Resetting Time Management
Many of us with ADHD struggle with time management. If you also struggle with managing your time, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. However, it is a frustrating problem to have, but don’t admit defeat…
HIT RESET
The Struggle
I know I cannot be the only person with ADHD who has ever had this happen to them:
*Looks at watch*
“I have plenty of time before I need to leave for that thing.”
*Looks at watch what seems like two seconds later*
“SHOOT! I need to leave NOW!”
*Sprints to get in the car*
Incidents like this are symptomatic of what has been given the nickname “time blindness.” Simply put, those of us with ADHD have no concept of time. To the ADHD brain, there are two times, now and not now. We regularly underestimate how long doing that one last thing before leaving the house will take. This makes it difficult to be punctual or get work or school assignments done on time.
The WHO and the WHY of Resetting Time Management
When resetting time management and starting fresh, it is important to connect with your reasons for hitting reset. Why do you want to manage your time better? What do you hope to accomplish with your reclaimed time? These reasons will help you stay motivated in your search for and use of new time-based strategies. Furthermore, another source of motivation can arise from who you want to be in relation to time. Do you want to be the person who is seen as always late, or do you want to be known as reliable? (Okay so, I kind of worded that in a way that makes the answer seem obvious, but for what it’s worth, that question was directed as much to me as it was to you.) The who of time management can be a powerful source of inspiration for practicing time management. Spend some time reflecting on who you want to be.
Strengths-Based Strategies
Finding the right time management techniques will take some experimentation. But, here are a few ideas to get you started:
Timers – This is a common method for keeping oneself on time. I personally use my Apple Watch’s timer function quite a bit. In fact, the main reason I got an Apple Watch was to improve my time management.
Build structures – The ADHD brain has a lack of internal structures. Therefore, if you have ADHD it is imperative to build external structures. This will help you organize your time (and other aspects of your life), so you can use it effectively. This could mean using other people as an accountability partner or simply finding the right kind of scheduling procedure for you.
Energy management – One of the big secrets to time management is energy management. The more energy you have, the better your time management will be. This means ensuring you have proper sleep hygiene and take plenty of breaks throughout the day. The ADHD brain tires quickly, so anything that can be done to preserve energy or recharge your brain will have a ripple effect on your time management.
Hire a coach – It does not have to be me (if you are interested in coaching with Reset ADHD, click here), but a coach can be an invaluable tool in helping you get a handle on your time.
It is important to remember that these strategies should come from a place of strength. Do not build upon a weakness. Build upon a strength. A strengths-based strategy has a better chance of success.