Experts examine causes and management of chronic lateness

Experts are examining the underlying causes of chronic lateness, noting that it is often more complex than simple poor planning. While some commentators, such as Phil McGraw, suggest that chronic lateness can stem from self-centeredness, ADHD coach Annabel Rattigan argues that other factors play a significant role.

Key contributors to punctuality issues include social anxiety, neurodiversity, and ‘time blindness’—an inability to accurately judge the passage of time. Time blindness is often linked to lower levels of executive function, which affects the ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks. This can be particularly prevalent in individuals with ADHD or those experiencing cognitive load, such as perimenopausal women dealing with brain fog.

To manage these challenges, experts suggest avoiding taking on new tasks when approaching a deadline to prevent further delays.