Playing With Time

Do you ever feel like you’re running behind the clock or unsure how time seems to slip away? You’re not the only one, especially if you’re dyslexic. In this episode, we explore how the dyslexic mind perceives time and why it can be so tricky to stay on track. It’s a subject many of us wrestle with, and it can affect everything from getting out the door on time to planning next week’s activities.

Dyslexia has its unique quirks, and time management is often a major one. We talk about “just in time planning,” how we adapt in surprising ways, and why some of the best ideas pop up at the eleventh hour. We also wander down a tangent or two, which is standard around here!

Dyslexia’s Curious Relationship With Time

One of the key strings that ties everything together is time. It’s not uncommon for dyslexics to experience time in a less structured way. Minutes can feel like seconds, or an hour can feel like a whole afternoon.

It can help to think of time as an abstract concept rather than a precise line. You might not always realise how long something takes when you’re deeply focused on it—or how quickly the day disappears when your mind is buzzing with ideas.

Just in Time Planning

One thing that often shows up in dyslexic life is “just in time planning.” That’s when you pull things together at the last possible moment. It’s not always ideal, but it can lead to bursts of creativity under pressure.

However, it can be stressful too. If you’re always leaving things to the last minute, you can end up feeling overwhelmed. The advantage is you might produce your best work when the clock’s ticking. The trick is finding a balance between that pressure-driven inspiration and a more structured approach.

Challenges Around Scheduling and Deadlines

Dyslexia can make it easy to underestimate how long tasks will take. You might feel that you have all the time in the world, then suddenly realise you’re behind schedule. It’s especially true when you’re juggling multiple tasks.

Here are a few of the common time-related challenges you might face:

• Struggling to break tasks into manageable chunks
• Overcommitting because you think you have more time than you do
• Feeling anxious when deadlines sneak up

Learning to pad your schedule with extra time and building in advance reminders can make a huge difference.

A Tangent or Two

You’ll notice I love tangents. Dyslexic minds often wander into unexpected territory, which can bring a dash of creativity. But it can also eat away at time without you noticing.

“We’re wired differently, and that’s not a bad thing—just be mindful of how and when you let your thoughts wander.”

This creative wandering is part of what makes a dyslexic brain so unique. You just have to direct it in a constructive way, especially if you’re on a tight deadline.

Pulling It All Together

Time may feel slippery in a dyslexic world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t develop strategies to navigate it. Pay attention to what works for you. Maybe you need a visual calendar or a buddy system to keep you accountable. Try and space out your tasks, so you’re not cramming everything into a last-minute rush.

Curiosity is a strength of many dyslexics, but harnessing it effectively means you’ll benefit from it rather than be buried by it.

• Time is often more abstract for dyslexics
• Just in time planning can bring both stress and creativity
• Breaking tasks into chunks helps avoid deadline chaos
• Tangents aren’t bad—just manage them wisely
• Lean into tools and strategies that suit your mind

If you’re curious about the full story, join me for the podcast. You’ll hear the real-life examples, the slight detours, and the honest struggles we all face around time. The player’s at the top of the page—give it a listen when you’re ready!