Obviously, there are more than just four ways to help with ADHD Organization, but these are good ones to start with. So on that note, let’s get into what we may be looking at.
And, as always, if you’d prefer to listen to the episode, you can do so on the podcast, or watch it on YouTube.
Way 1: Make note of your task guidelines
Like, sure, this sounds elementary, but the fact is, we ADHD brains need guidelines for everything unless we want to wind up making mistakes, missing details, or getting lost.
We’re much more likely do this for work projects or client jobs, certainly, but we almost never make sure we set guidelines for personal tasks. Be honest: how many times have you sat down and made sure you were clear on what, exactly, you expected out of yourself when you’re washing your car?
It’s not something we think to do, right? We tend to think putting “wash my car” is enough on a to-do list, but oftentimes, it isn’t. Because then we’ll get to the car and scrub it. Then we’ll look at the dirt on the tires and want to do that. Then we’ll look at the floor mats and want to vacuum those. Then we’ll want to wax. And the next thing we know, we’ve taken three hours to do something that initially sounded like it should’ve taken us one. It’s like some sort of twisted ADHD version of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.
But if you sit down beforehand and tell yourself that you only want to wash the outside and vacuum the rugs, you at least have your rules set. You know what you need to do to be satisfied with the work you’ve done. You may even walk out there, see all you have to do, and add more tasks. But at least you’re not caught unawares.
What does this have to do with ADHD organization?
This appeals to two parts of our brains’ functionality:
- It appeals to the the fact that we do best with explicit and precise instruction. Details help us to figure out which way to go. And
- It helps us to better understand the true time constraints we’re under, so that we can put our days in more realistic terms. Which means less disappointment. Which means more dopamine. HOORAY.
Way 2: Use colors or other easy indicators to classify your tasks
While you don’t want to go too HAM with your color-coding, you DO want to make sure that you’re distinguishing your tasks from one another somehow. Calendars or planners that are all one color won’t help us prioritize or work through our to-do lists quite as well as one that’s coded will.
What does this have to do with ADHD Organization?
WELP. For one, ADHD brains are naturally better-wired for pattern recognition, which means that tying, say, the color blue to personal tasks and red to work tasks will eventually aid in prioritizing overall.
For another, as mentioned before, our object permanence is terrible. It’s very easy for something to blend into the background if it’s not changed often and made interesting enough. Colors keep us interested; changing the colors once a month or so will keep us even more interested.
We are simple creatures; we just want things to be pretty. LET US HAVE THIS.
Way 3: Categorize all your tasks
In what is probably the most cruel irony, even though we are known for being disorganized, we need order. We were the kids who didn’t know what to do with ourselves on surprise movie days at school, and who got really snippy when we weren’t given clear ideas of what to expect.
That doesn’t stop when you’re older. We still need to feel like we’re dealing with order, even if we can’t seem to stay organized to save our lives sometimes. A great way to do this is to make sure that you have set categories for everything. Don’t let a thing go into your daily to-do list without marking whether it’s a personal task, a work task, or for a hobby. If you have more categories in mind, go for those. But don’t leave anything without a “home” to go to when you’re planning things out.
What does this have to do with ADHD organization?
A LOT.
Fine, you want more than that? I guess.
Fact is, like colors, categories invite an almost subconscious prioritization when you’re planning things out. For example, simply indicating that a task is for a hobby can lead you to immediately reschedule if a work task suddenly comes up. It helps you to logically put tasks where they belong in your schedule, and lowers your chances of doing something that you didn’t mean to do, or that could have waited.
Way 4: Designate Locations for Important Things
Don’t look at me like that. I know this is a hard one. Part of the reason we’re often staring at dirty houses has a lot to do with the fact that putting things away takes focus, energy, and…y’know…wanting to do it. Which we often don’t have.
BUT.
I bring this up because it’s possible to do with one or two things for sure. That important journal you write in when you get ideas? It is possible to pick one (I know) and commit to keeping it by the bed. Those project notes? It is possible to compile them into the same Google doc instead of writing it on a random sticky note.
It can take time and effort, but making the conscious choice, and then picking a place you pass by regularly, can definitely keep you from losing things when you need them.
What does this have to do with ADHD organization?
Could you imagine remembering an idea you had a couple days ago, then immediately knowing where you wrote it down? How much nicer would that be, rather than being all, “Ok, no, it was a GOOD IDEA I just don’t remember where I wrote it. Lemme go spend three hours searching.”
Of course it would. And it’s also a lovely way to feel a bit more in control of your situation, which we all also appreciate.
I dunno what to say about that laundry pile, though. You’re on your own there.
If you’re looking for something to help you keep track of important projects, I have two in the shop. You can print them out as many times as you like, or use them digitally. If this sounds like your kind of thing, head over to get one!
