Get Ready Faster: A Formula for Never Running Late

We’ve all been there – hitting snooze too many times, struggling to find something clean to wear, and running out the door 20 minutes late with only half a cup of coffee in hand. Mornings often feel rushed and hectic, but what if they didn’t have to be?

Having a consistent morning routine that streamlines your getting ready process can help you feel more put together and prepared for the day ahead. No more chaos, panic, or showing up late!

Why We Run Late

There are a few key reasons mornings often go astray:

• Not budgeting enough time. We think we can wake up 20 minutes before we need to walk out the door and be ready. False. Build in a buffer!
• Letting ourselves hit snooze. Crawling back under those cozy blankets feels nice, but snoozing leads to disruptions in sleep cycles plus running behind.
• Distracting ourselves. Checking emails, social notifications, or even the news derails us first thing.
• No set routine. With no game plan, getting ready feels haphazard (and slow).
• Outfit indecision paralysis. Debating what to wear eats up precious minutes when we’re already short on time!

Keys to Getting Ready Faster

To optimize your mornings, focus on these key areas:

• Regular wake time: A consistent wake-up time trains your body’s internal clock for better sleep quality and makes rising easier.
• No snooze: Set alarms far from your bed so you get right up, no snooze allowed. This maintains sleep cycles.
• Streamlined routine: Have a game plan with a reasonable timeline for getting ready tasks.
• Prep at night: Lay out clothes/bags the night before so there’s no decision-making when groggy.
• Limit distractions: Avoid productivity killers like social media or email first thing. Check them AFTER getting ready.

A Formula for Never Running Late

The steps below will set you up to seamlessly get out the door on time:

1. Ensure Adequate Sleep

Figure out what time you need to wake up, then map backwards 7-9 hours to determine your ideal bedtime. Adjust in 15 minute increments if needed until you find the sweet spot.

Getting those zzz’s sets your biological clock so you’ll rise more refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

2. Create a Morning Routine Timeline

• 20 minutes to wake up, drink water, stretch: No phone during this time.
• 15 minutes for shower and personal care
• 10 minutes to finish breakfast prep
• 10 minutes to get dressed, final gathering of items
• 5 minute buffer for traffic, shoe snafus, etc.

Tweak for your own needs, but create guardrails around tasks.

3. Choose Tomorrow’s Clothes and Pack Bags Tonight

Use a clothing app to coordinate tomorrow’s outfit so it’s pre-selected for you. Pack work bags, gym bags, lunch bags, etc. the night before too.

This step eliminates wardrobe deliberation when already pressed for time in the AM.

4. Limit Morning Decisions

Any non-essential decisions or tasks should be moved to your post getting ready time. This might include catching up on social media, dealing with yesterday’s dishes, watering plants, etc.

Focus energy only on essentials to make it out the door. Handle other items later!

Additional Tips

• Maintain consistency with wake time and routine, even on off days. This regulates your body clock long term.
• Don’t hit snooze or crawl back into bed!
• Adjust slowly if you need more sleep. Only modify bedtime by 15 minute increments.
• Write it out and post your routine on the fridge or bathroom mirror for easy reference as you adjust.

Getting ready faster takes some trial and error. Be patient with yourself as you work to build sustainable morning habits. The payoff of getting out the door sans chaos will be well worth it!

In Conclusion

Following a streamlined formula for morning readiness can transform your rushed, chaotic mornings into focused, productive time getting ready. Ditch the panic and try implementing just one of the preparedness tips above for the next week. We’re willing to bet you’ll see an improvement in the quality of your morning routine.

What tips do you find most helpful for avoiding running late? Share your top morning tips in the comments below!