Tackle Your Time Blindness and Stop Overcommitting with These Strategies

Working with Time Not Against It Practical Tools for the ADHD Entrepreneur

Our ADHD brains perceive time differently, leading to overcommitment. Learn strategies to bridge the gap and create a thriving business.

For entrepreneurs with ADHD, the challenge of time management requires a variety of strategies. Our ADHD brains, with their unique wiring, live in a dichotomy of time—now and not now. This simple yet profound difference shapes our perception of future commitments in ways that many don’t fully grasp.  In this post I’d like to unravel the nuances of how our brains process time and how this impacts our entrepreneurial endeavors.

I’ve had the pleasure of coaching many female entrepreneurs, like my client Alex, a graphic designer who during November, envisioned her January as a blank canvas. Initially, it seemed like a vast expanse of possibilities, a time to embrace new projects and say "yes" to every opportunity that came knocking. 

So, Alex committed to launching a course, onboard new clients, continuing to lead an organization, and even toyed with the idea of starting a podcast. Fast forward to January, her seemingly empty schedule quickly transformed into a ticking time bomb, poised to explode into chaos. Why? Because for those of us with ADHD, future commitments often feel unreal until they are right at our doorstep.

To counteract this cognitive quirk, I introduced her to the concept of the "reality bridge." This strategy helps us create concrete connections between our current commitments and future ones. For instance, if we have presentations to deliver (as I often do), we need to map these out in chunks, working backwards from the due date and breaking tasks into manageable segments. 

By scheduling these tasks in our "now" zone, we prevent the last-minute frenzy that can overwhelm us. This strategy has not only salvaged many of my own commitments but also proved invaluable for clients like Sarah, a course creator. By mapping out her launch plan in reverse, she was able to avoid the house fire scenarios that used to plague her.

Another powerful tool is the "energy account method." This doesn't focus on managing time per se but rather on managing our energy. We start each day with a metaphorical bank of 100 energy points, allocating these points to various tasks based on their demand. Client calls might consume 30 points, deep work sessions 40, and team meetings 20. When our energy points are depleted, it’s a signal to stop adding tasks (and unrealistic expectations.) This method has helped me, and many of the entrepreneurs I coach, to avoid burnout and maintain a sustainable work pace.

A personal favorite of mine is the "decision filter." Given our propensity to say "yes" to just about everything, we need a quick-fire way to pass judgment on new commitments. By asking ourselves three rapid questions—Will this matter in six months? Does it align with my top priorities? Do I have the energy for this?—we can swiftly determine whether to take on a new task or let it go. If the answer is "no" to at least two of these questions, it’s a clear indication to pass. This has saved me from overcommitting more times than I can count.

In our quest for efficiency, the "not now list" is another essential tool. This digital parking lot for future ideas prevents us from acting on every spark of inspiration immediately, which can derail our focus. By reviewing this list periodically, we ensure that we only act on the most viable ideas and keep our creative clutter in check.

Fridays have taken on a new significance for me since embracing "Future Self Fridays." This weekly ritual involves a brief check-in with myself to review commitments, assess my energy requirements, and delegate or delete tasks that exceed my capacity. This practice ensures that I’m not just managing my present workload but also setting myself up for future success. If you’ve noticed that all of the strategies I have mentioned so far involve assessing my energetic capacity, this is one of the ways I reduce my risk for burnout. 

Finally, the "permission protocol" emphasizes intentional constraint, wherein I identify my success minimum—the least amount I need to do to keep things running smoothly. Anything beyond this is optional and, more often than not, unnecessary. This mindset shift from doing the most to doing just enough has been a game-changer, alleviating much of the self-imposed pressure to overperform.

When it comes to “time management”, it's about more than squeezing more into our day—it's about creating space for what truly matters. Our ADHD brains, with their unique perception of time, require boundaries and tools that respect this difference. Implementing these strategies has helped me transform my business practices, and I believe they can do the same for you. Remember, sometimes the most entrepreneurial thing we can do is say no to new ideas or opportunities, focusing instead on sustaining and nurturing what we’ve already committed to.

So, whether you identify as an impulse innovator, a boredom bouncer, a people-pleasing pioneer, a perfectionistic powerhouse, or a FOMO founder, there’s a strategy here that can help. The goal is to align our actions with our unique brains, creating a business and life that not only thrives but also brings joy and fulfillment. My hope is that by sharing these insights, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your time horizon and turn the now into a space of intentional, impactful work.

In conclusion, embracing these time management strategies means more than just organizational skills—it’s about respecting the unique ways our brains function. For us female entrepreneurs with ADHD, it’s crucial to understand our own overcommitment styles and adopt practical tools that work in harmony with our natural tendencies. By doing so, we not only enhance our professional lives but also cultivate a sense of balance and well-being.

So, let’s commit to breaking the cycle of overcommitting. Let’s use tools like the reality bridge, the energy account method, the decision filter, the not now list, Future Self Fridays, and the permission protocol to create a sustainable, joyful entrepreneurial journey. Here’s to building a future where our businesses thrive and where we, as female entrepreneurs with ADHD, are empowered by our unique brains.

I'll leave you with this: Your future self, the one in 2025, will thank you for setting the boundaries you're considering today, because the most powerful entrepreneurial move we can make is sometimes the simplest one—to say no, to create space, and to allow ourselves the grace to focus on what truly matters.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.