How coaching can help you take control of your schedule

Time is one of our most valuable resources, yet many of us struggle to manage it effectively. Whether you're a professional managing deadlines, a business owner juggling multiple responsibilities, or someone trying to balance work and personal life, poor time management can lead to stress, burnout, and frustration. For individuals with ADHD, managing time can be even more challenging.

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But what if the problem isn’t you - but the strategies you’re using?

Many traditional time management methods assume a one-size-fits-all approach, often failing to consider individual needs, especially for those with neurodivergent traits. Instead of forcing yourself into a rigid structure that doesn’t work for you, the key is to create an approach that plays to your strengths and helps you stay focused, organised, and in control of your time.

With the right tools and techniques in place, you can take control of your time and achieve your goals with greater ease and efficiency. Don't let poor time management hold you back from reaching your full potential - let's work together to create a plan that sets you up for success.


Why time management feels so hard (especially with ADHD)

If you have ADHD, you don’t just struggle with time management - you experience time differently. Many people with ADHD feel the present much more strongly than the future, making it hard to prioritise long-term goals. This can make it challenging to stay focused on tasks that don't provide immediate gratification.

This can lead to difficulties such as:

  • Feeling like the future is too distant to worry about.
  • Reduced motivation to sacrifice the present for future benefits.
  • Struggling with “Now vs. Not now” thinking - until the deadline suddenly becomes urgent.
  • Only taking action when a task feels immediately pressing.

This is why so many people with ADHD say, “By the time I feel it’s important, it’s already too late.”

The key to overcoming this challenge? Filling the gap between intention and action - so your future goals feel real right now and not just like distant dreams.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with time management because they’re using systems that don’t align with how their brain actually works. That’s where coaching makes a difference.


How coaching supports effective time management

Coaching can be incredibly beneficial for people with ADHD because it provides structure, accountability, and personalised strategies that align with how their brain works. Unlike traditional productivity advice, which often assumes everyone experiences time and motivation the same way, ADHD coaching is about working with your unique strengths and challenges rather than fighting against them.

Rather than following generic advice, coaching helps you develop a time management system designed for you. Here’s how:

1. Bringing the future into the present

The more you can feel the future now, the more motivated you’ll be to take action. One effective technique is 'Pausing and Picturing', where you visualise your future self and how you’ll feel after completing a task. This makes long-term rewards feel more immediate, increasing motivation.

2. Creating a system that works for you

We’ll explore your natural working style, energy levels, and challenges to develop a time management approach that feels intuitive and sustainable. Whether that’s time-blocking, flexible scheduling, or another method, we’ll find what actually fits your life.

3. Breaking goals into clear, achievable steps

Big projects can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable steps can help you stay motivated and make steady progress - without last-minute panic.

4. Overcoming procrastination and improving focus

If distractions, perfectionism, or avoidance are getting in your way, we’ll develop focus strategies, set up a structured work environment, and reframe unhelpful thoughts that keep you stuck.

5. Building sustainable routines and habits

Time management isn’t about working harder - it’s about working smarter. Together, we’ll create daily and weekly habits that help you stay organised without feeling overwhelmed or restricted.

6. Balancing work and life (without guilt)

Managing your time effectively isn’t just about getting more done - it’s about making space for what really matters. Setting boundaries, preventing burnout, and ensuring a balanced schedule that includes work, rest, and personal time is essential.

7. Staying accountable and motivated

One of the biggest benefits of coaching is having someone to keep you on track. A coach can help you set realistic goals, celebrate progress, and adjust your plan when life gets unpredictable.


 Who can benefit from time management coaching?

  • Neurodivergent professionals (ADHD, autism, etc.) who need flexible, brain-friendly strategies.
  • Entrepreneurs and leaders juggling multiple responsibilities who need better prioritisation.
  • Employees and freelancers struggling with deadlines, focus, or organisation.
  • Busy individuals feeling overwhelmed and needing a stress-free way to manage time.

If you’ve been struggling to keep up, coaching can help. You need a system that supports your way of thinking and working. Together, we’ll build a time management plan that reduces stress, boosts productivity, and gives you back control over your schedule.

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This article was written with AI-assisted technologies and has been reviewed and edited with human oversight, in accordance with our AI policy.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author. All articles published on Life Coach Directory are reviewed by our editorial team.

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Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26
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Written by Coaching & Psychology
BSc Psychology with Counselling, Msc Health Psychology
location_on Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26
I’m Marta Panareda, a psychologist and coach specialising in neurodivergence, career development, and stress management. Whether you're navigating ADHD, autism, burnout, or relationship dynamics, I offer tailored, practical strategies to help you thrive in your personal and professional life. Online sessions are available in English and Spanish.
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