ADHD and Time Management - Can They Co-Exist?

A client of mine recently said to me "I have to- Use a SINGLE calendar, whatever kind you like
work on my time management but I never getand always carry it with you.
to it!" Does this sound familiar? Problems with time- Maintain a TASK list. It should include single
management seem to lie at the heart of theactionable tasks not projects.
difficulties faced by many adults with ADHD.- Always wear a watch and hang up analog clocks
Everyone has issues with time managementin your office and home. Analog clocks show the
especially when life gets busy, priorities conflictpassage of time as well as what time it is.
and we over commit, but people with ADHD tend- Set your clocks accurately. If you insist on
to have more trouble with time managementsetting them ahead, make sure they are all set to
then people without. For many people with ADHDthe same time.
time is not something that can be accurately- Give yourself more time to perform a task
estimated or judged.then you expect it to take.
Whether you have ADHD or not, you will find that- Assume there will be traffic. Bring a book or
there are many benefits to being able to managesomething to do in case you are early.
your time. When you are in control of your time- Schedule time with yourself to DO the projects
you will find yourself more relaxed, you will beon your list, don't just write down due dates.
able to accomplish what you want to, know what- Before you agree to take on a new task
tasks you need to do and be able to prioritize andreview what you have already committed to and
not over commit yourself.decide if you can realistically add it to your load.
Since many people with ADHD have so much- Instead of allowing a project to take a certain
trouble understanding time and truly can notamount of time from you, decide how much time
internalize how time works, how can someoneyou are willing to give it. Empower yourself to
with ADHD ever expect to be on time?control your projects and your time!
Here are some strategies:Being in charge of your time is very powerful.
- Externalize time by creating visual, audible orWhat is one thing you can do today that will take
tactile (sense of touch) cues.you one step closer to getting there?