Some view chronic lateness, even for the most important commitments, as a sign of immaturity or even a serious issue. Additionally, chronic tardiness can lead to severe consequences. However, according to a report by "Your Tango," a recent study found that being late to work may actually be a positive trait.
**Less Stress and Longer Lifespan**
Research conducted by scientists at Harvard University suggests that individuals who lack commitment to punctuality experience less stress. These people work in a calmer and more composed manner than those who arrive early. This sense of inner peace and calm, in turn, contributes to an increased life expectancy.
**Optimistic Outlook and Good Health**
Researchers at Harvard noted that "an optimistic outlook early in life can predict better health and lower mortality rates over follow-up periods ranging from 15 to 40 years." Additionally, these calm individuals, even if they are chronically late, show fewer signs of hypertension and heart disease: “Optimism appears to protect the heart and circulatory system – and it is reassuring to know that it can have similar benefits for overall health.”
A person who cannot bear the thought of arriving late often struggles to understand how anyone can remain calm while running behind. This individual typically takes pride in their punctuality, thriving when prepared and well-organized. Chaos causes them to panic, and tardiness makes their blood boil. However, these issues do not disturb chronically late individuals because they simply cannot operate any other way.
**Inaccurate Planning**
According to the "Wall Street Journal," people who struggle with chronic lateness often lack the ability to accurately plan their time. This personality trait, known as planning fallacy, means that individuals cannot accurately judge how long specific tasks or travel will take. About 40% of individuals actually struggle with this trait, despite the clear consequences that come with chronic lateness.
**Multitasking**
Additionally, many people are late because they attempt to multitask to such an extent that they cannot fully manage their time. Multitasking affects their ability to handle tasks accurately, meaning they cannot fully concentrate on their thinking processes or control their minds. As a result, these individuals can easily become distracted and end up losing focus on the tasks they are trying to complete, ultimately taking more time to finish them.
**Different Perceptions of Time**
Punctual individuals, who make up about 60% of the population, often appear tense, anxious, and stressed, while the second group, who are consistently at least 30 minutes late everywhere, seem relaxed and unaffected by their chronic lateness. Research findings indicate that everyone experiences the passage of time differently, which is why lateness affects individuals in very different ways.
