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 difficulties 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 large review of 158 studies with nearly 54,000 people (Aeon, Faber and Panaccio, 2021) found that good time management is linked to better job performance and academic results. Interestingly, the link was even stronger for wellbeing: people who managed their time well reported higher life satisfaction and less psychological distress.
Procrastination, constant multitasking and difficulty prioritising are common in adults with ongoing time management difficulties. Many people underestimate how long tasks take, which leaves them rushed and stressed. Struggling with time management is not a character flaw. It is a set of skills that can be learned.
For persistent difficulties, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you understand what gets in the way, tackle procrastination and build practical organisation skills. Time management difficulties can also be part of ADHD in adults, so it is worth mentioning if you have noticed these problems since childhood.
Managing time well is less about working harder and more about working smarter. With the right strategies and support, adults can take control of their schedules, reduce stress and feel more in control.
*Source: Does time management work? A meta-analysis – Aeon, Faber & Panaccio (2021), PLOS ONE
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.
Call us on 02 9438 2511, email hello@mindboxpsychology.com.au or send us an enquiry. Our reception team will answer your questions.
We’ll match you with a clinical psychologist who works with your concern, face-to-face in St Leonards or through online counselling anywhere in Australia.
Your first session is 60 minutes. You don’t need a referral to book, but with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
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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