Time Blindness
You are working on a project or scrolling on the computer when suddenly you look up and 3 hours had passed. Maybe you thought that you spent an hour an an assignment only to find out that it was only 20 minutes. You thought that you left enough time to get there- and yet you were late, again.
Does this sound familar? The frustration and the tears that can come when this happens to you or your child. The perception of others that you are lazy, careless, or just don’t care hurts more than you let on. Then the thought pops into your head that maybe they are right. Maybe if you just try a little harder things could change. And then they don’t.
The truth is that time blindness is a real hurdle for those who are gifted, have ADHD, even for those who have experienced a significant trauma in their lives. It is where the brain cannot perceive time correctly in the same way that others cannot. Time passes at a different flow, sometimes faster while other times slower than the rest of the world. While this can be true for most people at some time in their lives, for others this is a constant.
There is Hope
Maybe you are reading this and think that I am talking about you. Then you see the word hope and think that that is not possible. Hope is possible, but it also takes work to train yourself and your brain to work through this.
Timers Are Your Best Friend
In order to learn what a minute, 5 minutes, an hour are lierally set a timer while completing a task. A timer cannot be argued with, because it is precise. You will find that while doing this that sometimes an hour feels fast, when you love the task, and slow like a turtle at other times, when the task is boring or daunting.
Reality of Time
Sometimes a person just does not know HOW long a task can actually take. Before beginning a task write down how long you think it will take. Then time yourself when completing that task. If you take a break or stop to do something else don’t stop the timer. Compare the 2 times and also note how many times you stopped for other things. After a while you will begin to see patterns.
Punctuality
Arriving on time sounds easy, but in reality with time blindness this can become a nightmare. Generally many people report that they thought there was enough time but there was not and the person was late, again. Being punctual is not about how long it could take to get there but everything else before that or after.
While that might seem daunting it doesn’t have to be with help.
Counseling Can Help
Struggling with time blindness is not just learning how to work with time but also with everything else that comes with it. Feeling defeated, like a failure, and just not liking yourself can also come with this. When seeking out help help also comes in learning to like and love yourself again. A counselor can provide an opportunity not just for the skills but an opportunity to love who you are, even with this.
Not sure who to go to? If so, you are not alone. Makana Soul Counseling works with those who struggle in this area, understanding that there is more than the surface of just learning skills. Every person is more than the challenges that are seen and perceived.