Science Says People Who Always Run Late Are More Creative And Successful
Finally, you have a legit excuse.
There are two types of people in this world:
Those who stress over being 10 minutes to meet friends and those who celebrate the fact that they're only 10 minutes late to meet friends.
For those of you who fall squarely into the latter category, you've got science on your side. According to science, tardy parties aren't intentionally disregarding their schedules, they're just busy multitasking their creative endeavors.
Take Ashton Kutcher, for example.
Take Ashton Kutcher, for example. Don't think of him in terms of "Dude, Where's My Car?" or the lovable, yet idiotic Kelso. Think of him as the man behind the multitasking.
Business Insider uses him as an example of a multitasker pro. He's a producer, runs a viral media company and invests in start-ups and tech companies like Skype, Spotify, Uber and Foursquare. Plus, he does all of this while maintaining a prolific acting career.
So if Ashton is ever late to a meeting or a reading, it's not meant to be a sign of disrespect, but it's likely because multitasking makes you lose all sense of time.
You know who's also notorious for running late? Optimists.
People who look on the bright side usually think they have more time on their hands than they actually do—so it makes sense they're the ones running 20 minutes late to brunch.
A study with salesmen found that optimists made 88 percent more sales than their colleagues. Another positive for optimists? They live longer. An upbeat outlook on life means less stress and a healthier heart.
When it comes to creativity, people with a type B personality create more A+ work.
The 1950's brought the introduction of the division of personality types. Type A personality types tend to be more competitive and impatient, and type B personalities tend to be more relaxed and creative. Lateness would fall under the type B personality category.
A study revealed the two different personality types have completely different perceptions of time. To prove this, researchers put some of each personality type together and asked them after one minute how much time they thought had passed. Type A people thought around 58 seconds had passed, and type B people thought around 77 seconds had passed.
So basically, all those type B people who are constantly late it's because of the fact that they genuinely seem to have a skewed perception of time and how it passes. They perceive the world a bit differently than their less free-spirited, more punctual friends.
Next time you're late blame your positive outlook on life, ability to handle multiple things that are all happening at the same time, and creative abilities.
Sure, your friends might be pissed at you and have ordered and finished an appetizer before you've even sat down, but at least you have a legitimate excuse.
Thanks, science.