One thing that helps me is making sure I know exactly why I need to complete a task. Just because you know you have to get something done doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be motivated to actually do it. Hallowell explains, motivation can be hard to come by, especially for tasks that are intrinsically boring, tedious, or uninteresting. The things that motivate neurotypical people don’t always work for people with ADHD. For every item on your to-do list, quickly jot down why it’s a priority. You’ve accomplished something, and now that big thing that sits in front of you isn’t so overwhelming.” Ceremoniously crossing something off my to-do list gives me a bit of a buzz and helps me move on to the next thing.

“You’re already giving yourself a success. “Try to structure your workday so you do the easiest thing first,” she says. She recommends organizing your day’s tasks intentionally so that when you need a win, there’s one right there waiting for you.

Pinsky is a professional organizer and author of Organizing Solutions for People With ADHD. And make sure your first tiny task is one that you have a 100% chance of succeeding at. I use Google Keep’s checklist because it feels satisfying to check things off. Emphasize resourcefulness (making due with the essentials you have available) above over-preparation (having a supply of everything you may possibly ever need).You can also lean on apps like Things or Todoist to help you structure your tasks and projects.Prepare for emergencies by having a first aid kit, adequate supplies of water, food, etc., but don’t create an “apocalypse bunker.”.If you haven’t tried to read an issue by the time one or two new ones have arrived, assume you’ll never read it and recycle it. Keep a small basket for unread magazines, etc.Create a shopping list and shop for groceries only for the week ahead, not for weeks and months to come.Long-range planning is a good idea for all of us, but when it comes to getting organized and reducing clutter, narrow your gaze to the shorter term. One of the frustrating things about ADD/ADHD is that it may spur you to have hyper-focus on the “here and now” in one moment, then have you getting worked up about things weeks, months, and years down the line in another.

How to organize your life with adhd