The document discusses the origins and meaning of the word "punctual" as well as perspectives on punctuality across cultures. Originally, the word referred to a puncture made by a surgeon. It has since come to mean being precise about details, especially time. While some cultures view lateness up to an hour as acceptable, most Western cultures expect arrival within 10-15 minutes of the scheduled time. The document provides tips for improving punctuality such as planning ahead, prioritizing tasks, using reliable transportation, and getting sufficient sleep.
2. The original meaning
of punctual described a puncture
made by a surgeon. The word has
meant lots of other things
through the centuries, usually
involving being precise about
small points.
Did you know?
3. Middle English, having a
sharp point, from Medieval
Latin punctualis of a point,
from
Latin punctus pricking,
point, from pungere to
prick.
4. Roots: pung and punct.
A pungent smell is one that is so
strong and sharp that it pierces
the nose.
To puncture is to pierce with
something pointed.
5. arriving or doing something at the
expected or planned time
arriving or acting at the right
time : not late
being able to complete a required
task or fulfill an obligation before or
at a previously designated time.
7. Synonyms
immediate, prompt, speedy, timely
Antonyms
belated, late, tardy
Related Words
apt, quick, ready, swift, willing; opportune,
seasonable, early
Opposite Personality trait is tardiness.
8. CULTURE AND TIME
Some cultures have an unspoken
understanding that actual deadlines are
different from stated deadlines, for
example with
•African Culture
•Western Culture
9. For example, it may be
understood in a particular culture
that people will turn up an hour
later than advertised. In this
case, since everyone understands
that a 9 pm party will actually
start at around 10 pm, no-one is
inconvenienced when everyone
arrives at 10 pm.
10. According to each culture, there is
often an understanding about what is
considered an acceptable degree of
punctuality. Usually, a small amount of
lateness is acceptable; this is
commonly about ten or fifteen minutes
in Western cultures, but this is not the
case in such instances as doctor's
appointments or school lessons.
11. In some cultures, such
as Office settings, military
ones, expectations may be
much stricter.
A recognized punctual person
shows up "on the dot".
12. Punctuality is the most important
characteristic of all successful
people. The student, the official
the trader and even the lay man
all have to observe punctuality
in order to win glory and
success in life.
13. Punctuality brings in its trail
efficiency. It may make or mar
your career. If we look at the
lives of all the great men, we
would realize they all had
schedules for each day.
14.
15. Make Being Prompt a Priority.
The first step in becoming punctual is
accepting that you have a punctuality
problem. Then, realize that it’s not
cute or a bad character. Instead, it’s a
habit that’s having a negative impact
on your career, on your business,
and/or your relationships. Make a
commitment to drop the tardiness
habit and become punctual.
16. Be Ruthless With Your To Do List.
One reason why you may have tendency
to be late is because you simply have
too much to do. Ain’t it better to say
“no” to something you don’t have time
for than say “yes” and then be an hour
late.
Remember KISS
Avoid redundancy. Do it all once.
17. Be Prepared to Be On Time.
Preparation is one of the keys to
punctuality. If you always leave your
house late in the morning do the
following at least night before:
Choose the clothes you’re going to
wear and lay them out.(They should all
be ironed during the weekend)
Pack your bag and leave it by the door
18. Wake up Immediately Your Alarm Rings.
When the alarm rings, wake up
immediately- Don’t give yourself a
chance to renegotiate yourself to
sleep! Oversleeping usually results
from not having enough sleep- Be
sure to give yourself sufficient sleep-
time the night before.
19. Use Reliable Forms Of Transport.
Always use means of transport that
adheres to strict time schedule such
as company vehicles and maybe
buses, depending on the quality of
bus transportation service where you
live.
20. Have Backup Plans.
In case you do come late for some
reason, the backup plan can be taking
a faster but costlier mode of transport
(e.g. taxi).
Hiring a small car when travelling or
booking a late flight and so on.
21. Go to Bed on Time.
If you’re usually late because you sleep
too long, try going to bed early when
you have to be at work the next
morning. Going to bed on the same
time each night helps your body get
enough rest, making it easier to get
up on time each morning.
22. Punctuality
-Be on time
-Not being late
3P’s:
1. Plan
2. Prioritize
3. Prepare
Always Be Punctual.
