Summary of "The #1 Mistake ADHD Brains Make with Planners"
Key Wellness and Productivity Strategies from “The #1 Mistake ADHD Brains Make with Planners”
Understanding ADHD Brain Traits
- ADHD brains are interest-driven and need novelty to stay engaged.
- Interest is not always aligned with what should be done and is not sustainable long-term.
- Planners often stop working after about two weeks because the novelty wears off.
The Core Insight: Skill Over Tool
- Success with planners is less about the specific planner/tool and more about the skill developed around using it.
- Building a planning skill is essential and often not taught, especially for ADHD individuals.
- Skill includes planning intentionally, tracking priorities, executing plans, and reflecting regularly.
Building a Sustainable Planning System
- Start by clarifying what is most important in your current life season.
- Organize your planner to highlight these priorities so your brain sees them daily.
- Regularly update and tweak your system to maintain novelty and engagement.
- Incorporate a simple system for implementation and tracking to avoid forgetting priorities.
Components of an Effective ADHD-Friendly Planning System
- Weekly layout that pulls in current priorities and projects.
- Front-and-center display of:
- Weekly priorities (top 3 focus areas).
- A to-do list/calendar for daily tasks.
- Habit tracking tailored to current goals.
- Reflection section for wins, journaling, and review questions.
- Content or work-specific tracking (e.g., business metrics).
- Use motivational quotes or prompts to maintain engagement.
Key Skills to Develop
- Tracking: Identify and monitor what matters most.
- Planning: Set aside time to plan the week with intention.
- Execution: Regularly check and follow the plan throughout the week.
- Reflection: Review what went well, what didn’t, and adjust accordingly.
- Adaptation: Refresh the system periodically to maintain interest and effectiveness.
Practical Tips
- Don’t try to fix a life you don’t want—align your planner with your true priorities.
- Simplify your planner by removing unused or irrelevant sections.
- Use your planner as a tool to build trust in your ability to follow through, which boosts self-esteem.
- Focus on measurable actions you control rather than outcomes you don’t (e.g., content creation rather than views).
Presenter
Cara McIll – ADHD coach, creator, and productivity strategist specializing in ADHD planning systems.
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
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