Lateness
Summary
Lateness can start with a task that runs on, last-minute detours, or commitments that exceed the time available.
The previous task is still going when it is time to leave
Research-backed
An expert consensus from the UK Adult ADHD Network notes that adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may become absorbed in an activity and lose track of time. This can disrupt the day’s plans and cause lateness(Adamou et al., 2021).
For example, in situations such as hyperfocus, an activity may be hard to stop. The delay happens at the switch from the current activity to getting ready to leave. Checking only the travel time misses this delay.
Last-minute detours can displace plans to leave
Research-backed
The same expert consensus identifies distraction as another route to lateness: nonessential activities may take priority over planned activities(Adamou et al., 2021).
Someone may be ready to leave, then add another task along the way. Looking back at an instance of lateness means checking both when the original task ended and what happened after it.
Too many commitments can make a schedule late from the start
Research-backed
The expert consensus also notes that overcommitting can lead to repeated lateness(Adamou et al., 2021). Moving too slowly that day may not be the whole explanation: the schedule may never have allowed enough time.
Experiments in the general population found that people tend to expect more free time in the future than in the present(Zauberman & Lynch, 2005). This offers a clue when reviewing future plans: feeling that a day should be free does not mean the schedule has room for another commitment.
Evidence
References (2)
- ConsensusRecommendations for occupational therapy interventions for adults with ADHD: a consensus statement from the UK adult ADHD networkAdamou, Asherson, Arif, Buckenham, Cubbin, Dancza, Gorman, Gudjonsson, Gutman, Kustow, Mabbott, May-Benson, Muller-Sedgwick, Pell, Pitts, Rastrick, Sedgwick, Smith, Taylor, Thompson, van Rensburg, Young (2021). BMC Psychiatry
- Randomized trialResource Slack and Propensity to Discount Delayed Investments of Time Versus Money.Zauberman, Lynch (2005). Journal of Experimental Psychology: General