I've used backwards scheduling before too. It helped but not enough, so I "fell off the bandwagon" using it. However, after reading how you're implementing this strategy, I now realize it didn't work for me because I was only accounting for the time it would take me to get to my destination plus fifteen extra minutes. I knew I'd need to shower, grab my purse, make sure I had everything, etc but never actually made myself add up how much time I would need--BEFORE---I left! Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting!!.

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Kim, I'm so glad what helped me might help you. That's why I decided to post :)

As an added plus, I ended up being ahead of schedule in terms of showering, so I was able to add in a bowl of cereal (I had forgotten to schedule breakfast! doh!) and I rode my bike instead of driving. The appointment was to take an orientation quiz for work, so the exercise really helped with my mental acuity.

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I find this very exhausting to figure out every time it seems... especially when I have to do it for EVERYTHING.However, seeing as I am consistent at one thing - consistently late for the bus... I really need to tell myself to grow up and suck it up, princess.

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I have never tried backwards scheduling but maybe will try it. The morning would be easier if you could shower at night, and make childrens lunches in evening if possible. You should allow more time than needed to arrive on time. I am sometimes late because I lose track of time.

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I have never tried backwards scheduling but maybe will try it. The morning would be easier if you could shower at night, and make childrens lunches in evening if possible. You should allow more time than needed to arrive on time. I am sometimes late because I lose track of time.

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Thank you for sharing this - this is exactly what I need to start doing! I'm new here and already so glad I joined!

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Thanks for sharing this, as it just reinforces a practice that really works for me. The more truthful I am with how long each task will take, the better my chances are for, not only being ontime, but... GASP... being early!

A great quote I once heard is "the only way to be ontime is to be early" and rings so true for me.

Once you try this method a few times and see how successful it is, the more likely you are to remember to use it! :: smile ::

- Vicki, 55. Diagnosed @ 50.

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I am relatively new here, and already I feel like I am among friends. Amazes me how many of us experience the struggles of AD(H)D. I have a really hard time getting out the door because I save EVERYTHING to the last minute. I am going to try backward scheduling. I like the way you have included everything, and maybe by allowing a certain amount of time for ONE task, I can actually focus on that one task, instead of saying that, for example, from "6:00 to 6:30 Make the bed, shower, get dressed". Thanks for the tip.

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Special Ed Assistant said: I find this very exhausting to figure out every time it seems... especially when I have to do it for EVERYTHING.However, seeing as I am consistent at one thing - consistently late for the bus... I really need to tell myself to grow up and suck it up, princess.

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so how does it work? I am not dumb but I haven't been able to get it to work for me. Any suggestions (Judi)

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