Getting Your Calendar Right

We all know how frustrating time management can feel, especially when dyslexia steps in and tangles up our plans. If you’ve ever looked at your calendar like it’s in another language, you’re definitely not alone. This episode dives into practical tools and mindsets that help keep that sense of overwhelm at bay.

We explore why a standard calendar seldom works for dyslexic brains and how a few simple tweaks can make everything less stressful. We also hear about a pen-and-paper solution called To Do List Bingo. It adds a dash of fun to an otherwise tedious chore of listing tasks. By the end, you’ll have fresh ideas you can try right away.

The Challenge of Time Management

Time has a way of slipping through our fingers. When you add dyslexia, there’s an extra layer of confusion in planning and blocking out parts of your day. Sometimes we rely on mental checklists, which quickly become jumbled. We could also try digital tools, but they can be complicated. That’s why it’s so important to find a system that feels natural.

In the podcast, we dive into the aha moments that often occur when we step back and notice patterns. One trick is spotting how your moods or focus levels shift so you can schedule essential tasks when you’re sharpest. That can help you stop collapsing in a heap at 3 pm, wondering where your project time went.

As someone with dyslexia, it’s easy to blame ourselves for misplaced time. Yet we’re not lazy, we just process details differently. With a few small tweaks, you can stay on top of tasks without sacrificing your sanity.

Rethinking the Calendar

Before making peace with my planner, I wanted nothing to do with it. The grid of numbers seemed to mock my messy approach to life. Then I discovered some methods that suited me. As mentioned in the episode, a good start is colour-coding your events or tasks. It sounds simple, but it can be a real game-changer for visually wired dyslexic brains.

“My dyslexic brain never used to get on with my calendar until I made a couple of key changes.”

It’s also worth breaking down tasks into smaller blocks. For example, if you have a meeting at 10 am, you might plug in a 5-minute reminder at 9:55. That helps you refocus and reduces the chance of drifting off into some rabbit hole. Think of your calendar as a guide to nudge you before you wander.

Introducing To Do List Bingo

If ticking off endless tasks has you rolling your eyes, you might love To Do List Bingo. Stephen introduced it on the podcast, highlighting how a simple pen-and-paper method can spark motivation. There’s something oddly satisfying about scribbling on good old-fashioned paper.

The idea is to create a bingo-style grid for the day. Instead of droning through a linear list, you scatter tasks in various boxes. You then tick them off as you complete them, aiming to get an unbroken line. This feels like a playful game rather than a chore. It taps into that childlike sense of fun.

You can adapt it to match your current priorities, energy levels, or deadlines. Maybe you add extra squares for mini breaks or quick phone calls. You can also mark high-priority tasks with stars and sneak in easy tasks to build momentum. If you want more details, check out this link for the special To Do List Bingo approach.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

Once you see how small changes stack up, creating a custom routine gets easier. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Connect tasks with times: Rather than just writing “email boss,” pair it with a time block. Even if you miss that slot, it’s a gentle nudge.
• Use visual cues: Colour-code categories like work, personal, health, or creativity. Pick themes that mean something to you.
• Review yesterday, plan today: Each morning, do a quick look at what did or didn’t happen. This helps you avoid repeating mistakes or forgetting undone tasks.
• Reward yourself: The gamification element in To Do List Bingo can be amplified if you set tiny incentives for completing rows or lines of tasks.
• Keep it moving: Don’t be afraid to move tasks to tomorrow if needed. Your system should serve you, not bully you.

Experiment with what works best for you. If something stops working, try adjusting times, crossing out tasks, or switching colours. Dyslexic brains often thrive on novelty, so changing your approach once in a while can keep you engaged.

• Calendar or pen-and-paper, pick what suits you best.
• Celebrate small wins to keep your mojo high.
• Allow space for your creativity and mental wanderings.
• Review systems regularly and tweak when needed.

When you find a sweet spot between creativity and structure, time management starts flowing more naturally. And you don’t have to be perfect. Build a flexible routine and treat each day as a new experiment. Over time, you’ll worry less about the clock and focus more on what drives you.

Key Takeaways

• Dyslexia can complicate time management, but strategic tweaks help.
• Calendar blocks, colour-coding and reminders reduce forgetfulness.
• To Do List Bingo adds a playful element and can boost motivation.
• Short reviews each morning keep you accountable.
• Adapting methods keeps things fresh and engaging.

If you’d like a deeper dive into how to personalise this to your own style, listen to the full episode of the podcast (the player is right at the top of this page). There’s nothing like hearing real-world stories and honest examples when looking for new solutions. Give it a try, and see if you can make time your friend instead of your enemy.