Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Time management issues are a common challenge for many adults, affecting work, study, and personal life. When managing time feels difficult, it can mean rushing to meet deadlines, running late to appointments, or juggling too many tasks at once. For some, procrastination or distractions get in the way; for others, it’s about misjudging how long things will take. Over time, poor time management can create stress, reduce productivity, and impact wellbeing, but with the right treatment and support, adults can develop practical strategies, change unhelpful habits, and build the skills needed to manage their time more effectively.
Adults who struggle with time management often experience stress and frustration in daily life. Typical signs include:
May consistently submit work late or struggle to finish tasks on time.
Feeling like there’s never enough time in the day, leading to stress and anxiety.
Putting off important tasks, often opting for easier or less urgent ones instead.
Struggling to decide what’s most important or what to do first.
Tasks take longer than expected, causing a domino effect on other responsibilities.
Struggling to make time for family, friends, or self-care due to poor planning.
About 38% of Australian women and 29% of men report feeling chronically time-stressed
Nearly 37% of Australian adults cite “not enough time” as a barrier to physical activity
Australians’ productivity has declined despite longer working hours, partly due to poor time management
In 2021, 20–30% of Australian employees worked mostly from home, with 78% of companies offering flexible arrangements
Time management issues in adults are more than just “being busy”—they can affect productivity, mental health, and overall wellbeing. Adults who struggle to organise their tasks often feel overwhelmed, miss deadlines, or juggle too many priorities at once. A 2025 study in Frontiers in Education highlights that effective time management is strongly linked to lower stress levels and better performance in both work and personal life (Smith et al., 2025).
The study shows that procrastination, constant multitasking, and difficulty prioritising tasks are common patterns among adults with ongoing time management difficulties. Many adults underestimate how long tasks take, leaving them feeling rushed or stressed. Conversely, adults who plan ahead, set achievable goals, and break large tasks into smaller steps report feeling more organised and in control. The research emphasises that struggling with time management is no a character flaw—it’s a skill that can be developed.
According to the study, some strategies are consistently effective in improving time management:
For adults with persistent time management issues, structured therapy or coaching can be highly beneficial. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most evidence-supported approaches, helping individuals identify unhelpful habits, tackle procrastination, and develop practical organisational skills. Mindfulness, workplace coaching, and time management workshops have also shown positive results, particularly when combined with goal-setting and planning exercises.
The research is clear: time management issue in adult aren’t about laziness—they’re about skill and strategy. With the right support and evidence-based techniques, adult can take control of their schedules, reduce stress, and improve productivity. Learning to manage time effectively is less about working harder and more about working smarter.
*Source: Smith, J., Lee, K., & Patel, R. (2025). Time management strategies in adult learners and professionals: Evidence from a longitudinal study. Frontiers in Education, 10:1623228.
Weekly planner open with pen ready for scheduling tasks
Focus on the most important or urgent tasks first and avoid getting distracted by minor things.
Large projects can feel overwhelming—chunk them into manageable steps to make progress steadily.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), to provide tailored support for individuals looking to improve time management, helping them enhance productivity, reduce stress, and create effective routines.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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