Unstructured Time: friend or foe?

What do you do when no one’s telling you what to do?

May 16, 2025

The morning after her dark night of the soul Ruby has a whole new outlook. Maybe because the wish she was given was truly magical. Or maybe because Ruby is — just by nature — a very resilient young woman. Whatever’s responsible for it, there is a noticeable shift in her energy…..

The Wonderful World of Unstructured Time

That’s the new world Ruby has crossed into. The last time she was in this world was early in her childhood. It feels different now that it did then. Or does it?

Perfecting Grin Slingin’ — spreading the energy of a smile — is a very worthy way to spend a day… it just doesn’t get her any closer to the goal of finding a new job.

So while on the one hand, the freedom she experiences in The Wonderful World of Unstructured Time feels luxurious… on the other hand, it’s going to prove to be one of her greatest TESTS given that she contends with….

Undiagnosed ADHD

What makes the ADHD “undiagnosed” is that she has no idea ADHD is even a thing. But ADHD is a thing, and this is what it is……

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily functioning.

For Ruby it shows up as difficulty focusing on tasks… losing track of time… forgetting important details… jumping from one activity to another without completing the last one.

It’s not that she’s lazy or careless or not smart, it’s just the way her brain is wired. And having a brain that’s wired this way makes the Wonderful World of Unstructured Time feel like a total blast… and a tremendous challenge.

Why ADHD makes things feel like a total blast

On the total blast side of things….

Ruby’s mind is highly creative. Sometimes she feels like a genius. New ideas and unusual connections come easily to her. Getting lost in a “flow state” is no problem. And her sense of curiosity makes almost everything feel like an opportunity to learn something new.

That sounds like a blast, right?

Why ADHD makes things feel tremendously challenging

On the tremendous challenge side of things…

Things can get a little chaotic for Ruby when there’s not clear enough structure. Maybe she’ll end up spending hours on something that doesn’t actually matter. Or maybe her focus on something will turn into hyperfocus and what was supposed to be “quick” swallows up her whole day.

Just like what happened with Grin Slingin’.

How about you?

Whether you have ADHD or not, can you relate to feeling scattered… easily distracted… overwhelmed… or unsure of how best to use your time?

How are YOU with unstructured time?

In today’s world it’s pretty normal to feel those things and have a hard time with time management. So today’s tapping is to help us navigate time — in particular, unstructured time — with more ease.

Let’s tap

Here is a reminder of the tapping points….

Tapping Script: Becoming Friends with Unstructured Time

1×

0:00

-8:30

Before tapping, imagine that you wake up to a wide-open day — no appointments, no obligations, no one telling you what you have to do. Just you… and a whole day stretched out before you. What do you feel? Excitement? Possibility? Or maybe a little pressure… confusion… a sense of “Where do I even start?” Whatever comes up, let’s tap.
Tapping through the points….
I see all this open time ahead of me.
It can feel exciting… but also stressful.
Releasing and letting go of the stress.

Sometimes I don’t know where to start.
Releasing and letting go of the feeling of confusion.

Sometimes I start too many things at once.
Releasing and letting go of any feelings of scatteredness.

Sometimes I get stuck in one thing and lose track of time.
Releasing and letting go of time blindness.

Acknowledging, allowing, and accepting
this is how my brain works.
Acknowledging, allowing, and accepting
kindness toward myself about it
Even as I release and let go of
what doesn’t serve me.
Stop tapping, hold your wrist, give it a squeeze on the inhale. Exhale, release the wrist. Notice what you’re feeling now.
Begin tapping again….

Releasing and letting go of anything unhelpful that remains…
Letting go of the need to be perfectly productive
Letting go of unrealistic expectations.
Releasing and letting go of any and all shame
around not finishing what I start.
Releasing and letting go of feeling scattered or stuck.
Letting go of the judgements.

And as I release and let got of what doesn’t serve me
I open myself to a more helpful way of being.
The truth is I can be skillful and strategic…
I can create a loose plan.
I can choose one or two priorities.
I can give myself permission to pivot
if I choose to.
I can use a timer to help me stay aware of time.
I can celebrate the things I do get done
with a “YES!” that affirms completion.

Because maybe, just maybe,
unstructured time is my friend.
A chance to discover what I love.
A chance to listen to what I need.
I’m open to feeling free and focused.
Free to follow my energy.
Focused as I enjoy what I choose.
I don’t have to get it perfect.
Learning how to balance freedom and focus
is an ongoing endeavor.
I’m open to a kinder, easier way
to enjoy unstructured time.
Stop tapping, hold your wrist, give it a squeeze on the inhale. Exhale, release the wrist. Notice what you’re feeling now.

Thanks for tapping along, and I’ll see you in the next installment of Ruby’s Very Good Thing where… Ruby continues to both enjoy and be challenged by the Wonderful World of Unstructured Time!