I'm Busy Being Awesome - Sustainable Productivity for ADHD Episode 337: ADHD and Deadlines: 5 Tips That Actually Work
Jan 12, 2026
Discover how traditional deadlines often fall short for those with ADHD due to time blindness. Learn about 'doing dates'—scheduled work sessions designed to build momentum without the pressure of final due dates. Break projects into manageable steps and give yourself buffer time to handle unexpected disruptions. Paula emphasizes the importance of flexibility in structure, suggesting tailored approaches based on individual preferences. Tune in for actionable strategies to boost productivity and make deadlines work for you!
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Due Dates Live In The 'Not Now' Zone
- Due dates live in the abstract for ADHD brains and land in the "not now" zone.
- That makes tasks get ignored until they become urgent and cause last-minute scramble.
Conference Papers Left Until The Last Minute
- Paula recounts delaying conference papers after acceptance and writing them days before the event.
- That habit led to burnout, late nights, and rushed work in academia.
Home Project Stalled By Vague Task
- Paula shares her deck renovation that sat on a list as "put in a new deck" without actionable steps.
- The vague entry kept the project in "not now" until it stalled, illustrating poor task definition.