If you put me on the spot, I’d probably say, “Late? Me? Never.” And if my partner saw this, I’d deny everything. But if I’m being completely honest… yeah, I struggle with being on time.
For me, being late isn’t about carelessness or bad time management—it’s often a byproduct of my OCD. But is this a universal experience for people with OCD? Let’s break it down.
How OCD Can Contribute to Lateness
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, but for many people with OCD, certain traits and compulsions can make being on time a challenge. Here’s how:
1. Perfectionism & Decision Paralysis
Many people with OCD experience perfectionism—not just in the traditional sense of wanting things to be done well, but in a way that makes making decisions feel impossible.
- I can’t decide what to wear because nothing feels just right. Five outfit changes later, I’m running behind.
- I take too long doing my makeup, sometimes even starting over because something feels off.
- Even when I finish getting ready, I second-guess if I picked the right outfit and waste more time changing again.
This kind of decision paralysis can be a hallmark of OCD, especially when intrusive thoughts tell you that if you don’t get it perfect, something bad might happen, or you just won’t be able to feel settled.
2. Getting Stuck in a Task
OCD often involves an intense focus on certain activities—sometimes ones that aren’t even necessary at that moment. This can be a form of hyperfocus, where a person becomes so absorbed in something that time slips away.
- I start writing an Instagram post or designing something for work, and before I know it, I’ve spent way longer on it than I intended.
- I reread or rewrite an email multiple times to make sure it’s perfect before hitting send.
- Even small things, like arranging my space just right before leaving, can turn into an unexpected time-consuming ritual.
In many ways, this aspect of OCD is similar to ADHD hyperfocus—except the why is different. While ADHD hyperfocus is often driven by interest or novelty, OCD-driven hyperfocus can be fueled by anxiety or an obsessive need to complete something to a certain standard before moving on.
3. Compulsions & Checking Rituals
One of the most obvious ways OCD can lead to lateness is through compulsions—particularly checking behaviors.
- Did I lock the door?
- Is the oven off?
- Is the fridge actually closed?
- Did I leave my hair straightener plugged in?
If I don’t feel certain, I have to check again. And sometimes again after that. These rituals, while meant to relieve anxiety, can become time-consuming and make leaving the house much harder.
But Some People with OCD Are Always On Time
On the flip side, some people with OCD are hyper-punctual—sometimes because of their OCD.
- Some may develop a fixation on never being late, turning it into a rigid rule.
- Others experience extreme anxiety about inconveniencing people or appearing unreliable, which makes them overcompensate by always being early.
- Lateness itself can be a source of distress, leading to compulsions around checking the time excessively or planning departures to the minute.
So, do people with OCD tend to be late? It depends. Some people with OCD struggle with lateness due to perfectionism, hyperfocus, or compulsions. Others are the exact opposite, making sure they’re always early to avoid anxiety.
For me? I want to be on time. But sometimes, my OCD has other plans.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go triple-check this post before I hit publish.
Presently Has Reminders That Can Help
If you, like me, struggle with being on time—whether it’s because you’re stuck on a task, second-guessing an outfit, or going back to check the oven—Presently has reminders that can help:
✨ "I let go of what I can’t control" – Perfect for when you’re running late and spiraling about it. Take a breath and remember: stress won’t turn back time.
✨ "Brave the uncomfortable" – Leaving the house before everything feels “just right” can be tough. This phrase reminds you that discomfort doesn’t mean danger.
✨ "My thoughts are passing clouds" – That nagging feeling that you forgot something? It’s just a thought. Let it drift by instead of acting on it.
Because sometimes, the best way to be on time is to be present. ⏳💛
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