Concept Of Time (Dyslexia And ADHD)

Time can feel slippery when you have a neurodiverse mind. One moment you’re focused, then suddenly hours have faded without warning. This episode tackles the challenge of managing time as dyslexics and ADHDers, plus how to set realistic goals for the year. It’s all based on some insights I learned through the David dyslexia work, which sparked a huge lightbulb moment for me.

We explore why time seems so different in our heads and why that can sabotage our plans. You’ll hear how I’ve learned to outsmart these quirks with annual goals, simple tracking methods, and gentle reminders. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Where’s my day gone?” then this episode has your name on it.

Time Feels Different When You’re Neurodiverse

Have you noticed how routines that seem easy for others require extra effort for us? Neurodiversity can alter how we experience time, making it feel fast, slow, or just plain confusing. This difference often leads to missed deadlines or last-minute rushes because we lose track of the minutes that slip under the radar.

I’ve realised that understanding this dynamic is the first step. When we embrace the fact that time feels different, we can create systems that fit our mental wiring. As I said in the episode, we might not change the clock, but we can shift how we respond to it.

“Time is the enemy of the neurodiverse, yet we can learn to make it our ally.”

Why Setting Yearly Goals Matters

Many of us love new ideas but sometimes struggle to finish them. Goals give us direction, help us focus, and provide tangible milestones. A single year might seem long, but it’s often the right timeframe for people who need big-picture clarity.

When you set yearly goals, you create a fixed point that your curious mind can aim for. You make space to explore without drifting from one shiny object to another. That doesn’t mean you stick rigidly to every plan, but it keeps you from drifting too far off course.

Practical Strategies for Staying on Track

Keeping time in check often means breaking it down into small steps. If you feel overwhelmed, you’re less likely to follow through. Here are a few approaches I use:

• Chunk Your Day: Split your tasks into short blocks instead of marathon sessions. This helps your brain handle each piece separately.
• Prompt Yourself: Set reminders on your phone or computer. Simple pings can guide you back on track when you’re lost in thought.
• Visual Aids: Use a whiteboard or sticky notes to keep tasks in your line of sight. It’s easier to remember what you see.
• Celebrate Wins: Even something small like finishing one email draft deserves a pat on the back. Acknowledging progress builds momentum.

You don’t need fancy apps or complicated methods. Consistency matters more than perfection. Experiment, see what works for you, and tweak it until it feels natural.

My Yearly Goal-Setting Process

I like to kick off the year with a few big goals that excite me. I think about work, relationships, personal growth, and something fun or creative. Sometimes this is just four items on a piece of paper, but it’s enough to guide me.

Then I break it down month by month. For example, if I want to improve my reading speed, I’ll say that by the end of January, I want to finish one book using a dyslexia-friendly method. By February, maybe I add a second book and experiment with an audiobook combo. Gradual steps get me there without shocking my scattered mind.

Here’s a simple structure you could try:

1. Pick 3–5 Core Goals: Things you truly care about.
2. Assign a Timeline: Decide which months you’ll work on them.
3. Track Progress Lightly: Use a calendar or an app to note small wins.
4. Review and Adjust: Check in every month to see if anything needs changing.

By the end of the year, you’ll see developments that once felt impossible. This method keeps you moving while allowing room for spontaneity. If you fall behind, don’t let guilt creep in. Treat it as a nudge to recalibrate your approach.

Learning from the David Dyslexia Work

The David dyslexia approach taught me that time is never truly our enemy when we understand how our mind processes it. It’s a bit like stepping outside yourself and watching how you react to tasks and external demands. Sometimes we need to slow down instead of speeding up. Other times, we have to let spontaneous creativity shine.

You might find that the more you observe your timings, the more patterns appear. That’s when you can start to adapt your day. Maybe you’re sharper in the morning, so you reserve that slot for important tasks. Or you plan your afternoons for lighter work when your brain feels less driven. Take it as a playful experiment and see what emerges.

• Time isn’t fixed: your perception changes how you handle it.
• Yearly goals give structure without too much pressure.
• Small, consistent steps help you navigate each day.
• Regular reviews let you refine and stay flexible.
• Self-awareness is key to turning time into a friend.

If you want the full scoop, be sure to listen to this week’s episode. The podcast player is right at the top, ready for you. Tune in for more stories, tips, and encouragement on making time work around your dyslexic or ADHDer mind. Enjoy the episode and here’s to a year of goal-smashing progress!