How to Master Time Management – ADHD Skills Part 1

In the fast-paced world of sales, time management is the linchpin of success. Sales representatives are often juggling multiple tasks, appointments, and deadlines, making efficient time utilization crucial. This comprehensive session, inspired by Dr. Tracey Marks' insights on managing ADHD, offers valuable strategies for enhancing time management skills among sales reps.

Understanding Time Management Challenges

The Impact of ADHD

Sales reps, like many professionals, can struggle with time management. However, for individuals with ADHD, these challenges can be particularly pronounced. ADHD can affect one's ability to estimate how long tasks will take, leading to issues with punctuality and task completion. Additionally, the cumulative loss of time due to poor time management can hinder overall productivity.

Building a Foundation: Constant Time Awareness

The first step towards improving time management is to maintain constant awareness of time. Dr. Marks emphasizes the importance of having access to timepieces throughout your day. While smartphones may serve this purpose, relying solely on them can lead to unnecessary distractions. Dr. Marks recommends wearing a wristwatch and placing clocks in key rooms like the kitchen, bedroom, home office, and bathroom. This seamless access ensures that you can check the time without breaking focus.

Accurate Time Estimation: A Vital Skill

To effectively manage your time, it's crucial to have a realistic understanding of how long your typical tasks take. Creating a list of your routine activities and timing them over a few days can provide valuable insights. This exercise helps you identify tasks that take longer than expected, allowing you to plan more efficiently.

Breaking Down Complex Tasks

For sales reps dealing with multifaceted tasks or projects, it's essential to break them down into manageable subtasks. This approach enables you to pinpoint which aspects consume the most time and may require special attention. Dr. Marks illustrates this with the example of laundry, where breaking the task into phases helped identify time bottlenecks and improve efficiency.

The Power of Planning: Utilizing Planners

Daily and Weekly Planner Duo

Maintaining a planner is a fundamental strategy for effective time management. Dr. Marks suggests using two types of planners: a daily planner and a week-at-a-glance calendar. These tools serve different purposes:

• Daily Planner: This is where you track your daily appointments, obligations, and to-do lists. It provides a detailed view of your day, helping you stay organized and focused.
• Week-at-a-Glance Calendar: This tool offers a broader perspective of your upcoming week. It allows you to plan for future tasks, appointments, and commitments, ensuring nothing catches you off guard.

Consistent Planner Consultation

To harness the full potential of your planners, Dr. Marks recommends consulting them twice daily. In the morning, review your daily planner to gain an overview of your day's responsibilities. In the evening, reflect on how your day unfolded, identify unfinished tasks, and prepare for the following day. This routine enables you to adjust and reschedule tasks as needed.

Effective time management is a critical skill for sales reps aiming to boost productivity whether you have ADHD or not. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can overcome time-related challenges and become a more efficient and organized sales professional. To delve deeper into these topics and gain additional insights, we encourage you to watch this session for a comprehensive walkthrough.