If it is the phone that continuously interrupts you, turn off the ringer until it is convenient for you to answer the phone. If you are working on a task, complete the task and then listen to messages and return calls at that time.

Other tips to help curtail time spent with unexpected visitors: stand up to speak with them, this will help keep you aware of the time rather than sitting comfortably or rearrange your office so that you are not looking outward and will not see co-workers as they pass by and be tempted to talk with them.

For phone calls: keep a timer on your desk and set it for a certain amount of time each time you are on the phone to help limit the amount of time you spend talking, ask callers if you can email them instead of taking the time to explain, schedule time each day to return calls and at other times during the day, ignore the phone ringing.

Procrastination

Putting off tasks or making decisions can waste time. You may spend entirely too long thinking about the different options or become overwhelmed with choices, therefore stopping yourself from making a decision. Instead, make a choice and keep your options open in case the first option does not work out the way you hoped.

For more information: Procrastination in Adults with ADHD

Inability to Say “No”

Completing tasks we did not want to do or completing tasks for other people because of the inability to say “no” wastes so much time. You may take on extra work at work or in your personal life. Saying “no” may be one of the best things you can do to give yourself extra time each day to do those things you enjoy and to spend more time with people you want to be with.

For more information: Tips to Saying No

Disorganization

How much time to you spend looking for misplaced items or sorting through paperwork to find something you need. Disorganization is one of the most complained about weaknesses for adults with ADHD. There are numerous ideas and tips to help keep you organized. If all else fails, consider hiring a coach or a professional organizer to help. Another option is to hire a high school student to come over after school and work on keeping paperwork in your home or office filed and organized to eliminate hours of wasted time.

You might also be interested in: Ten Tips for Improving Work Performance

References:

“Average Worker Wasting 2 Hours a Day,” 2005, July 12, Associated Press

“Common Time Wasters”, 2008, April 7, Bill Fitzpatrick, Military.com

‘Some Common Time-Wasters”, 2008, City of Denver