7 Proven Strategies to Overcome Time Blindness and Boost Executive Functions

Posted by Erica Warren on Oct 05, 2024

Navigating Time Blindness: Strategies for Managing Executive Functioning

As an executive functioning coach and educational therapist, I've seen firsthand how time management challenges can deeply affect both academic and personal success. Today, I want to share insights from a podcast titled, Time Blindness and Executive Functions, I co-hosted with Darius Namdaran on a topic that touches so many of us—time blindness. We delved into what it means to struggle with time management, the root causes of these difficulties, and most importantly, practical strategies for overcoming them.

Image of child with time blindness wearing nonsensical clocks

What is Time Blindness?

Time blindness is more than just being occasionally late—it’s a chronic difficulty in estimating time, tracking time as it passes, and staying on schedule. Those who are time blind often underestimate how long tasks will take, become easily distracted, and may find themselves scrambling to meet deadlines. It’s common among individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodiverse conditions, but it can also be a symptom of head injuries or the general overwhelm of modern life.

One of the fascinating examples we explored involved surgeons who, under the pressure of an operating room, lose track of time entirely. They've developed a system where they ask their assistants to “clock them,” giving them real-time updates on how long they’ve been working on a task. This idea of having external cues can be incredibly useful for those of us who need a little extra help staying grounded in time. For instance, I often ask my smart device to remind me of appointments or tasks when I’m deep in a flow state—a condition where what feels like ten minutes can easily turn into two hours.

Seven Strategies for Managing Time Blindness

During our podcast, we discussed seven key strategies to help manage time blindness and improve executive functioning. Let’s break them down:

1) Checklists:

Whether visual or auditory, checklists are an excellent tool for staying on task and tracking progress. It might seem simple, but having a structured list of essential actions—like a surgeon’s pre-op checklist—can make all the difference. In fact, checklists are different from to-do lists because they highlight the critical, non-negotiable steps necessary to complete a task.

2) Time Tracking:

Time tracking tools help you monitor how long tasks actually take, which can recalibrate your internal time “sensor.” Tools like Toggle or Clockify can help with this, though personally, I find the simplest methods—like breaking tasks into 25-90 minute chunks—work best.

3) Structured Schedules:

Falling in love with your calendar is crucial. Darius shared a brilliant insight during the podcast: "Your calendar is a book of promises." When we honor the commitments we put in our calendars, it helps us maintain control and stay organized. I’ve found digital calendars, with features like color-coding and real-time tracking, make this process even easier.

4) Visual Aids for Time Management:

Visual countdowns, such as Visual Timer Countdowns, can be excellent for keeping track of time. These tools give you a constant visual cue of how much time has passed and how much remains, which can help with pacing and planning your day.

5) Time Management Apps:

While Darius and I agree that apps can sometimes interfere with creativity and flow, they are useful in certain contexts. For example, apps like RescueTime or Forest help track focus and productivity. They can be particularly helpful for students or individuals with rigid schedules.

6) Mindfulness and Reflection:

One of the most powerful tools for managing time blindness is cultivating mindfulness. Apps like Headspace or Calm can help us stay present, but more importantly, being intentional about building moments of reflection into your day can restore balance. As I shared in the podcast, I often lie in bed in the morning, allowing my thoughts to roam freely, which gives me space to reflect and gain new insights.

7) Coping When Time Slips Away:

Finally, it's important to be compassionate with yourself when time gets away from you. Whether you use tools like Asana or Trello for task management, or just keep a simple list of priorities, creating space for reflection helps you stay flexible and realistic about your goals.

Finding Balance Between Chronos and Kairos

Throughout the podcast, Darius and I explored the Greek concepts of Chronos (chronological, measured time) and Kairos (moments of significance that seem to transcend time). These concepts highlight the importance of not just managing time efficiently but also leaving room for those moments that bring joy, awe, and inspiration into our lives.

By balancing structured schedules with moments of pause and reflection, we can create a more harmonious relationship with time. After all, we aren’t just managing tasks—we’re managing our energy, focus, and emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts: Turning Calendars into a Promise

Perhaps the most profound takeaway from our discussion is the idea of seeing your calendar not just as a time management tool, but as a book of promises. When you commit to showing up for yourself and others, you honor your time and your relationships. It's not just about efficiency—it's about effectiveness and being fully present in all aspects of your life.

As someone who works with clients facing time blindness, I encourage you to experiment with these strategies, adapt them to your needs, and remember to give yourself grace along the way.

Until next time, may you find balance in both your Chronos and Kairos moments.

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.