Time is a constant companion in our lives, yet not everyone seems to experience it in the same way. For some, a minute feels like an hour while for others it flies by in a second. This phenomenon is called time blindness, and even though it has “…been noted more often in children with ADHD…” and other mental health disorders it is now being studied in adults. In this article we’ll take a detailed look at time blindness.
What is time blindness?
Cleavland Clinic discussed the topic with Dr. Michael Manos, pediatric behavioral health specialist who stated, “Time blindness” refers to the inability to recognize when time has passed or to estimate how long something will take.” Hence, time blindness is another way to explain losing track of time and noting that it can be more extreme for some.
Time blindness often manifests as:
- Difficulty estimating how long a task will take.
- Struggles with time management and organization.
- Underestimating travel time.
The Impact of Time Blindness
Time blindness can affect various aspects of life, including:
- Productivity: Difficulty estimating how long a task will take can lead to overcommitting or underestimating workloads.
- Relationships: Frequent lateness can strain personal and professional relationships
- Mental Health: Lateness and disorganization can lead to anxiety and stress.
Strategies for Managing Time Blindness in the Workplace
- Use timers and alarms: This will help you stay on track and avoid losing track of time.
- Limit Distractions: Identify distractions in your workspace and take steps to minimize them. For instance, turning off certain notifications or finding a quieter space to work.
- Prioritize and Plan: Create a to-do list daily and focus on completing high priority tasks first.
- Use Visual Aids: Using visual aids like calendar, planners and task boards will help you visualize your schedule and tasks.
- Break Tasks into smaller steps: Divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you better estimate how long the task will take.
- Seek Feedback: Talk to your manager and other team members to reflect on your work and meeting deadlines. This will provide insights into where time is being lost.
We all lose track of time sometimes. But by recognizing the challenges caused by time blindness and seeking out techniques that work for you, you can better navigate the ever-flowing river of time.
