How ADHDers Get Stuff Done

Against popular belief, people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) don't always have problems with attention. It is easier to concentrate on something that excites them, therefore, when they find someone they like, they have the ability to hyperfocus for hours. Although it is 10 times harder for people with ADHD to learn basic learning and organizational skills, they are known to be better businessmen because they are required to learn the skills that other people adapt to naturally. In other words, they are built to tackle business challenges. Due to the difficulty of concentrating, people with ADHD often have the best advice of how to successfully get stuff done. 

Below are 21 productivity tips from people with ADHD that can help people, even without ADHD, get stuff done. 

1. Getting into the habit of a routine can allow for less brainpower on little things, which can lead to an easier start to the day. 
2. Always have a back up. Bring extras of everything important so that no matter when or where you need a phone charger or more meds, you know where to find it. 
3. Reminders and alerts keep your day on track and don't require memory because the device remembers for you. 
4. Learn how long it takes you to complete certain tasks, and factor that into your daily calendar. 
5. Figure what schedule works best for you and use it to your advantage. Complete active tasks when you have the most energy and calming tasks when you feel most relaxed. Learn your ups and downs. 
6. Finding a rhythm, such as counting or beats, can help complete a task. 
7. Making different to-do lists and breaking them down for different tasks can help prioritize what needs to be completed first. 
8. Being able to measure your progress in a hands on way can help give you drive to continue completing tasks.
9. Reward yourself for your accomplishments, no matter how big or small. This can keep your dopamine level and productivity at an all time high.
10. Turn boring daily tasks, such as daily steps, into a game to make it more interesting. 
11. When completing a boring task, think about the satisfaction of completing the task rather than the time it will take. 
12. Complete tasks right away before you let them pile up. The longer you wait, the harder it is to complete. 
13. Visual cues are instant reminders. Use sticky notes or other reminders to keep you alert and on time. 
14. Don't fight your instincts. If you often misplace something in the same spot, make that spot their new home. There is a reason you subconsciously continue to put them there. 
15. Everyone's brain is different. Take the time to make your own to-do lists so you are not frustrated by someone else telling you how to complete a task. 
16. Movement helps your brain work better. Taking a break every now and then can give you a new perspective. 
17. Give yourself time to complete a task. Know when to call it quits for the day and start fresh tomorrow. This will save you more time in the long run. 
18. Identify your flaws and strengths and use them to your advantage. By communicating them with others, your colleagues will be able to benefit from you greatly. 
19. It is important to remember, everyone is fighting their own battles. Don't forget to forgive yourself and others when things don't go as planned. 
20. Set a goal, but remember it's okay if you didn't finish it. There's always tomorrow. 
21. "Try again. Fall again. Fail better." - Samuel Beckett. Failure will happen, but it's how we learn from it that keeps us going. 

It is important to remember that success is never handed to you. It is something we all must work towards, even if it is harder to achieve for some people. Embrace your strengths and weaknesses and keep trying until you find what works for you. 

If you have questions about ADHD and how it can affect you or your child or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us. For more information on therapy, visit FAQ at Hilber Psychological Services. 

Written by Allison Parker and Tanya L. Hilber, PsyD

Reference: Dunn, T. (2016). What 8 Successful ADHDers Want You to Know about How They Get Stuff Done. Upworthy.