Learn how to create planning systems that work with the ADHD brain. Avoid common traps like perfectionism and learn to personalize your system. Understand the importance of forming a habit of using your planning tools. Explore the challenges of finding a system that works for individuals with ADHD and the confusion around the role of a task manager. Discover the impact of notifications in a planning system and how to optimize their functionality.
Building trust and consistency with planning tools is more important than finding the perfect system.
Understanding the purpose of a task manager to inform and remind, not judge, can help overcome perfectionism.
Deep dives
The Importance of Trusting and Using Planning Systems
One of the main ideas discussed in this podcast episode is the importance of trusting and using planning systems. The hosts emphasize that trust is essential in relying on these tools to stay organized and track projects. They highlight the need for routines and habits to ensure consistent use of the system, while also acknowledging the common challenge of forgetting to use it. They encourage listeners to develop trust in their tools, understand their workflows, and customize the system to their unique needs. Additionally, the hosts caution against perfectionism and urge individuals to focus on what works for them rather than trying to duplicate someone else's system.
Understanding the Job of a Task Manager
Another key point discussed is the need to understand the job of a task manager. The hosts highlight that the task manager's purpose is to inform users about their next task or priorities for the day. They clarify that the task manager does not judge or have emotions; its role is to remind users of tasks they've assigned to themselves. By dispelling misconceptions and embracing the capabilities of the task manager, individuals can overcome perfectionism and make the most out of the system's features.
Creating Personalized Systems for ADHD-Friendly Planning
The podcast underscores the importance of creating personalized planning systems that are ADHD-friendly. The hosts caution against trying to duplicate systems that may not cater to ADHD needs and limitations. Instead, they emphasize the importance of adjusting and customizing existing systems to suit individual preferences and workflows. They encourage listeners to focus on what resonates with them and tweak the system accordingly, highlighting the uniqueness of each person's planning system within the ADHD community.
Avoiding Out of Sight, Out of Mind Pitfalls
Finally, the hosts discuss the common mistake of forgetting to use the planning system. They acknowledge that even with established routines and habits, ADHD individuals may still face distractions and overlook their planning tools. They emphasize the importance of setting up reminder notifications to prompt regular use of the system and stress the significance of incorporating these notifications strategically and purposefully to ensure they are noticeable and effective.
On this week’s show, Pete and Nikki break down how to create and implement planning systems that work with the ADHD brain.
“There is not a perfect calendar, planner or task manager for ADHD,” notes Nikki. “What matters is that you build trust and consistency with your chosen tools.”
They start by addressing common misconceptions about finding the “right” organizational system. As Nikki explains, no one tool determines success - only your willingness to use it consistently builds planning skills. She cautions against getting distracted searching for a flawless system. What matters is finding tools that fit your workflow and building habits around using them daily.
What causes so many to abandon their carefully chosen systems? They share the psychological traps that sabotage trust in planning tools, from perfectionism to learned helplessness. They discuss how forgetting to use the system consistently or failing to personalize it to your needs also hinders success. Tune in to gain insight into why your tools may be failing you.
The key to results is forming a habit of using your system, not the system itself. They offer tips like starting small, scheduling planning time and allowing flexibility as you build consistency. Nikki emphasizes that mistakes are part of the process - you must persist through frustration to cement reliability.
Create order amidst the chaos of ADHD through insights on building planning systems you can trust. Pete and Nikki guide you through myths, pitfalls, and practical strategies for long-term consistency. Discover how small steps create big change.