Time has always been an abstract concept for me. As someone with ADHD, my perception of time differs from most people's. I often find myself wondering where the hours went, missing deadlines, and staying up far too late because I simply don't register the passage of time the same way others do.
"You're late again" became a phrase I heard too often. Calendar notifications would buzz, only to be dismissed and promptly forgotten. I'd look up from what I was doing to realize it was 3 AM, despite my promises to be in bed by 11 PM. This pattern followed me for years, causing frustration, missed opportunities, and strain on my relationships.
The TikTok Discovery
Last year, I was scrolling through TikTok late one night (when I should have been sleeping, naturally) when I stumbled upon a video that would change everything. The creator had filled an A4 page with a 30×30 grid — 900 squares representing the months of an average human lifespan. Then, they shaded in the squares representing the months they had already lived.
Something about this visual hit me like nothing else had. The remaining white squares seemed so finite, so precious. Unlike a number — "you have approximately 600 months left to live" — this grid made the limited nature of time tangible. I could see it slipping away.
I spent hours thinking about this concept. If visualizing a lifetime could be so impactful, what about smaller timeframes? What if I could visualize a year, a month, or even a week in a similar way? Would it help me grasp the passage of time in my day-to-day life?
Building My Time Awareness System
The next day, I couldn't shake the idea. With my background in web development, I decided to create a digital version of this time grid concept. I started by embedding a simple grid visualization into my Notion workspace:
The initial prototype was simple but effective. Each cell represented a block of time in my week, and as time passed, cells would fill in automatically. Seeing my week visualized this way gave me a constant reminder of time's passage.
Encouraged by how this helped me, I expanded the concept. I developed a Windows application that sat on my desktop, constantly showing me grids for different timeframes — my day, week, month, year, and even my predicted lifespan. I'm currently working on versions for other platforms to ensure this time visualization follows me everywhere.
The Transformation
The changes in my life were gradual but unmistakable. With my time visualizations constantly present, I began to develop a more intuitive sense of time's passage. When I saw that half my day's grid was already filled, I would naturally prioritize my remaining tasks.
For the first time in my life, I started consistently arriving on time for appointments. My friends noticed the change before I did. "You're early!" became the new surprised comment I would hear. My work improved too — deadlines no longer snuck up on me, and I found myself completing projects with time to spare.
Perhaps most importantly, I started respecting my own time. Seeing my life visualized as a finite grid helped me recognize which activities were truly worth my time and which were not. I reduced mindless scrolling and increased meaningful work, exercise, and time with loved ones.
Looking Forward
My journey with time perception isn't over. I continue to refine my time visualization tools and expand their reach. What started as a personal solution has now become TimeDot.net, a project I hope will help others who struggle with time blindness.
For those of us with ADHD, managing time will always present unique challenges. But with the right tools and perspective, we can develop strategies that work with our brains rather than against them. I no longer see my time perception differences as purely a deficit — they've led me to create something that has not only improved my life but may help others as well.
As I look at my life grid today, I feel a sense of empowerment rather than anxiety. Yes, the squares are filling in, one by one. But now I'm consciously choosing how to fill them, aware of their value and determined to make each one count.