Tips for Managing ADHD Productivity Challenges

Time blocking killed my productivity. Energy mapping saved it. Here's the brutal truth about ADHD: Your brain doesn't care what your calendar says. 9am meeting? Your brain might be in creative mode. 2pm "deep work"? Your brain wants to socialize. 4pm admin tasks? Your brain just shut down. Traditional time blocking assumes your energy is predictable. For ADHD entrepreneurs? That's a recipe for failure. I learned this the hard way. Years of: → Forcing myself through tasks at the "wrong" time → Fighting my brain instead of flowing with it → Burning out because I was always swimming upstream Then I discovered Energy-Based Scheduling. Instead of asking "When should I do this?" I started asking "What am I naturally wired for right now?" The shift was immediate. Here's how it works: Map your energy patterns for 2 weeks. Track when you feel: ✅ Creative (ideas flow, connections spark) ✅ Social (want to connect, communicate, sell) ✅ Admin (detail-oriented, systematic) ✅ Recovery (brain needs rest, not resistance) Then batch your work by energy state, not time slots. My energy map: Morning: Creative burst (writing, strategy) Late morning: Social energy (calls, meetings) Afternoon: Admin mode (emails, systems) Late afternoon: Recovery (planning, light tasks) But here's the key: These aren't rigid blocks. They're flexible containers. If I wake up in admin mode? I do admin. If creativity strikes at 3pm? I create. My client Rachel went from 3 completed tasks/day to 15. Not by working more hours. By working WITH her brain's natural rhythm. The ADHD Energy Framework: Track, don't guess - Your patterns might surprise you Batch similar tasks - Creative with creative, admin with admin Create "entry ramps" - Easy tasks that match current energy Honor the transitions - 5-min breaks between energy shifts Protect peak states - Block your best energy for highest-impact work Real examples: James discovered his "dead zone" was 2-4pm. Moved all creative work to mornings. Revenue doubled in 90 days. Maria realized she was forcing sales calls during low social energy. Shifted to her natural "people window" (11am-1pm). Close rate went from 20% to 45%. The biggest mistake ADHD entrepreneurs make? Treating their energy like it's negotiable. It's not. You can fight it and lose. Or flow with it and win. Stop asking "What time should I work?" Start asking "What work matches my energy right now?" Your calendar isn't your boss. Your energy is your compass. What's your natural energy pattern? Share below - let's map the real ADHD workday together. PS - If you're thinking "but I need structure!"... This IS structure. Just the kind that actually works for your brain.

As someone who deals with ADHD, depression, and anxiety, I know firsthand how hard it can be to get things done on a regular basis. It's even more challenging when we're expected to keep going about life as normal when everything is---A LOT. Some of y'all know I use (tons of) productivity hacks to get stuff done and push through the ADHD sludge. I figured folks could use some support now, too. Here are the Cliff Notes of the various hacks I move between in order to keep things moving from my ebook "Works For Me: 27 Realistic Productivity Hacks That Work With The (Perfect-As-It-Is) Brain You Have" -One Thing - Focus on just one important task at a time. -Pomodoro - Use a timer to work in short, focused bursts. -BERG - Do one task daily for each category: Book, Earn, Receive, and Grow. -Perfect Timing Playlist - Assign songs to tasks you need to complete. -Timers - Use timers to stay focused for a defined period of time. -Eat the Frog - Do your least desirable task first. -Time Blocking - Schedule blocks of time for important tasks. -Casual Consistency - Show up ready to work at a regular time. -Carryover List - Move unfinished tasks to the next day's list. -Letting Go - Drop tasks that aren't providing value. -Accountability Partners - Check-in with someone regularly on goals. -One Notebook - Use one notebook to eliminate decision fatigue. -HustleShift - Create a realistic nightly to-do list based on available time. -Project Sprint - Focus intently on one project for a set period of time. -Start Now, Finish Later - Front-load work when energy is highest. -Start Now, Finish Now - Fully complete a task in one sitting. -Treat Yo' Self - Reward yourself after completing tasks. -Plan to Procrastinate - Leave buffer time around deadlines. -Double Deadlines - Set an earlier personal deadline before the real one. -Fresh Start List - Begin each day with a new to-do list. -Write, Highlight, and a Line - Highlight tasks as you work, cross off when done. -Train a Space - Dedicate a space for focus. -Watch Me Work - Do work while someone watches to motivate you. -Help Me Work - Outsource small tasks to focus on big ones. -No New Tasks - Avoid starting new tasks when completing existing ones. -Keep It Simple - Eliminate small decisions to conserve mental energy. -Push Through - Use sheer willpower to force yourself to focus. Do any of these hacks resonate with you? #ADHD #productivity

🚀 Unlocking ADHD Superpowers: Atomic Habits for Entrepreneurs 🔑 As an entrepreneur with ADHD, I've learned that the path to success isn't about giant leaps, but consistent, small wins. Key Takeaways: Start Small: Don't get overwhelmed by big goals. My first win? Getting paid $1 for my service. That small victory built momentum. Habit Stacking: Break tasks into tiny chunks. This is a game-changer for us with ADHD. Rejection Setting: Commit to doing tough tasks (like sales) 100 times before stopping. This shifts focus from the outcome to the process. Celebrate Wins: Those dopamine hits from small achievements keep us motivated and build towards bigger goals. Atomic habits are powerful for everyone, but especially for us ADHD entrepreneurs. We can use our unique wiring to our advantage! Share your own strategies for staying focused in the comments. Together, we can prove that ADHD isn't a limitation, it's a superpower! #ADHD #Entrepreneurship #AtomicHabits #Productivity

The urge to constantly check LinkedIn + email is STRONG. As an ADHD entrepreneur, how I (mostly) stay on task: So, I read that every time you context switch, it takes ~23 minutes to refocus. And personally, nothing feels better than a deep work session where you get a lot done imo. I kind of got addicted to the flow state high about 5 years ago. Started to actively work on getting better at it. Here's what worked... 1/ Put phone on airplane mode Do not disturb is a must. But airplane mode for focused work. Also, I don't leave it on the table or have it in my pocket. Put your phone somewhere you can neither see nor reach. Can't check what you can't access. 2/ Play focus music I have a few playlists that've basically Pavlovian-trained my brain for deep work. I burnt out on too much lofi so lately it's "Peaceful Piano" and "Nitroboost" on Spotify. I now even concentrate better with headphones even if there's no music. 3/ Use a Pomodoro timer Knowing a break is coming helps me power through that urge to switch tasks. I search youtube for the timer duration I want. (And whether I want music or not.) It's amazing what you can do in 20 minutes if you give yourself no choice. 4/ Take real breaks Since I work for myself, I don't have to pretend to be working. If I hit a wall with my focus or creativity, instead of fighting it, usually I just step away. Stand up. Move around. Go walk. Work out. Play a video game. Instead of pretending to work, I stop working entirely (until I feel refreshed). 5/ Multiple work spaces I usually work from my office, my couch, my recliner, or a table outside. All are in different rooms/spaces. If I can't concentrate in one, I'll move to a new location. Works wonders. I forget where I heard it, but someone once said, "The muse only shows up when you do." Like you can't just half-ass being creative. So now I focus on doing better, deeper work, and taking care of myself for longer. (Rather than pushing hard through everything) There's more, but those are the main 5: • Phone • Focus music • Timer • Breaks • Spaces By the way, for the timer, I originally started with just 5 minute writing sprints. It's crazy how hard it can be if you're used to being distracted. That's all for now. I'm back to writing more about content, business, and entrepreneurship in addition to smart uses of AI. If you want to learn from a guy who made $650,000+ in his first two years as an entrepreneur, tap that profile and hit me with a follow. :)

Two years ago, I learned that "energy management" is a more effective mindset than "time management" for getting things done. Initially, I thought to myself, "Oh, okay, this is an interesting observation of life." But it wasn’t until I had completely burned out that I understood the importance of energy management, regardless of what’s happening at work. Effective energy management involves identifying your energy patterns throughout the day and scheduling tasks accordingly (or automating them using no code tools such as Make or Airtable). Do the more demanding work when you have the most energy, and tackle lighter tasks when you're feeling fatigued. Sometimes, it's okay to take a day off. I found the methodology of energy management most useful while having a weekly plan and schedule to avoid wasting time wondering what to do. My ADHD brain just can’t afford not to have at least an outline of a plan; otherwise, everything becomes a huge pile of mess. And the most important thing I recommend you to do is to minimize the time spent with "energy vampires" - people or activities that drain your energy. I once heard Naval Ravikant say that the key is to "work like a lion" - be highly focused and productive when you're at your peak energy, and then rest and recharge when your energy is low, rather than trying to power through. Hope you are having a day filled with energy, and if not, that's ok too.

Strict schedules make you feel trapped with ADHD. But no routine leaves you lost and distracted. (there is a win-win approach to this) It’s possible to get the best of both worlds! The hidden key? An intentional routine with flexibility built in. This looks like: - Planning must-do priorities for the day - Leaving spacious breaks for spontaneity - Scheduling rewarding activities after tasks The outcome? You maintain structure while feeling free. This is highly supportive of those with ADHD. For example: Plan to exercise from 8-9am (routine) Block 10-12 for fun or rest (flexibility) Aim to work from 1-3pm (routine) See how both exist? This transformative approach provides: Freedom: To be present and shift gears Accountability: To accomplish what matters Reward: For staying consistent with routines You can have it all when you put some work into it. What helps you balance structure with flexibility? Do you think both can exist? #adhd

My time hacks: timers and the pomodoro technique As physicians with ADHD, navigating time-blindness can be challenging, especially when it comes to charting. That's why I've embraced gamification and time management techniques to enhance my productivity and focus. I've found that using timers and the Pomodoro Technique has been a game-changer. I set a timer for a focused work session, typically 25 minutes, and commit to deep, uninterrupted charting. Once the timer goes off, I reward myself with a short break, engaging in something I enjoy or simply giving my mind a moment to recharge. This approach not only helps me manage my time effectively but also turns charting into a game. By setting mini-goals and working against the clock, I've transformed a seemingly mundane task into an engaging challenge. Fellow physicians with ADHD, let's share our strategies for optimizing productivity. How do you gamify your charting process? Share your tips below and let's support one another in our journey to conquer time-blindness. #PhysiciansWithADHD #TimeManagementTips #GamifyYourCharting #PomodoroTechnique #ProductivityHacks

If you really knew me, you'd know... That I am heavily affected by my environment and NEED to live and work in beautiful spaces. It’s not because I’m a princess; it's science-backed facts. Steven Kotler's research on flow highlights the importance of a well-curated environment for productivity, especially for those managing ADHD traits like me. So what do I do to make myself more productive? 1. Creating a designated work spot helps me focus. When working from my van, I pull out a table specifically for work hours. 2. Turning my phone to Do Not Disturb is another crucial step to avoid the temptation of notifications. Sometimes putting the phone in another room isn’t enough if I can still hear it ding, so Do Not Disturb works better for me. 3. Different sensory triggers signal to my body and mind that it’s time to work. I use specific scents in my diffuser to feel energized or focused. Scent is the most powerful memory trigger, helping to set the right mood for work. 4. Playlists tailored to the energy I need for tasks also help set the mood. 5. Natural light is another big factor. Spending so many hours in front of a ring light for client calls makes me appreciate working under natural light, which helps regulate my brain for deeper, focused work. Studies have shown that natural light improves mood, energy levels, and overall productivity, which is especially beneficial for those with ADHD. But what about the actual work itself? Grouping similar energy tasks together, as described in my work profiling and ideal week planning system (message me if you want to hear me talk about this in my podcast), helps maintain focus and efficiency. This approach aligns with Kotler's insights on achieving a flow state, where time either expands or contracts to suit your needs. Why am I sharing this? Because these tools can help you and your team prepare to work. Allowing your team to set up their workspace in a way that suits them can significantly boost productivity. Which of these tips could you implement in your office today? #ifyoureallyknewme #ADHD #timebatching

Last year I discovered I have #ADHD . It was a bit of a lightbulb moment as to why specific productivity methods and tools have been working all my life, but here is my list, and I hope it helps you too-- 1. A clock that helps you do the Pomoro method, much like this one from Time Timer. (https://lnkd.in/ePGN_Pkg) I like that it's quiet, and I like that it's off my computer / phone. 2. Pomodoro method (as mentioned above). The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method based on 25-minute stretches of focused work broken by five-minute breaks. Longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes, are taken after four consecutive work intervals. 3. Time boxing as a method. Timeboxing is a simple time management technique that involves allotting a fixed, maximum unit of time for an activity in advance, and then complete the activity within that time frame. In gist, timeboxing is a time management technique where you allocate a fixed time period to a planned activity. You work on the activity during the fixed time period and stop working on it once the time is up - then, you assess whether you've reached your planned goals. Read more about benefits : https://lnkd.in/eutzVmaW 4. Lots of notebooks. Lots. My favorite is from Moleskine. That's the quick rundown. Oh and lots of routines! Your routine will be...yours. So you will have to finetune it to your needs. I usually have time at the end of the day where I clean my desk, look at my calendar for next day, organize my week, and so on. Good luck!

Stop trying to learn 100 new productivity hacks without implementing any of them. Deep down you know what you have to do… Just do the difficult stuff you know you’re evading. For my whole life, I’ve struggled with my ADD and working out how to funnel my energy into the right places. Once I get going, I can be insanely productive. And this trait has helped me through some crazy times while building our companies to over $65mm. But for certain tasks (like sitting down to write content) I struggle immensely. Until I came across the concept of “eating the frog” years ago. Now, I know this process of identifying the hardest task and doing it first thing in the morning might not be new to you. But here’s where I see people go wrong all the time: Instead of finding the hardest task of the day, you go straight for “easier” ones: - Easy admin - Responding to low-complexity emails - Answering DM’s / group chats Whilst there’s a task you need to do that you know you’ll struggle with. And when you finally get to this difficult task later in the afternoon… You’re tired from the day and you’ve got less energy. And so you might put it off until the next day or, if you’re a night owl, you stay up late completing it and mess up your sleep schedule. So if you’re struggling with productivity, scrolling through 100 new productivity “hacks” is not what you need. Just do the simple act of eating your frog: 1. Find your frog (the task you should do if you could only do one thing today). 2. Set a time to do it in the morning. 3. Wake up, deep work, isolated, no notifications and crush it right away, first thing. You know what you need to do. Go do it! — PS: My passion is helping high-performing founders navigate crucial transitions with natural confidence and ease. Send me a message for more info.