James Carter
Being perpetually punctual is more than just a habit for some people, it’s a source of anxiety.
For those who dread the mere thought of being late, arriving on time isn’t just polite, it’s crucial for their peace of mind. But what lies beneath this anxiety?
Psychology sheds some light on this, pointing out seven key behaviors that are common among those who feel anxious when they’re not on time.
These behaviors might seem ordinary or even quirky to some, but for those who struggle with them, they represent a real struggle with time and punctuality.
In the forthcoming article, we’ll delve into these behaviors and explore why some people find solace in the tick-tock of a clock while others find it stressful. Buckle up, it’s time to get timely!
1) They’re constantly checking the clock
Time is a constant companion for those who get anxious when they’re not on time.
If you know someone who’s always glancing at their wristwatch or phone, it might not just be a habit.
They could be subconsciously keeping an eye on the ticking seconds and minutes, their anxiety levels rising as the hands of the clock inch closer to their deadline.
This preoccupation with time is more than just a desire to be prompt. It’s a behavior that’s deeply rooted in their psychology.
As Carl Jung, a famous psychologist, once said, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves”.
In this case, the irritation of being late leads to a deeper understanding of one’s anxiety. It’s not merely about punctuality, but about control and predictability.
The constant need to check the time underscores an individual’s desire for order and predictability in a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable.
So next time you see someone obsessively checking their watch, remember that it’s not just about time – it’s about anxiety, control, and an attempt to make sense of the world around them.
2) They arrive excessively early
I confess, I’m one of those people who would rather be an hour early than a minute late.
I remember one particular instance where I had a job interview at 10 AM. Despite the fact the venue was just 20 minutes away, I found myself leaving my house at 8 AM.
I arrived so early that I had to wait in a nearby coffee shop, rehearsing my answers and sipping on a latte.
Sure, it may seem like overkill to some, but for people like me who get anxious about being late, arriving excessively early is a coping mechanism.
It gives us a sense of control over an unpredictable world and allows us to mentally prepare for what’s ahead.
Renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.”
For those of us who are time-anxious, arriving early is our way of stepping forward into growth – it’s our way of managing the anxiety and turning it into something productive.
The next time you see someone turn up ridiculously early, remember that it might be their way of managing their anxiety and taking control of their situation.
3) They plan everything down to the last detail
Have you ever met someone who plans their day down to the last minute?
That’s me. And it’s not because I’m a control freak. It’s because planning gives me a sense of security in an unpredictable world.
Every meeting, every task, even my leisure time, is carefully scheduled. My Google Calendar looks like a rainbow of events and reminders.
Unplanned moments make me anxious because they feel like a ticking time bomb, waiting to throw off my carefully coordinated schedule.
Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? But this meticulous planning helps me manage my anxiety about being late.
It’s my way of taking control, of ensuring that I won’t be caught off guard by unexpected delays or interruptions.
If you know someone who plans everything to the nth degree, understand that it’s not about controlling everything, but rather managing their anxiety.
It’s their way of turning chaos into order, anxiety into creativity.
4) They always have a contingency plan
If you’ve ever encountered someone who always has a Plan B (and C and D) for every situation, you’ve probably met someone who gets anxious when they’re not on time.
As an individual who struggles with this issue, I can confirm that having a backup plan for every conceivable situation can be quite comforting.
It’s like having a safety net – if Plan A fails, there’s always another option to fall back on.
This isn’t just an anecdotal observation. A study found that individuals with high levels of anxiety often engage in safety behaviors.
Actions designed to prevent or mitigate feared catastrophes.
In the case of time-related anxiety, these safety behaviors might include leaving extra early for meetings or always having an alternative route in case of traffic.
While these contingency plans may seem excessive to some, they serve a critical purpose for those with time anxiety. They offer a sense of control and relief from the fear of being late.
Next time you notice someone constantly mapping out alternative plans or routes, remember that it’s not about being overly cautious – it’s about dealing with their anxiety in the best way they know how.
5) They struggle with last-minute changes
As someone who gets anxious about being on time, I can tell you firsthand that last-minute changes can feel like a nightmare.
Imagine this: you’ve planned your day meticulously, every minute accounted for, every contingency planned for.
Then, out of nowhere, a last-minute change throws a wrench in your plans. Suddenly, your perfectly planned schedule is in disarray, and it feels like your world is spinning out of control.
This isn’t about being inflexible or unwilling to adapt. It’s about dealing with the anxiety that comes with unpredictability.
In the case of those who get anxious about being on time, persistence comes in the form of sticking to plans and schedules. It’s how we show love and respect to ourselves and those around us.
So if you know someone who finds it difficult to handle last-minute changes, try to understand that it’s not a sign of stubbornness. It’s a coping mechanism for dealing with their anxiety.
6) They may appear relaxed, but inside they’re racing
Here’s something that might surprise you – people who get anxious about being on time might seem incredibly relaxed on the surface.
But beneath that calm exterior, their minds are often in overdrive.
As someone who battles with this anxiety, I can assure you that this outward calm is often a mask for the mental gymnastics happening inside.
While I might appear serene and unruffled, inside, I’m mentally calculating travel times, factoring in potential delays, and rehearsing contingency plans.
As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “What is most personal is most universal.”
This paradox of appearing calm while feeling anxious internally is a shared experience for many of us who struggle with time anxiety. It’s our way of trying not to let our anxiety affect those around us.
So if you encounter someone who seems unflappable despite a tight schedule, remember that their calm demeanor may be hiding a mind buzzing with calculations and plans.
It’s not deceitful – it’s just another way we manage our time anxiety.
7) They’re always the first to arrive and the last to leave
Being the first one to arrive and the last one to leave is more than just a sign of dedication. For those with time anxiety, it’s a coping mechanism.
As someone who lives with this anxiety, I can vouch for that. Arriving early and leaving late gives us control over our environment. It’s a buffer against the unpredictable.
For those of us with time anxiety, this freedom comes from managing our time effectively.
So if you see someone always being the first in and last out, remember: it’s not about overworking. It’s about dealing with their anxiety in their own way.
Wrapping it up
The complexity of human behavior never fails to intrigue, especially when it’s entwined with something as seemingly simple as being on time.
As we’ve discovered, the anxiety tied to punctuality isn’t merely about adhering to a schedule.
It’s a profound struggle, often masked by meticulous planning, constant clock-checking, and an aversion to last-minute changes.
Understanding this can foster empathy for those who grapple with time anxiety.
So the next time you encounter someone who’s always punctual to a fault or who seems unnaturally tied to their schedule, remember: it’s not just about time.
It’s about navigating the unpredictable world in a way that makes sense to them. And isn’t that something we’re all trying to do in our own unique ways?
