What are your secrets to always being early to appointments? How do you do it?
Thinking ahead. I always work backwards from the time I need to be somewhere. When do I need to leave for my destination? When do I need to start getting ready?  And then I stick to my timeline leading up to my departure.  Also, I always build a cushion for “transport” time. Even if I know it only takes 10 minutes to get somewhere, I still leave 20 minutes. I assume that something unexpected might delay me. And then, since there usually isn’t a delay, I end up arriving early.

Many people are late, as they are just trying to get one more thing in.  How do you avoid that urge to do that before getting out of the house? For me, it’s about respecting and pleasing others. I don’t want to disappoint others by keeping them waiting. And in the end, that concern is more important than just about anything I else I might want to “fit in”.

How does it feel to regularly get to events/commitments on time? In contrast, if/when you are late, how do you feel? Being on time is the norm for me, so I don’t think much about it. Though I often observe and make a mental note about whether others are on-time to events and parties. (Being late) makes me feel anxious, uncomfortable and guilty. While growing up, my mother used to say that if you keep someone waiting, you’re sending the message that your time is more important than theirs; that sentiment of disrespect has stuck with me.

How do you spend the extra time when you get somewhere early? 
Thank goodness for (technology)! I will make/ return phone calls or send emails/texts from my phone. Or, if it’s a work-related meeting, being early gives me a few extra minutes to mentally prepare. If I’m SUPER early, I may sneak in an errand close-by.

What do the people around you say or think about the fact that you are always on time? 
 A few of most close friends tease me about being early/on-time; they know that if they are hosting a gathering they better be ready at the start time because I will be ringing the doorbell!

Where do you think you learned this habit of being an “early bird”?  
It feels more instinctual than learned.