I'm Busy Being Awesome Episode 317: How To Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan: Tips for ADHD Brains
Aug 25, 2025
Explore the challenges faced by ADHD brains when it comes to traditional planning methods. The discussion reveals how common productivity mantras may inadvertently lead to failure. Through the unique metaphor of farming, learn to adapt your plans to align with real-life circumstances. Flexibility is key, emphasizing creative approaches to overcome barriers like time blindness and motivation fluctuations. Discover practical strategies to redefine productivity in a way that truly supports individuals with ADHD.
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Rigid Mantra Misses ADHD Reality
- The phrase "plan your work and work your plan" can feel dismissive to ADHD brains because it assumes rigid follow-through.
- Paula argues we must redefine "work your plan" to account for executive function variability.
Planning Assumes A Linear Machine
- Traditional planning imagines a linear, machine-like follow-through that rarely matches real life.
- Paula highlights time blindness, task-initiation struggles, and unreliable motivation as ADHD barriers.
Stay In Relationship With Your Plan
- Rethink "working your plan" as staying in relationship with the plan, not strict obedience.
- Check in, adjust, and reengage the plan based on real-time life conditions.