Taming the Time Beast: ADHD-Friendly Strategies for Virtual Event Planning

Ever feel like the clock has it out for you? Like you’re stuck in a constant game of catch-up, juggling a million things but never quite making it to the finish line? Time isn’t just slipping through your fingers—it’s doing a full-on disappearing act. And when you throw ADHD into the mix? It’s like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle.

If you’re a woman entrepreneur, chances are you’ve got more on your plate than a holiday dinner. Running a business, managing a household, and keeping track of, well, life can leave you feeling drained and stretched thin. But here’s the thing: you’re not powerless against the time beast. With a little strategy, you can swap chaos for clarity and actually feel in control of your day.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. And if you’re planning virtual events to grow your business, you’ll find these ADHD-friendly strategies are your secret weapon. Ready? Let’s dive in.

What’s Really Going On: Why Time Feels So Slippery

Time management isn’t just about writing out a neat to-do list and crossing things off. (Though if that works for you, go for it!) It’s really about learning how to work with your brain—prioritizing effectively, avoiding distraction traps, and building momentum.

For entrepreneurs with ADHD, though, the usual advice doesn’t always cut it. Here’s why:

1. You’re a Time Optimist

You genuinely believe that quick email reply will take five minutes… until two hours have passed, and you’re knee-deep in researching productivity hacks. Sound familiar? This optimism can lead to overscheduling and last-minute panic.

2. Distractions Lurk Everywhere

That random idea for a new product? Suddenly more interesting than finishing the task in front of you. Not to mention all the pings, notifications, and interruptions begging for your attention.

3. Procrastination Feels Like a Loyal Frenemy

You know those unglamorous tasks—the ones that don’t light up your dopamine receptors? Yeah, they tend to get shoved aside until the very last possible moment. Then, almost like magic (or maybe chaos-fueled adrenaline), you hit “critical mass.” That’s when the pressure builds so high that your brain flips a switch, and suddenly you’re firing on all cylinders, racing the clock, and knocking it out of the park—mostly.

While this adrenaline-fueled sprint can feel exhilarating, it’s not exactly sustainable. It’s a cycle that leaves you drained, stressed, and often wondering, “Why didn’t I just start this earlier?”

Spoiler: it’s not about laziness—it’s about how your brain is wired. Tasks that lack immediate urgency or excitement simply don’t spark the dopamine boost your ADHD brain craves to get moving.

The good news? You can work with this pattern by creating smaller, earlier “mini deadlines” or by tricking your brain into feeling that same urgency before the critical mass hits.

Why It Matters: Reclaiming Your Power Over Time

You might be wondering: “Why bother? Isn’t chaos just part of the deal?” But here’s the thing—poor time management doesn’t just stress you out. It seeps into every corner of your life.

Without a plan, here’s what tends to happen:

Confidence Takes a Hit

When you’re constantly behind, it’s easy to spiral into negative self-talk: “Why can’t I just get it together?” Spoiler alert: you can—it’s just about finding the right approach.

Stress Levels Skyrocket

Deadlines loom, decisions pile up, and before you know it, you’re living in a constant state of fight-or-flight.

Relationships Suffer

Friends, family, clients—none of them get your best self when you’re perpetually overwhelmed.

But here’s the glow-up waiting for you:

• Boosted Productivity: Getting more done in less time frees up energy for the things you actually love—like brainstorming your next big idea or unwinding with a book.

• Lower Stress: A solid plan gives you peace of mind, knowing everything has a time and place.

• Work-Life Balance: You’ll finally feel like there’s room for both business and personal joy without the constant tug-of-war.

Time management isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower for ADHD entrepreneurs. And the best part? It’s totally learnable.

Let’s Get Practical: ADHD-Savvy Strategies That Actually Work

Now that we know what’s at stake, let’s focus on solutions. These strategies are designed with ADHD tendencies in mind, meaning they’re flexible, realistic, and (dare I say?) even fun.

1. Time-Block Like a Pro

Think of time-blocking as giving your day a rhythm. Each block of time has a clear purpose, whether it’s brainstorming, client meetings, or tackling admin work. The key? Stay flexible—ADHD brains love novelty, so switch things up when needed.

Event Planning Example:

• Block a morning for designing your registration page.

• Use afternoons to schedule follow-ups with speakers or sponsors.

• Reserve the day before your event exclusively for tech checks and rehearsals.

💡 Bonus Tip: Leave buffer time between blocks. This way, if a task runs long or you need to recharge, you won’t derail your whole day.

2. Embrace Tools and Tech

Your phone and laptop aren’t just distraction machines—they can also be lifesavers when used strategically. Apps like Google Calendar can help you organize your tasks in a way that feels doable.

Pro Tip:

Use visual aids! Color-code tasks (e.g., purple for creative work, green for personal errands) to make your schedule easier to digest at a glance.

If focus is your kryptonite, try noise-canceling headphones to create a distraction-free bubble.

3. Break It Down, Baby

Big tasks are overwhelming. That’s ADHD 101. The solution? Chunk them into bite-sized pieces. The smaller the step, the easier it feels to get started—and once you start, momentum takes over.

Event Planning Example:

Instead of “Plan a virtual event,” break it into smaller chunks like:

• Choose your event platform.

• Create a rough agenda.

• Draft your email invites.

Each micro-task completed is a little win that keeps you moving forward.

4. Master the Timer Game

ADHD loves urgency, so timers are your secret weapon. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work, 5-minute break) is a classic for a reason—it creates structure and gives your brain the quick wins it craves.

Example:

Set a timer for 25 minutes to draft that tricky client email. When the timer goes off, take a short break, then dive back in if needed.

💡 Advanced Move: If the Pomodoro feels too short, try 45/15 splits—45 minutes of focus followed by a 15-minute recharge.

5. Delegate Like You Mean It

You don’t have to do it all. Focus on what only you can do, and hand off the rest. Whether it’s hiring a VA for admin tasks or automating repetitive work, delegation frees up your time for higher-priority activities.

Example:

Let automation tools handle your scheduling or outsource bookkeeping to a professional.

6. Build Flex Time Into Your Schedule

Life happens—kids get sick, clients reschedule, or you just need an unscheduled nap. Give yourself wiggle room by adding buffer time to your day.

Example:

Between meetings, block out 15–30 minutes to catch your breath, respond to emails, or reset for the next task.

7. Celebrate Every Win

You’re making progress, and that’s worth celebrating. ADHD brains thrive on positive reinforcement, so give yourself credit for every step forward—big or small.

Example:

Finished your to-do list? Treat yourself to a fancy coffee or a 10-minute dance party in your living room. 

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Even the best systems hit snags. When that happens, here’s how to recalibrate:

• Overwhelm: Pick one thing to focus on and set a timer. Momentum beats paralysis every time.

• Perfectionism: Remember, “good enough” is often all you need to move forward. Version 1.0 is better than staying stuck.

• Time Blindness: Use visual timers or verbal cues (like alarms with specific labels) to keep yourself on track.

Tying It All Together: ADHD-Friendly Strategies for Virtual Event Success

Here’s the magic: the same tools you use to tame your time beast—timers, delegation, breaking tasks down—are also what make your virtual events run like clockwork. By leaning into these ADHD-friendly strategies, you’re not just planning an event—you’re creating a repeatable system that works for your brain and your business.

And when your event day arrives? You’ll feel calm, collected, and ready to shine—because you tamed the time beast and turned chaos into clarity.

Final Word: Reclaiming Time, Reclaiming You

Time management doesn’t mean becoming a rigid, hyper-organized person—it means finding what works for you. Start small. Pick one or two strategies from this list to try this week. With a little patience (and a lot of timers), you’ll discover your groove.

Remember: you’re not fighting time—you’re learning to flow with it. And the more aligned your days feel, the more joy and creativity you’ll have to pour into your business and your life.

P.S. Let’s keep this momentum going! Follow me on LinkedIn for more ADHD-friendly business tips, encouragement, and maybe a pep talk or two. You’ve got this.