The ADHD Author's Guide to Time Management That Works

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It’s late. You’re staring at a blank page, and you’ve rewritten your outline three times, convinced that was the problem holding you back. Instead, you’ve fallen down countless rabbit holes and now feel stuck, like you’ve failed again.

You know what needs doing, but doing it? That’s another story. If only there was a solution that clicked...

You've likely tried every planner trick out there, perhaps even taken courses, but none of these magic solutions have worked for you—even though your friends swear they're the ticket to productivity. Is it just me? I’ve certainly tried everything to get myself in that chair, doing the work, only to walk away feeling like maybe the issue is with me.

Sound familiar? If you have ADHD, it probably does. Generic advice doesn't quite understand how your brain ticks. It tries to mold you into a box where you just don’t fit.

What if there were time management methods that embraced your brain’s unique rhythm instead?

Why Typical Time Management Fails for ADHD Brains

Most traditional time management advice assumes a steady, predictable rhythm. ADHD brains dance to a different beat—we think creatively and thrive in spurts. A daily schedule or rigid timeline can often feel more like a straitjacket. And even when you find something that works, it might not work for you next week.

Here’s why:

• Fixed times don’t fit your energy levels.
• Strict schedules ignore how unpredictable your brain is.
• Templates like planners and spreadsheets feel overwhelming because you feel like you have to do everything all at once or you can’t move onto the next step.

The problem isn’t you. It’s the system. ADHD brains are wired for creativity, not routine. Think about it: how many of the most creative people you know could be pegged as a bit spicy from a mile away?

New Ways to Manage Time for Your ADHD Brain

Managing your time well doesn’t mean you’re trapped. Think of these strategies as flexible, not strict. They’re there to guide you, not to control you.

Here are some things that have worked for many authors and are also adaptable for neurodivergent minds:

• Do more on your high-energy days. Do less on the low ones. Both are okay.
• Use hyperfocus when it shows up. Ride the wave while it lasts.
• Be kind to yourself. Skipping tasks doesn’t mean you failed.

Easy ADHD-Friendly Time Management Strategies

1. Dynamic Goal Journaling: Start each day by jotting down your motivations and adjust as needed. This fluid approach respects the variability of your energy and focus. Check in with yourself when you sit at your desk to determine what will work best for you that day.
2. Feedback Loop Journals: Keep a journal where you record your thoughts and emotions after working sessions. Reflect on these entries to identify patterns and adjust your time management strategies accordingly. This method helps tailor your approach to how you truly operate. The more you do this, the more likely you are to spot patterns regarding days of the week, time of day, or even what is going on everywhere other than your desk. Use that information to craft the path forward.
3. Collaborative Goal Setting: Partner with another author or join a group where you can share goals. The social accountability and shared motivation can make managing time more engaging and rewarding. This is one I scoffed at for the longest time, but once I started co-working on Caveday, things changed. There’s a quantifiable difference between the days I have to tell someone else what I’ll do for the next hour and the days I think I can make it on my own.

How to Start Today

The most important thing you can do is start. Don't worry about trying everything, and please don't tell yourself you can only start then. That's one of the biggest pits we fall into when it comes to time management. No matter how much you swear you'll get to it, you won't. It's better to grab that first building block.

1. Notice when you work best. Mornings? Late nights? Focus during those times.
2. Set achievable milestones. Aim for progress, not perfection. When you catch yourself setting goals that are too vague or unwieldy, consciously work to break them down so they're attainable.
3. Celebrate every win. Each task completed is a victory. Reward yourself.

You Can Do This!

Working through mental clutter can be tough, but it’s a testament to just how incredible your brain is. It may not align with rigid schedules, but it's built for innovation. Be gentle on hard days; push forward on the good ones.

Start small. Keep it simple. You can manage your time in a way that works for you.

Want help? Join us in the Write Your Own Path community on Facebook for a group who will listen to whatever’s tripping you up without judging you.