Which Time Management Strategies Work Best for You?
Adjust your approach to time management with these ideas.
Updated May 14, 2026 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan
The definition of time management —according to the book Smart But Scattered by Dawson and Guare—is understanding how much time you have, determining where to spend that time, and operating within time limits to meet deadlines.
If you are someone who struggles with time, I want you to know: It’s not your fault. Time management is a brain-based skill—an executive function controlled by the brain. Understanding this has given me a lot of peace regarding my own challenges, and I hope it does the same for you.
Understanding the Brain-Based Connection
For those of us who are neurodivergent, time management tends to be either a significant strength or a major challenge. This is common across all executive functions . Unfortunately, not everyone realizes this is a brain-based skill, which can lead to unfair judgment from others.
If you are looking to improve your skills while judging yourself, please lean into self-compassion. Research shows that the more self-compassion we have, the better we are at working on the things we want to change.
A Realistic Perspective
If time management is a huge challenge for you, it probably won’t ever be perfect or as strong as your other talents—but you can definitely make progress by choosing strategies that work for your brain.
For many of us, the difficulty is situational. You might be a pro at work, but struggle at home, where there is less external structure. You might simply lose track of time when the "scaffolding" of a formal environment is removed.
Even if you have strengths related to time management, you may recognize some of the common ADHD time management issues listed below (Tuckman 2012):
Many of us (myself included) are much better at meeting external deadlines than the ones we set for ourselves. Since we will inevitably slip up occasionally, it is vital to have a toolkit of strategies ready for when that happens.
Tips and Strategies to Try
Remember: Take what works and leave the rest. You do not have to try any or all of these strategies right now, and it is completely valid to save a strategy for later.
Account for "Hidden" Time
Our time estimates are often off, especially for complicated tasks. We frequently forget to budget for:
"Buffer zones" can help. Try not to pack your schedule too tightly. Instead, use "5- or 10-minute warnings" to help yourself transition more easily.
Practice saying "no." Prioritize your top "must-do" items and let the others go. This creates the wiggle room necessary to actually finish the most important things.
Create Micro-Deadlines
The ADHD brain often operates on "now or not now." If a deadline is weeks away, it’s hard to find the motivation to start.
Make it a game by using an abbreviated timeframe.
Evaluating What Works for You
There is no "perfect" strategy that works 100 percent of the time. When reviewing these strategies above, ask yourself:
By reflecting this way, a pattern usually emerges. I highly advise keeping a "menu" of a few different strategies so you can switch things up if one specific method stops being effective.
Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2016). The smart but scattered guide to success: How to use your brain's executive skills to keep up, stay calm, and get organized at work and at home . Guilford Press.
Tuckman, A. (2012). Understand your brain, get more done: The ADHD executive functions workbook . Specialty Press/A.D.D. Warehouse.
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Catherine J. Mutti-Driscoll, Ph.D. , is the author of The ADHD Workbook for Teen Girls and a director with the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center.
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.