Time Management Hack: Externalize Time
If you have ADHD, you might find that you struggle with time management. In fact, there is a very strong likelihood that you will struggle with time management. It is an executive function skill we ADHDers just do not have. We tend to focus on the present much more than the future. Because of this, we get so wrapped up with what we are doing that we forget about what we need to be doing later. In short, we have no internal sense of time. What we need to do, then, is externalize time.
Clocks and Lots of Them
On my desk, I have an Echo Show, a clock, and my computer. All three of these devices display the time. Oh, and I have a watch on my wrist. Keeping these clocks around me helps me be aware of what time it is. I cannot escape time while working because I have it displayed all over the place. Having these reminders of what time it is helps me stay on track with my schedule.
Timers
Another way to stay on top of time and be ready for what is next is to set a timer. I use this strategy when I have a client upcoming and I have some time to work on various projects before that client. If it is 1:00, and my client is at 2:00. I will set a timer for 45 minutes. That way, I can work without having to constantly worry about the time. This also gives me 15 minutes to prepare for the client.
Get Creative
Above, I have given you two ways that I externalize time. That is not to say that those are the only ways to externalize time. What works for you? How can you externalize time in a way that works for your brain? You will have to get creative to find what works for you, but luckily, being creative is something that we ADHDers do well.