Choosing Tools for Function, Not Dopamine

Join the Regulated Approach to ADHD Tools workshop (January 19th) - https://www.adhdwithjennafree.com/toolsworkshop You can get your free ADHD Regulation Guide here - www.adhdwithjennafree.com/adhdguide

Chapters 00:00 Introduction: A Regulated Approach to ADHD Tools Workshop 02:00 ADHD, Dysregulation, and Digital Overstimulation 05:00 Why Physical Tools Are More Grounding 08:00 My Paper Calendar System (3.5 Years Strong) 11:00 Why We Choose Tools (And Why That's the Problem) 14:00 Functionality Over Dopamine 16:00 Less Is More: Simplicity Is Key 19:00 Regulating vs Dysregulating Tools

Summary In this episode, I talk about why your ADHD apps and digital tools aren't working - and what to try instead. Most ADHD conversations focus on external supports like apps, calendars, and organizational systems, but sometimes our ADHD strategies are actually making things worse. There's strong messaging out there that the more complicated the ADHD tool, the better - more features, more automation, more tech. But is this really helping? When everything lives on your phone (calendar, lists, organizational apps), it's less grounding for your nervous system, easier to forget things buried digitally, and adds to overstimulation. Digital tools mirror dysregulated thinking - fast-paced, a million folders, scrolling forever. Physical analog tools mirror regulated thinking - you can only do one thing at a time, they're softer and slower. I share my paper calendar system that I've used every single workday for 3.5 years without fail (not because I'm trying hard, but because it supports my regulation). Most ADHD tools are chosen to create motivation through dopamine, novelty, or urgency - but this motivation is unreliable and fades fast (like that bean app everyone was using). The fun will fade, the aesthetics will fade. Instead, focus purely on functionality from day one. I break down why less is more, how to find your MVP (minimum viable product), and the difference between regulating tools (visible, simple, dependable, work even when you're tired) versus dysregulating tools (live entirely on phone, too many features, require frequent setup, rely on novelty).

Action Step This week, assess your current ADHD tools and apps. Ask yourself: Is this tool regulating or dysregulating my nervous system? Am I using this because it's functional and solves a real problem, or because it's pretty, fun, or gave me a dopamine hit when I first got it? Look for one area where you could simplify - maybe you have five calendars all over the place when you really need just one or two. Or maybe everything lives on your phone when one physical tool (like a paper calendar or simple notebook) would be more grounding. What's the MVP - the minimum viable product - that would actually solve your problem without all the extra features you're not using anyway?

Takeaways

• Digital ADHD tools can be dysregulating - when everything lives on your phone, it's less grounding, easier to forget (buried digitally), and adds to overstimulation with lights, sounds, and fast-paced scrolling
• Physical analog tools are more regulating because they're tactile, slower, and force you to do one thing at a time - your nervous system is primal and prefers the physical world
• Most ADHD apps are chosen for dopamine, novelty, or urgency - but this motivation is unreliable and fades within 3 days to a week, which is why you keep buying new tools that don't stick
• Focus purely on functionality, not aesthetics or fun - the prettiest calendar won't help if you stop using it after a week, but an ugly functional one you use every day will change your life
• Less is more: simplicity is key - cut the fluff, find your MVP (minimum viable product), and make tools as simple as possible so they work even when you're tired or low energy

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