Mastering Time: Practical Hacks for the Time-Blind Brain

Ever find yourself losing track of time while doing something simple—like getting ready or cooking—only to realise you’re suddenly late? Or maybe you misread the clock (again) and underestimated how long something would take? If this sounds familiar, you might struggle with time blindness. It’s not just about poor planning—it’s about how our brains perceive time, and for some of us, that perception is completely off.

Maybe you see time as something flexible, and being productive feels like running around like a headless chicken, trying to do a million things at once—yet somehow finishing none of them. It’s tough to stay focused when the neurodivergent brain is interest-driven and constantly jumping between tasks.

Common Struggles:

• Losing track of time mid-task (e.g., cooking, getting ready, working).

• Misjudging how long things take or misreading clocks.

• Overcommitting and then drowning in unfinished tasks.

• A chaotic home because tasks aren’t paced properly.

• Getting stuck in burnout cycles.

• Seasonal changes (hello, winter blues!) making everything harder.

• Rushing through tasks but still not getting the important things done.

• Feeling overwhelmed to the point of paralysis.

  
  

Practical Solutions

1. Start with a Brain Dump & Task Sorting

Begin your day or week by brain-dumping everything you need to do onto paper. Get those open tabs out of your brain! Then, categorise tasks into:

• Boulders – Deep work that requires focus and energy (e.g., reports, big projects).

• Pebbles – Maintenance tasks (e.g., expenses, bills, scheduling, emails).

• Gravel – Small, quick wins that give you a dopamine boost.

Once sorted, plan your day strategically. Three quick wins might give you the momentum to tackle a big boulder task, while maintenance tasks can round off your day with less focus needed.

2. Use Visual Timers & Time-Tracking Tools

Apps like Pomofocus or analogue visual timers (Time Timers) help you see and feel time passing. This builds awareness and keeps you on track.

3. Block Tasks & Minimise Switching

Jumping between tasks drains time and energy. Reduce cognitive load by grouping similar tasks together. For example:

• Batch errands in one trip.

• Block work-related tasks in a specific time slot.

• Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes focus, 5 minutes rest).

• Turn off notifications and minimise distractions.

  
  

4. Plan Buffer Time & Use Alarms

You need time between tasks, not just to complete them! Set alarms for stopping a task, not just leaving for the next one. Allow transition time for:

• Wrapping up previous tasks.

• Going to the loo, grabbing a snack, checking your bag.

• Switching environments if needed.

Struggling with inertia? Keep your music or audiobook playing as you move between tasks to ease transitions.

5. Create a ‘Launch Pad’ & Use Checklists

Have a launch pad near your door for daily essentials (keys, bag, coat). Use checklists to avoid last-minute panics:

• Night before checklist: Bag packed, lunch prepped, keys in place.

• Location-based prompts: Sticky notes on the door (“Lunch, keys, phone, bag”).

  
  

6. Batch Thinking to Reduce Daily Decisions

Decision fatigue is real. Reduce it by:

• Planning outfits for the week in advance.

• Keeping essentials (snacks, water, gloves, tape measure) in your car.

  
  

7. Use a Colour-Coded Calendar

Make your calendar reflects reality! Include:

• Lunch breaks (yes, schedule them!).

• Travel time between appointments.

• Task details (e.g., “Visit Mrs. X” and “Write notes from Mrs. X”).

  
  

8. Be Flexible—But Keep Track

Plans change, and that’s fine! Instead of abandoning tasks, reschedule them for a time when your executive function is available. Untracked tasks tend to disappear.

9. Measure How Long Things Actually Take

We often underestimate or overestimate time. Start tracking actual durations of common tasks to plan more realistically in the future.

Time management isn’t just about discipline—it’s about working with your brain, not against it. Experiment with these strategies, tweak them to fit your life, and, most importantly, be kind to yourself. Building time awareness and sustainable strategies takes time—it’s a process, not an overnight fix!

Need Personalised Support?

If you’re ready to take action and find strategies that actually work for you, consider working 1:1 with me. Together, we’ll build habits, help you confidently advocate for your needs at home, school, or work, and start making real progress. Let’s find what works for you—get in touch today!