Use Habits to Manage Your Time

If you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you've probably been late a time or two in your life. You've also probably forgotten appointments, shown up on the wrong day or time, or simply wake up each morning feeling as though you are already behind.

Time management is a challenge when you have ADHD, but putting some good habits into place can make a huge difference in the way you live your life.

Why do I have such trouble with time management?

People with ADHD have a poor sense of time passing. In fact, they experience time completely differently than people without ADHD. 

If you have ADHD, time can seem very fluid. Sometimes hours can pass by in a flash and other times, minutes drag by like hours. People who do not have ADHD do not experience this; to them, time is a relatively constant thing.

You have to also consider things like your inability to pay attention. If you are doing something that you enjoy, you may forget to check the clock to see what time it is. This can result in being late or missing things altogether. 

Feeling overwhelmed is another consideration. When you wake up each morning already feeling as though you are behind, you are running a race all day trying to catch up. In the process, things get overlooked. Again, you may miss an appointment or forget to do something important because your mind is racing ahead of you.

How do habits help me manage my time more effectively?

Habits can help you get things done without thinking about them. You probably already have some habits in place that you do automatically, like making your morning coffee or brushing your teeth. You don't have to remember to do them, you just do, because they are a habit.

In a similar fashion, you can create new habits that are designed to help you avoid the pitfalls of not managing your time effectively.

What kinds of habits help?

It depends on what problems you are having with time management.

For instance, if you are always running late in the morning, look to see where the problem lies. 

Are you hitting the snooze button too often? Then make a habit of going to bed earlier.

Is getting dressed holding you up? Get your outfits together the night before, including underwear and shoes. Or, even better, do it on the weekend and have it done for the week.

It's also a good idea to make a habit of checking your planner on Sunday afternoon or evening so that you are aware of what is coming up during the week and can be prepared for it.

How do I establish and maintain good habits?

Start by looking for the one thing that trips you up the most when it comes to time management. That is the first habit that you will work to create.

Look for a solution that will work for you. 

If you have trouble getting up in the morning, going to bed earlier is one solution, but it may not work for you. So look for another solution. Set two alarm clocks. Put one clock on the other side of the room. Start your day with something to look forward to, such as a walk with your dog or a friend, or maybe a delicious breakfast.

Once you've found a solution, work to make it into a habit. That means that you make an effort to do it each day. Don't worry if it's hard at first or you don't always succeed. Keep at it.

If you find yourself avoiding the habit more often than not, then it's not the right solution for you. Look for another one.

Common wisdom says that it takes 21 days of consistent behavior before it becomes a habit. If you have ADHD, first, remember that's consecutive days of consistent behavior, not hit or miss, and second, allow yourself at least a month or two to master your new habit.

Once you have that habit firmly in place, you can begin the next one.

Learning to develop good habits can lead to better time management and less chaos in your life. Give yourself time to find the right solution for you, work at it consistently, and allow at least a month or so to put it firmly into place.