The #1 Mistake ADHD Brains Make with Planners

Key Wellness and Productivity Strategies from “The #1 Mistake ADHD Brains Make with Planners”

Understanding ADHD Brain Traits

• ADHD brains are interest-driven and need novelty to stay engaged.
• Interest is not always aligned with what should be done and is not sustainable long-term.
• Planners often stop working after about two weeks because the novelty wears off.

The Core Insight: Skill Over Tool

• Success with planners is less about the specific planner/tool and more about the skill developed around using it.
• Building a planning skill is essential and often not taught, especially for ADHD individuals.
• Skill includes planning intentionally, tracking priorities, executing plans, and reflecting regularly.

Building a Sustainable Planning System

• Start by clarifying what is most important in your current life season.
• Organize your planner to highlight these priorities so your brain sees them daily.
• Regularly update and tweak your system to maintain novelty and engagement.
• Incorporate a simple system for implementation and tracking to avoid forgetting priorities.

Components of an Effective ADHD-Friendly Planning System

• Weekly layout that pulls in current priorities and projects.
• Front-and-center display of:
  • Weekly priorities (top 3 focus areas).
  • A to-do list/calendar for daily tasks.
  • Habit tracking tailored to current goals.
  • Reflection section for wins, journaling, and review questions.
  • Content or work-specific tracking (e.g., business metrics).
• Use motivational quotes or prompts to maintain engagement.

Key Skills to Develop

• Tracking: Identify and monitor what matters most.
• Planning: Set aside time to plan the week with intention.
• Execution: Regularly check and follow the plan throughout the week.
• Reflection: Review what went well, what didn’t, and adjust accordingly.
• Adaptation: Refresh the system periodically to maintain interest and effectiveness.

Practical Tips

• Don’t try to fix a life you don’t want—align your planner with your true priorities.
• Simplify your planner by removing unused or irrelevant sections.
• Use your planner as a tool to build trust in your ability to follow through, which boosts self-esteem.
• Focus on measurable actions you control rather than outcomes you don’t (e.g., content creation rather than views).

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Presenter

Cara McIll – ADHD coach, creator, and productivity strategist specializing in ADHD planning systems.