Habits & Routines Vital to Planning: An ADHD Listener Q&A
Dec 7, 2023
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In this episode, the hosts answer listener questions about planning and organization, including how to get started when you haven't done it before, how to plan for things without concrete goals, and what to do during transition time. They also discuss the use of AI tools and recommend TickTick for planning.
Transition time is important for smooth task switching and mental reset.
Use a yearly calendar to visualize and plan for long-term goals and commitments.
Embrace the planning process and focus on progress rather than perfection when setting personal deadlines.
Deep dives
Transition time: Giving yourself buffer time to transition between tasks
Transition time is important because it allows you to smoothly move from one task to the next without feeling overwhelmed or scattered. During this transition time, you can engage in activities like taking a short walk, taking a few moments to clear your mind, or reviewing the notes from the previous task. The specific activities can vary based on the type of task you're transitioning to, but the key is to give yourself a mental break and reset before diving into the next task.
Enhancing long-term planning with a visual yearly calendar
Long-term planning can be challenging, especially when it comes to visualizing goals and commitments that are weeks or months away. To overcome this, use a yearly calendar that allows you to see all the months together. This visual tool helps you identify important dates, plan vacations, events, and more. By having a clear overview of your long-term plans, you can better prepare for them and prevent feeling limited by the distant timeframe.
Setting personal deadlines and embracing the planning process
When it comes to setting personal deadlines, it's important to embrace the planning process and not get caught up in the idea of doing it perfectly. Start by defining your goals and breaking them down into smaller, actionable steps. Set realistic deadlines for these steps, and remember that the purpose of planning is not to guess or know everything, but to provide a roadmap for progress. Give yourself permission to work with your ADHD tendencies rather than fighting against them, finding a balance between embracing your natural inclinations and being productive.
Making progress towards goals and overcoming planning obstacles
When starting to plan or make progress towards a goal after a long time without using to-do lists, it's important to understand what planning means to you. Planning is more than just creating a to-do list. It involves prioritizing tasks, tracking projects, and working on what is most important to you. Start by breaking down your goals into manageable steps and find a planning system that works best for you. Avoid putting excessive pressure on yourself to plan perfectly and instead focus on the process of planning and making progress towards your goals.
Exploring the use of AI tools for productivity
AI tools can offer productivity enhancements, but it's important to note that the field is still evolving. While there are AI applications available for various tasks, including task management and writing assistance, it's crucial to approach them with caution. Many tools are still in their early stages and may not fully address your needs. Consider exploring different tools and experimenting with their features, but be mindful that AI tools are constantly changing, and it's essential to be patient and evaluate their effectiveness for your unique requirements.
We're talking about planning again and we're taking on your questions! Getting started, long-term planning, making transitions, and even AI tools are on deck for this week's show. The big topics:
How do you get started planning when you haven't done it?
How do you plan to plan?
Struggling with personal deadlines?
What if you’re struggling to make plans more than a few weeks ahead of time?
How do you plan for things that don't have concrete goals?