go to sleep. You might want to set your alarm 30 minutes earlier. If you’d prefer to move this time consuming activity to another day: no problemo. I usually wear a hat or half up top knot hairstyle. And if you work in a very corporate environment, try a nice top-knot.
Have an easy make-up routine
What’s more important? Having that perfect winged eyeliner or being in time? I know, the eyeliner bit sounds tempting, but stay focused on your main priority! Find a make-up look that looks good on you and will take the least time to finish. Some foundation, blush, mascara and lipstick will be A-OK for your daily look. Try to keep those uh-may-zin’ contouring skills for a night out when you’re allowed to be fashionably late.
Five minute breakfast
Rule #1: don’t. ever. skip. breakfast! This will make you super duper grumpy and it’s scientifically proven that you’ll be less productive during the mornings. Instead, try something easy. I usually take muesli, soy milk, nuts and fruits and toss those in a bowl. Then I’m finished eating in no-time! Another option is using the evening before again. This overnight oats recipe is absolutely delish!
And that’s it! My most important tips for being in time. I hope I didn’t sound too much like your mom there, but I found out all of those things the hard way. If you have anything to add to this story or have some time-saving tips yourself, ramble away in the comments!
