Punctuality As the Key

By Omonegho Ugheoke

Punctuality is the characteristic of being able to complete a required task or fulfill an obligation before or at a previously designated time. "Punctual" is often used synonymously with "on time". It is also acceptable that punctual can also, be related to talking about grammar, mean "to be accurate". An opposite personality trait is tardiness.

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. In some cultures, such as Japanese society, and settings, such as military ones, expectations may be much stricter.

Some cultures have an unspoken understanding that actual deadlines are different from stated deadlines, for example with Africa time. 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.

In cultures which value punctuality, being late is seen as disrespectful of others' time and may be considered insulting. In such cases, punctuality may be enforced by social penalties, for example by excluding low-status late-comers from meetings entirely. Such considerations can lead on to considering the value of punctuality in econometrics and to considering the effects of non-punctuality on others in queuing theory.

Punctuality is the most important characteristic of all successful people. A punctual person is able to complete all his task on time. The student, the teacher, the politician, the official, the trader and even the layman all have to observe punctuality in order to win glory and success in life.

Punctuality brings in its trail efficiency. It helps us to build our career. A punctual person commands the confidence and respect of others. If we look at the lives of all great men, we would realize that they had got a time schedule for every day. Mahatma Gandhi used to rise early in the morning. He used to keep up appointments and was punctual to a minute.

A punctual student never misses any class and learns everything that his teacher teaches. He reaches the school in time and completes his assignments within the stipulated time. Hence, he manages to do well in examinations. Hence, punctuality should be practiced from childhood.

Punctuality is a virtue, which is doubly blessed. It imparts efficiency and keeps a person fit and healthy. Thus, punctuality is an important ingredient of all successful people.

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