Denotatively, punctuality is the quality of being punctual; especially adherence to the exact time of an engagement. Being punctual connotes and denotes that one has to meet up with the time set for an appointment.
However, many people have become victims of that respected quality expected of all humans for things to move according to plans. This is probably because they don’t understand the relevance of the term or they seem to be overwhelmed by the African mentality of “Africa Time”.
Hackneyed as this may sound, many people see punctuality as no necessity as they keep breaking the rule of the term. Little did know it is a habit that rubs on all spheres of life.
Little wonder William Makepeace Thayer, Tact and Grit, 1882 said “the habit of being prompt once formed extends to everything — meeting friends, paying debts, going to church, reaching and leaving place of business, keeping promises, retiring at night and rising in the morning, going to the lecture and town-meeting, and, indeed, to every relation and act, however trivial it may seem to observers.” —
There are several reasons you should develop the habit of punctuality. The following among others are some of the reasons.
1. Being punctual shows your respect for others. Many people assume that it is only when you greet others that you respect them. Little did they know greeting is just one of the numerous ways of showing respect to others. When you keep to time of appointment with others, it connotes you have respect for them. This is because nobody wants others to keep them waiting. It may also interest you to know that when you keep others waiting, you’re simply communicating to them you’re cannot work with them, you’re irresponsible, you have no respect for others etc.
2. Being punctual builds your self-confidence. What can be more inspiring than having self-confidence! When you have it, it goes a long way in standing you out for who you’re. Showing up on time not only tell other people you are dependable, it teaches you that you can depend on yourself. The more you keep the promises you make, the more your self-confidence will grow.
3.Being punctual strengthens and reveals your integrity. Influential people in the world today are not interested in doing business with people with bad image. They are only interested in identifying with people of reputable character. People whose Yes is Yes and No is No. If you’re the type who always give excuse for late coming, people will definitely think less of you. Keying into the habit of punctuality has a way of strengthening your integrity.
4. Being punctual shows you are dependable. You would have succeeded in making yourself dependable among your team if you keep to time. However, the otherwise will be your name if you take punctuality with levity. When people know you for keeping to time, they will invariably confer the title of dependability on you. Benjamin Franklin once said to an employee who was always late, but always ready with an excuse: “I have generally found that the man who is good at an excuse is good for nothing else.”
5. Being punctual shows your humility. The most widely sorted book, The Bible states that there is no honour without humility. Punctuality is one of the ways of demonstrating humility. It shows you’re humble to adhere to instructions. And, humility comes with honour.
6. Being punctual builds and reveals your discipline. One of the ways to identify a befuddled and disorganized person is his attitude to time. The punctual man shows that he can organize his time, that he pays attention to details, and that he can put aside this to do that — he can set aside a pleasure to take care of business.
It may intrigue you to know that being late to appointments has effects and connotations. Being late can be considered as a form of stealing. This is because when you keep others waiting, you rob them of minutes they will never recover in their life time. You have rob them of money. It is often been roared that “time is money “. Being late also has a way of disturbing the activities of others. It can also mar your relationship with others.
Being late is a bad attitude to life. It is a bad seed that will eventually yield evil fruits. This is because a Mango tree cannot produce an orange fruit. Bad seed begets bad fruit. Punctuality is a life time investment. Key into it and see how it will enhance your reputation and pave ways for you.
