We live in an individualistic society where the sun, moon, and stars revolve around ourselves. The world may be filled with individuals, but it runs on our collective efforts. The self-centered problem will only continue to grow if we do not take action to change the offensive behavior of our everyday lives.
The most offensive behavior and my biggest pet peeve are people who arrive late. Before any confusion arises, I would like to clarify that I am writing about the repeated offenders not the occasional delay from an iced-over car or long Starbucks line. We all have off days, but even our off days are not true excusals.
We have every capability to make sure our arrivals are at the appropriate times. In fact, if you arrive on time, you are already late. Do not wake up or leave with just the right amount of time. Instead, plan for the unplanned. Set your alarm for a little earlier, because 10 minutes less of sleep is worth the respect of others.
Being late shows a complete disregard for another’s life. The only real valuable thing we have in this lifetime is time, and by being late, you are robbing someone else's. When you are late, you might as well have a sign that reads, “I do not care about this.”
When you show up late, no matter where it is, you cause a distraction. You cause an unnecessary interruption. This world is not your own, and if you believe it is, it is time to make some changes. These changes will improve the overall atmosphere of your life. If you arrive consistently early, people will take notice and will appreciate your efforts. Arriving early is especially important in the workplace and can improve your job standing.
Continue to seek out the simple changes in your life to practice mindfulness. Starting small can only lead to greater steps to build a satisfying life. The greatest asset you have is the people around you, so do not forget their worthiness.
