I was recently describing a common productivity trap where a light schedule can turn into an opportunity to procrastinate. I actually talked about it three times in one day with three clients. That shows you that this is a common scenario for people with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism.
Here is how it all starts. When there’s not much planned for the day, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of, “Oh, I have so much time—I can just push things off.” However, this often leads to tasks piling up later or a lack of focus. Or the other option is a mindset of, “Oh my goodness I have this wide open day, I am going to get so much stuff done.” And for some reason, you think you can stuff 95 hours worth of work into eight hours.
This last paragraph perfectly captures the inner dialogue that often happens when faced with a seemingly “light” schedule. It’s fascinating how our perception of time and expectations can either set us up for success or lead us into a procrastination spiral.
Here’s a breakdown of the three most common scenarios, along with some ideas to manage them:
1. The “I Don’t Have to Work That Hard Today” Trap
Mindset: You see the light schedule as a free pass to relax, thinking there’s no rush or pressure.
Result: The day ends, and you feel unaccomplished because you didn’t seize the opportunity.
Solution: Commit to a small, defined to-do list with clear priorities. Treat the day as a gift to tackle one or two meaningful tasks with focus.
2. The “I Can Get So Much Done Today” Trap
Mindset: You get overly ambitious and think you’ll power through an unrealistic amount of work.
Result: By the end of the day, you’re either burned out from overloading or feel disappointed because you didn’t meet your lofty expectations.
Solution: Start with a reasonable plan. Break down the tasks into manageable chunks, and celebrate progress rather than perfection.
3. The “Why Start Now?” Syndrome
Mindset: You tell yourself there’s plenty of time, but this lack of urgency causes endless delays.
Result: The day slips away, leaving you frustrated at your lack of momentum.
Solution: Use timeboxing or set mini-deadlines for tasks. Even starting for just 5 minutes can build momentum.
Why This Happens:
For neurodiverse individuals, time perception can be a tricky thing. Time might feel too expansive or too compressed, which makes structuring the day challenging. It’s not about laziness or lack of ability—it’s about the brain’s wiring around motivation, focus, and time.
Actionable Tips:
1. Set Anchors for the Day: Even if the day is light, schedule start and stop times for your most important tasks.
2. Use External Cues: Timers, alarms, or visual reminders can help keep you on track.
3. Redefine Success: At the start of the day, decide what “success” looks like. Is it completing one task? Two? This removes the “million things” expectation.
4. Be Kind to Yourself: Some days will be wildly productive; others, not so much. That’s okay!
This resonates deeply with a lot of people, neurodiverse or not. If you’d like, I can help brainstorm more strategies or systems tailored to how your brain does workflow!
Feel free to CLICK HERE for a Free Coaching Call and learn more about working with me.
Thanks and have a great day,
JoyGenea