Arriving late for your appointments or on a platform? None of that with you. You make it a point of honor to always be punctual, even in advance, to prepare for any eventuality. It’s a question of organization and respect. Really ? However, this trait could say more about you.
Punctuality reflects a need for control
As reported by the media The Internet usera study conducted by the University of San Diego several years ago looked at punctuality and what it means to the people who hold it in high places. Of course, being on time has many advantages, both in the organization and logistics of your days. It’s also a quality well-regarded by those who count on you. According to the study, punctual people have “great self-control.” But this point can have a downside.
Punctuality, or even the fact of always being early, reveals a habit, that of always imagining the worst. It is by thinking about hazards and unforeseen events that they anticipate as much as possible, sometimes under stress.
This tendency to systematically be on time can also be a source of frustration, indicates the magazine Psychologies. People who are early may have a harder time tolerating the delay of others.
Being late all the time doesn’t only have bad sides.
Conversely, people who always arrive late, and who can be annoying, don’t only have bad sides. According to this same study, people who take their time are generally more passionate and creative. Their stress level is also lower (as one might expect!).
In both cases, being on time early or late has advantages and disadvantages. The idea is perhaps to find something in between: respecting schedules when they involve other people, and accepting the unexpected and the few minutes late from time to time (this can happen). Without worrying too much.