Waiting mode is an informal term, widely used in ADHD communities, for the state of being stuck before a scheduled event: a call at 3 p.m. means the morning dissolves into half-starts and checking the clock. The event takes over attention long before it happens.
Why it matters
It can quietly cost hours a day, and it explains why a calendar with one meeting in the middle can be as unproductive as one full of them.
How to apply it
- Schedule appointments at the start or end of the day where possible.
- Plan low-stakes, droppable tasks for the waiting time instead of deep work.
- Set an alarm for when to leave, so you can stop guarding the clock.