How to Manage Your Time Effectively as a Disabled or Neurodiverse Freelancer/ Entrepreneur
Navigating the challenges of freelancing or entrepreneurship is tough enough without additional considerations like disability or neurodiversity. Effective time management strategies are essential for success, but when you're dealing with health or cognitive conditions, they become even more critical.
When you find the right strategies to manage your time effectively between life and business, work feels more sustainable, fulfilling and enjoyable; finding what works for you can be transformative to your daily life and the way you work. This blog post explores strategies tailored to the unique needs of self-employed disabled and neurodivergent people in the world of freelancing and entrepreneurship, to help you with insights and actionable advice for optimising time management.
The 4-Day Work Week: A Blessing in Disguise
One innovative strategy that’s gaining momentum is the 4-day workweek. This technique concentrates your work efforts into four days, leaving the fifth for recuperation or personal endeavours. It’s beneficial for those managing chronic illnesses or conditions requiring rest periods. For example, if you're dealing with chronic fatigue, scheduling your work from Monday to Thursday and taking Friday off can offer a much-needed respite without compromising your business objectives. However, ensure that this approach aligns well with your clients’ or customers’ expectations to maintain a smooth workflow.
Pomodoro Technique: Productivity in Bursts
The Pomodoro Technique is another valuable tool, breaking your work into 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. It’s an approach that benefits almost anyone but can be particularly useful for those dealing with conditions like ADHD. These short, focused sprints can make tasks seem less daunting and more manageable. This way, you achieve incremental progress while also allowing yourself time to rest, stretch, or even meditate during the short breaks. There are many free Pomodoro techniques apps you can use for free, or if you prefer a physical reminder on your desk, have a look at this 25-minute hourglass timer.
The Power of Virtual Assistance
If your disability makes particular tasks difficult or uncomfortable, consider hiring a virtual assistant. These remote professionals can handle tasks ranging from email management and scheduling to data entry and research. By outsourcing these activities, you free up valuable time to focus on what you do best, boosting your productivity and job satisfaction. The Access to Work scheme in the UK can sometimes assist with funding for such support, making it even more accessible.
Play to Your Strengths
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses can dramatically impact how effectively you manage your time. If, for example, you have difficulty typing due to a motor disability but are articulate and engaging, then focusing on video content or podcasting could be a better use of your skills and energy than writing lengthy articles. The goal is to channel your efforts into tasks where you naturally excel, thereby maximising your productivity and minimising stress and discomfort.
Environment Matters: Make Your Workspace Work for You
Never underestimate the importance of a comfortable and accessible working environment. Invest in ergonomic furniture, sufficient lighting, and noise-cancelling headphones if needed. If you have lower energy levels in the autumn and winter months, a desk SAD lamp is a fantastic investment. Adapt your workspace to accommodate any mobility devices or other accessibility tools you use. An optimally designed workspace can significantly boost your productivity levels and reduce the need for frequent breaks due to discomfort or accessibility issues.
Utilise Time-Blocking and Calendar Management
Many successful freelancers swear by time-blocking as an effective time management strategy, allocating specific blocks of time to different tasks or categories of tasks. This can be particularly helpful if you require sporadic rest periods or medical treatment throughout the day. Having a visual representation of your day can help you manage your time and energy better. If you like a physical representation, some diaries and planners are designed with time blocking in mind. There are also many calendar management apps available that offer accessibility features, including voice commands and screen readers:
Google Calendar
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Accessibility Features: Voice commands, screen reader support
Apple Calendar
Platform: iOS, macOS
Accessibility Features: VoiceOver (screen reader), Siri integration for voice commands
Microsoft Outlook
Platform: Android, iOS, Web
Accessibility Features: VoiceOver (iOS), supports natural language input
Fantastical
Platform: iOS, macOS
Accessibility Features: VoiceOver (iOS), supports natural language input
Calendars by Readdle
Platform: iOS
Accessibility Features: VoiceOver, integration with Siri
Any.do
Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
Accessibility Features: Voice commands, screen reader support
DigiCal Calendar
Platform: Android
Accessibility Features: Voice commands, TalkBack (screen reader) support
Learn to Say No: The Most Underrated of Time Management Strategies
This is universally good advice but takes on added importance when considering additional needs. Time is a finite resource for everyone but is even more so when you have a disability or are neurodiverse. Prioritise tasks that align closely with your business goals and personal strengths, and don't be afraid to turn down opportunities that will stretch you too thin.
Regular Check-ins: Change isn’t a bad thing
Finally, it's essential to regularly evaluate how well your time management strategies are serving you. Your needs may evolve, or you might find that a particular approach isn't yielding the expected benefits. Periodic check-ins with yourself can save you from continued investment in ineffective strategies, allowing you to adapt and improve continuously.
Managing your time effectively as a disabled or neurodiverse freelancer or entrepreneur may present unique challenges, but it's far from impossible. By implementing some or all of the above strategies, you can maximize your productivity while taking care of your physical and mental well-being. After all, the key to a successful freelance or entrepreneurial career is not just the hours you put in but also how smartly you manage those hours to yield the best results.