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Why is Time Management So Hard? 

PostedOctober 13, 2025
UpdatedOctober 13, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD time management difficulties are a common challenge for individuals with ADHD. The core symptoms of ADHD inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity interfere with the ability to plan, prioritise, and manage time effectively. These challenges make it hard to meet deadlines, stay organised, and maintain a consistent routine. For many with ADHD, time management can feel like a constant struggle, leading to missed appointments, incomplete tasks, and unnecessary stress. 

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Why Time Management is Difficult with ADHD 

Here’s why time management is difficult with ADHD:  

Difficulty Estimating Time  

One of the primary ADHD time management difficulties is poor time estimation. Individuals with ADHD often struggle to gauge how long a task will take. This leads to underestimating time required for tasks, which can result in rushing to meet deadlines.  

Organisation Problems  

Organisation problems are another major factor in ADHD time management difficulties. Disorganisation can lead to missed deadlines, misplaced items, or confusion about what needs to be done. Without a clear structure or a system in place, staying on track can be extremely difficult. 

Procrastination  

Procrastination is often linked to ADHD. Tasks that feel overwhelming or uninteresting may be put off until the last minute, creating stress and making it harder to manage time effectively.  

In conclusion, to overcome ADHD time management difficulties, individuals can use tools like timers, calendars, and to-do lists to stay organised and break down tasks into smaller steps. Seeking professional support can also help develop effective strategies for managing time. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Signs, Symptoms, and Self-identification of ADHD.  

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Avery Lombardi, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.