Adults with ADD: Using Time as a Tool

Copyright (c) 2008 Jennifer Koretsky

My recent facation experience (fake [staying local plus checking into the office] + vacation [technically being off from work] = facation) had me thinking quite a lot about the concept of time management and why it is such a challenge for adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It comes down to power.

We give time too much power.

Time is a construct. It was created to measure. Any meaning we assign to it is, so to speak, our own 'stuff.' Take, for example, the following cliches:

-Running out of time

-Time on my hands

-Time on my side

-Time in a bottle

-Time slips away

-Time flies

-Lost track of time

-Time of my life

These are all very subjective--and very powerful--ways to describe time. And they're loaded with emotion.

But if time is simply a measurement, then why do we give it so much power? Perhaps we need to start thinking about time as a tool, instead of a constraint.

If we shift our thinking and look at time as a tool, then it becomes neutral. What we do or don't do during a certain time period isn't good or bad, it just is.

During my facation, I very much embraced the idea that time is neutral. What I found in my experiment is that when the emotion is stripped away and time is viewed as nothing more than a tool, it offers a number of helpful benefits. It allows us to:

* Measure our natural pace of productivity

* Track our progress and accomplishments

* Plan ahead to reduce stress

Here are some practical examples to demonstrate.

Example 1: Measuring Pace

If you view time as a constraint, you may think: I only have an hour to clean up my home before the guests get here! I have to bust my butt to put everything away, vacuum, dust, and put the food out! I'm stressed out and the guests aren't even here yet!

If you use time as a tool, then you can measure your natural pace of productivity: I have an hour left before the guests arrive. I can't do everything that I'd like to, so how would my time be best spent? I know from experience that it will take me over an hour just to vacuum and dust, so I think it'll be better to just straighten up and put the food out.

Example 2: Tracking Progress

If you view time as a constraint, then you may think: I didn't realize it was going to take this long to organize my files! Now I have to stay up all night until I finish it!

If you use time as a tool, then you can use time to track your progress: It's taking me longer to organize these files than I thought it would. I've spent two hours already tonight and I'm about half-way through, so I'll plan to spend two more hours on it tomorrow night.

Example 3: Planning Ahead

If you view time as a constraint, then you mat think: I can't believe the boss just threw this assignment on me! How am I supposed to create this report by the end of the day? I'll have to skip lunch and load up on the coffee to stay focused!

If you use time as a tool, then you can plan ahead to reduce stress: Since I only have the day to do this last-minute report, I'll need to carefully plan the project. I'm going to determine the most important things to include in the report and do the best job I can in the time allotted.

You can see in these examples that when time is used as a tool, it doesn't rule your life. It helps you get things done without adding to your stress.

I'd like to encourage everyone to try my experiment this week. Follow these guidelines and see what comes up for you:

1. Avoid using cliche phrases about time (see the list above).

2. Be an observer and use time as a tool to measure your pace and productivity without assigning any emotion or judgment to the end result.

3. Put time away when you don't need it. When relaxing or having fun, just enjoy yourself. Practice being in the moment by resisting the urge to watch the clock.