Now and Not Now, the Two Time Zones
- Elana Maimon
- Nov 9, 2020
- 2 min read
For many individuals with ADHD and/or Executive Function challenges, rather than having an internal clock which perceives the passing of time, time is experienced from two sorts of “time zones,” Now and Not Now. If something is not happening now then it is happening not now. Things that are not now do not need to be attended to.
Often, people who struggle with time management believe that they “work best under pressure.” This may be true at times. To a coworker, partner, or parent, this can be very upsetting as the task that was assigned a month ago is left to the last minute and then done with added stress and anxiety.
This now and not now orientation ends well sometimes- but not often enough. Often when your internal clock is not synched with reality and therefore you do not know how to estimate how long a task will take, you allow yourself to do, “just one more thing” before you get started on a time sensitive task.
Good time management boils down to effectively using the present moment to bring a better future. The secret to smart time management is learning to externalize time by using tools and motivational strategies to feel the passing of time.
TIPS... By setting timers and alarms, you can externalize this function and operate wonderfully without having to rely on your own internal clock or memory.
When your internal clock is unreliable, you need to lean heavily on external ones. Old-fashioned analog clocks — not digital clocks — are useful. The movement of the hands represent the passage of time; the numbers of a digital clock can be too abstract. The Time Timer, available on Amazon, shows the remaining time as a constantly shrinking red slice on the clock’s face.
Some individuals externalize time by setting up systems that remind them of it constantly. That might mean setting alarms, utilizing phone reminders, or scheduling to-do list items directly into a calendar. Designate specific times for specific regular tasks.
If you're wondering how to tell time on a clock with hands, especially if you're teaching a child, interactive online tools can be a fantastic resource. These virtual clocks often allow you to manipulate the hands, see the corresponding digital time, and sometimes even offer little games or challenges to practice reading the clock. It makes the learning process much more hands-on and visual, which is often more effective for kids than just explanations. It’s a great way to build that foundational skill in a playful way.
Need a prominent computer screen clock for an event, study session, or just to keep track of time in a large space? Full-screen digital clocks that run in a browser are very convenient. They offer a live, accurate time display that’s easy to read from a distance. This can be great for timing speakers at an event, keeping track of breaks during a long meeting, or for personal use during focused work sprints like the Pomodoro Technique. It’s a simple utility that can have a big impact on time management and awareness.
For parents and teachers looking for effective telling time games and resources, online interactive analog clocks are a must-try. Instead of just worksheets, these tools provide a dynamic way for kids to learn. They can often set random times for the child to read, or allow the child to set specific times themselves. This active engagement helps solidify their understanding of hours, minutes, and how the hands work together. It turns what can be a frustrating learning process into something more enjoyable and game-like, which usually leads to better retention.