Keeping time with ADHD: Part One

One of the things I spend a lot of time on with my clients (and myself, quite frankly) is keeping track of time.  People that struggle with executive functions seem to really have difficulty with time management and sensing the passing of time.  Some of the key problems are as follows:

1. Estimating how long a task will take
2. Over-scheduling
3. Getting caught up in an activity for extensive periods of time when other priorities are left unaddressed
4. Not accounting for things like travel time, traffic, needing to stop for gas, etc.
5. Being chronically late for appointments, dates, etc.

Of all of the things that drive spouses/bosses/friends/teachers crazy about someone with ADHD this is often the worst.  Words are often thrown around like "irresponsible", "thoughtless", "spaceshot", or any number of other negative terms.  The most frustrating aspect of this for the non-ADHD mind is that it seems quite easy to keep track of time.  You wear a watch, you keep a calendar, and you make sure you get to where you need to be when you need to be there.   But for the person with ADHD this is an extremely difficult task.

This week, in an effort to really look at this fascinating aspect off managing ADHD I will be posting an entry each day discussing strategies and tips on better time management.

Tuesday I'll post about estimating time for activities.
Wednesday I'll post about how to avoid over-scheduling
Thursday I'll post about how to stay on task and keep away from time sucking activities
Friday I'll round out the week with a post about being late and ways to keep to your schedule.

I hope you will find this series of posts helpful, and I hope I manage my time well enough to get them done!  See you tomorrow.