Let’s be real—time-blindness can be one of the most frustrating things about being neurodivergent. You look up from working on something (or scrolling reels😞) and suddenly realise hours have passed. For creative people, this can feel even harder. Juggling inspiration, projects, and deadlines isn’t easy when time feels like a blur.

The good news? There are ways to work with your brain instead of against it. Let’s talk about what time-blindness is, how it impacts our lives as creatives, and some hacks to make deadlines suck less.

What is time-blindness?

Time-blindness is when you struggle to sense the passage of time. It’s not just “being bad with time.” It’s missing how long tasks take, getting totally lost in what you’re doing (hello, hyperfocus), or only feeling urgency when it’s almost too late.
For creatives, this can throw everything off—from managing projects to delivering work on time. It’s not laziness; it’s just the way some of our brains are wired.

How time-blindness affects creatives

Missing deadlines

Ever underestimate how long a project will take? Or realise you’ve spent hours perfecting one part of a song but forgot about the rest? Same.

Stress over time

Living with constant time anxiety—“Will I finish this?”—can be exhausting. Also, there’s nothing like worrying about a deadline to kill creativity.

Impact on relationships

Clients, collaborators, or bandmates might not get why you struggle with timing. That’s why communicating and having tools to back you up is so important (more on that later).

Hacks to work smarter with time-blindness

Visual time management techniques

- Analog clocks & timers

Digital clocks are cool, but analog ones show time disappearing, which makes it easier to *see* time passing. Try pairing one with a countdown timer for short bursts of work.

- Colour-coded calendars

Great if you’re a visual worker - mark your deadlines, gigs, or projects in bright, bold colours. It helps keep the big picture in mind.

- Time-blocking

Break your day into chunks and assign tasks to each block. Use different colours (if this helps) to visually separate work, practice, and downtime.

Tech

- Apps for neurodivergent brains

Apps like Time Timer or TickTick are designed to help you stay on track. They’re simple, effective, and customisable.

- Reminders and alarms

Set alarms not just for when things are due, but for starting tasks, and incrementally, every half hour for example, to remind you of the passing of time.

- Project management tools

Platforms like Trello or Notion are great for organising projects. Use them to keep track of deadlines and progress with everything in the same place.

Break projects into bite-sized pieces

- Chunk it down

Split big projects into smaller steps. Instead of “finish writing the album,” start with “brainstorm song ideas” or “write chorus for Track 1.”

- Have on and off time

Like the Pomodoro Technique, you could work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, (or whatever intervals work for you), and repeat. It keeps your energy up and helps you stay focused.

- Realistic to-do lists

A list with five tasks you’ll actually do beats one with 20 that make you feel bad when you don’t finish.

Find accountability that works for you

- Friends for accountability

Tell a friend or fellow musician what you’re working on and check in with them. It’s motivating to have someone rooting for you.

- Co-working groups

Join a neurodivergent-friendly co-working space (online or IRL). Working “together” can help create structure.

Sensory cues for staying on track

- Time-passing sounds

Play playlists or ambient music with specific durations. The music ending can be a cue to take a break or switch tasks.

- Tactile reminders

Try a vibrating watch or other gentle sensory tools to keep you aware of time without being distracted.

Adjust your environment to your needs

- Distraction-free spaces

Keep your workspace clear of clutter and distractions. Headphones can help too!

- Environmental cues

Use lighting or specific areas in your home to signal “work mode” vs. “chill mode.”

- Flexible hours

If you can, schedule work when you’re naturally most focused or creative (even if it’s midnight).

Talk it out with clients and collaborators

- Be real about challenges

Share your time-management struggles early on. Most people will appreciate your honesty.

- Negotiate deadlines

If possible, build in some buffer time to avoid the stress of last-minute crunches.

- Provide updates

Regular check-ins show you’re making progress and keep everyone on the same page.

Take care of yourself

- Handle time anxiety

Try mindfulness apps, journaling, or even venting to a friend to calm the deadline dread.

- Schedule breaks

Don’t grind until you burn out. Build in time for rest so you can recharge.

- Be kind to yourself

Missing a deadline or struggling with time doesn’t mean you’re failing. Give yourself grace—your brain is doing its best!

Lean into hyperfocus

- Know your power hours

Pay attention to when you naturally feel most “in the zone” and plan big tasks then.

- Set up flow-friendly spaces

Eliminate distractions and have everything you need ready before diving into a hyperfocus session.

- Take breaks (yes, even in hyperfocus!)

Use timers to remind yourself to pause, drink water, and move around.

Build routines that work for you

- Daily habits

Consistent routines help reduce decision fatigue. Even small things like a morning coffee ritual can set the tone for your day.

- Start/end rituals

Create a mini-routine to signal the start and end of work sessions—it can be as simple as playing the same song before you start.

Time-blindness is tough, but it’s not a dealbreaker for your creative career or expression. With a mix of visual tools, tech, accountability, and self-care, you can find ways to manage time that actually work for you. And remember, you’re not alone in this struggle—many neurodivergent creatives are right there with you. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and don’t let time get in the way of your brilliance!