How do you all deal with time management - and specifically time estimate - problems?

I always underestimate how long things will take, both because we ADHD’ers view time differently and because I don’t build in time for getting distracted.

I work with a partner who asks me by when I can get something done rather than giving a deadline. I appreciate the flexibility but I always short sell myself and end up pulling all-nighters to meet my self-imposed unrealistic deadlines.

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I do this too. It’s terrible. Such a bad habit in law. I’ve read to multiply my expected time by 2.5 to set a more realistic deadline. It ends up feeling way too far out and it’s hard to admit to, but that’s me. I do excellent work, but I’m a little slow. But that’s the truth. And it doesn’t make it any better for me to set false expectations

like

That’s legit me.

like

I think it helps to figure out the root cause of the problem. For me, I don’t start right away for a variety of reasons but it’s centered around task initiation rather than not being a good judge of how long things take — I usually screw myself over because other things are more interesting (I favor short term rewards over long term benefits, classic ADD) or because the task just feels overwhelming and so I try to delay feeling like a failure or like I don’t know how to do something (perfectionist/anxiety tendencies that are tied to ADD). No matter how much time I give myself I’ll push it off until the last minute, so being a better judge of timing or getting a partner to give me a cut off time doesn’t really help people like me.

If you’re like me, I’ve found that it helps when I spend 10-15 min on it right away — meaning like the first window possible after being assigned something. I try to pick a 15 min block when there’s a concrete cut off afterwards (I.e., I have another meeting, I’m meeting someone for lunch or dinner, I have a workout scheduled, etc.) because it forces me to at least START and I get a chance to wrap my head around how I can break the rest of the task up. Going back later feels less scary but I’ve already started. (I tell myself it’s like jumping into a cold pool — its not so bad once you’re in it.)

I prefer the 15 min block (as opposed to giving myself say 1 hour) bc 15 min is barely any time at all. I know there’s only so much I can do in that timeframe so it’s way less pressure on my perfectionist tendencies.

likehelpful

This is a great idea — thank you!

Tell boss that you thrive off concrete deadlines that are end of business day (5 pm). That way you can’t procrastinate into the night to get it done by the morning. If you operate better under pressure, the 5 pm deadline should light a fire during the day not night

like

I always block out more time than I need, partly because I already have anxiety about not meeting deadlines

like

This is what I do as well. ALWAYS block off more time than what you think you will need.

like

Calculate by how much you are usually off. Is it usually double the time? Triple? 1.5x? After a few tries, you’ll find an average margin of error. So whenever you have an idea of how long it will take, just add the multiplier. Might help sometimes. If you don’t feel like doing all this, just add more time to your mental estimate.

like

This is great advice. This helps me a lot as I struggle with this as well.

Hey. What I do is that I set alarms everytime to remind myself that I have to finish this certain task and move on to another.

I always add a week to whatever time I'm thinking in my head.

Multiple 2.5x the times you actually think it will take you. #theadhdway

Related Posts

Persistent Systems Limited or Billdesk or Capgemini
Which one is better?

like

How many days it usually takes for Full and final settlement in Capgemini? It's been 11 days after lwd but didn't receive any communication yet even after dropping mail to f&f team. Could someone help here pls.?

like

Salesforce resources (Pune,Mumbai,Chennai locations) who want referral in IBM pls DM me. I can refer you immediately and within a day or two u will be contacted by hiring team.
Our project has huge requirement for resources having the below mandatory skills:
I. Good knowledge of Apex ,Batch classes
II. Aura /LWC hands on experience mandatory
III.Integration/REST (custom integration, API calls)

Good to have skills - classic-VF background,UI, Design experience, DevOps - Deployment tools and method

like

Can anyone help me with a referral in big4?

Skills: Devops & AWS
Yoe :4.5

like

Hey fishes, let jio people know about this bowl

like

Hi Fishes,

Can anyone able to refer me Siemens,.

I have 5years of experience as a PLC, DCS, Simatic Batch automation engineer. @

Post Photo
like

Does anyone have experience with out of state turnkey real estate investing? Would you recommend any companies? I live in Sacramento where prices for real estate are inflated so I can't buy local.

like

In town for a few days, anyone know the “code” to get into the Red Phone Booth speakeasy?

like

Anyone go from a congressional or govt affairs background to an MBA program?

like

@Vialto Partners is any working for Vialto London? How are you enjoying it so far looking to move there but not sure.

like

Hello let's like each other's post to build connection via DM!

like

Anyone at Motorola able to provide a referral?

like

Has anyone noticed an uptick in resignations recently? 3 seniors in my office quit last week.

likefunnysmart

*Manifestation thread* What is your dream firm you'd want to work for?

like

Hey

Do we get marriage leave Atleast one week leave during notice period

Any hr present here who can answer?

I want to kn tcs policy before I argue with my manager for wedding leaves

like

Hello Fishes,

Can anyone guide on best platform for HR job opportunities in foreign countries for Indians?

like

I have joined TCS. Now HR saying my bgc came negative.Asking for TAX and PF documents which i do not have. What will happen?

Do i have to search for another job now?

like

How many days it will take frm joining cg to complete all formality, getting laptop.?

like

Which is the best amongst
Siemens healthineers
Siemens technology and services
Siemens advanta

For a c++ developer, yoe 4.5

like

Nyc family office associate comp expectations? They manage about $5B

like

Additional Posts in Lawyers with ADHD

I’m one of the only attorneys in my Texas firm that had electricity, internet, and water this week. I was warm and comfortable but still could not get any work done because things going on in the outside world are distracting. When I try to work, I feel like I can barely hold a thought in my mind before I get the “wait, what am I doing again?” feeling. I just want to know, I’m not the only one that struggled this week to do any work, right?

like

New midlevel associate at a big law firm and still ramping up. I’m having a lot of trouble tackling small or discrete tasks that are either administrative in nature or otherwise because I don’t have a full plate and something to focus on. I feel bad stopping in the middle of the day and doing something else (e.g. watching tv)since I’m already not billing many hours, but my brain feels all over the place and think that may be the only solution. Anyone have exp. with this or advice?

like

Anyone else have days where it seems like your meds just don’t work? What do you do to offset those? This week has been a struggle.

like

Lately been wondering if my meds are even working anymore… had to skip today’s dose (long story not worth telling) and, yeah, can now confirm my meds are working.

likefunny

How do you approach the initial conversation with your doctor? I have taken a variety of both anti anxiety and anti depressants. Nothing works. I’ve been reading online and in this bowl, and a lot of ADHD symptoms really resonate with me. They have for a long time, frankly, but I couldn’t get my former provider to take me seriously when I was in college/law school. I’m hoping the context of being out of school helps, but I just want to make sure I maximize my odds of getting help (cont)

like

One of my frustrations with myself (writing it out here so I can work on it) is that I will print out something that I need, such as a traffic collision report. I will read it without actually reading it. This results in spending time without actually retaining info. Does this happen to anyone else? I’ve found that I can actually focus when I truly force myself, but often this happens after I’ve discovered an error or an important piece of information that I should have noticed earlier.

like

How do you turn off perfectionism? I always get stuck at the end of a project because it’s never “perfect.” Getting over that final hump from “must be perfect” to “good enough” for government work is tough. Looking for strategies to help me get things finished and move on.

likehelpful

Does anyone else struggle with remembering to eat lunch on busy days? I totally forget to feed myself and end up tired and cranky by the end of the day because of it.

like

My manager scheduled a feedback conversation and I know it's bc I've made some noticeable mistakes lately due to moving too fast, not being able to focus, racing thoughts, etc. I'm seeing a therapist about whether I have ADHD and if so, what tx looks like; we started the intake process which will be continued in my 2nd appointment, which is after the feedback convo meeting. Is it worth telling my mgr something eg I recognize the careless mistakes and I'm in the process of seeing tx to help?

like

Hi everyone! How do you manage to read so much with adhd? I find myself to be a slow reader and my reading and writing comprehension is not the best :(

like

Was told about this bowl by a fellow fish. 25F convinced I have undiagnosed adhd. Anyone get on meds later in life vs as a kid? I always had a billion micro thoughts but now it’s ten times worse

like

Are people still live on here? I was diagnosed last year with ADD and I’ve tried two stimulants so far. I know they aren’t meant to be a magic pill but I’m still struggling with general tasks and feel like I’m doing the bare minimum. The Nurse has suggested I try non stimulants. What are peoples experiences with meds ? Did they work or not?

like

Monthly rant thread. Lots of firms with a fiscal year close of Oct 1, everyone racing to the finish line with billables.

Tell us about your hopes, your dreams, your struggles, your insecurities and what made you laugh lately.

like

I forgot to send supplemental interrogatories my boss asked me to send. I am so dead. The discovery deadline is over.

like

How do you deal with making mistakes at work? I’ve been doing good work lately but there’s one partner who thinks I’m mistake prone and I just made a mistake on something he asked me to do, but I corrected it quickly. However, there is public record of my mistake.

like

My firm recently switched to a time keeping system that monitors everything you do on your computer. I have ADHD and often google random things (I.e. scores of games; actors in movies/shows; news articles; etc.) has anyone had a problem with AI monitoring and/or management getting on you?

like

Can anyone offer advice for helping with adderall side effects? I was diagnosed a few months ago and I am new to medication. I have been taking 20 mg xr in the morning but have a terrible crash around 2/3pm each day where I just get very very tired. Doctor recommended 10mg ir mid day to combat but I still experience pretty severe fatigue as a side effect. Just wondering if anyone has found any natural strategies to cope or mitigate. Thanks!

like

I started Adderall and have been drinking a ton of water, over 120oz a day. My throat feels thick, not like an alrgic reaction almost like a strep throat feeling and my ears are popping. This started when I started my douse, anyone experience this or am I just sick

like

Started vyvance. I’m eating a lot, super hydrated, no caffeine and I still feel super weird. I’m calm and my brain feels great but physically my eyes are soo dry and my body just feels disassociated. It’s only been three days. Does this pass?

like

When is the best time to disclose your disability? During the interview phase, when you first start, or when the issues first come up and you need accommodations?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal