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ADHD Strategy Cheat Sheet

7 ADHD-friendly productivity strategies on one page. For the hard days when nothing works.

1. Micro-Step Everything

Break tasks to the absurdly small. Not "clean kitchen" — "pick up one plate." Once started, the Zeigarnik Effect takes over. DO: use our free Task Breakdown Generator. DON'T: trust your brain to estimate task size — it lies.

2. One at a Time

Traditional lists overwhelm ADHD brains. Use a one-at-a-time system. See one task. Do it. Next appears. DO: try Micro-Step Momentum app. DON'T: use to-do lists with more than 3 items visible.

3. Externalise Everything

Your working memory is limited. Write down every thought immediately. DO: use one capture system. DON'T: trust "I'll remember it" — you won't.

4. Body Double

Working alongside someone regulates your nervous system. Virtual works too. DO: try Focusmate or a silent video call. DON'T: body-double with someone who talks.

5. Design for Low Friction

Make starting easy and distractions hard. Log out of everything. Phone in another room. DO: theme your days (Monday = admin). DON'T: context-switch more than 3 times a day.

6. Gamify Progress

ADHD brains run on dopamine. Make progress visible. Track streaks. DO: celebrate every completion. DON'T: wait for "big wins" to feel good — small wins compound.

7. The 5-Minute Rule

Commit to just 5 minutes. Set a timer. When it goes off, you can stop — no guilt. DO: use this for every stuck moment. DON'T: negotiate with yourself — 5 minutes, no less.

What NOT to Do (ADHD Edition)

  • Rigid hourly schedules — ADHD time perception is non-linear
  • Inbox zero — email triage is a dopamine trap. Batch twice daily.
  • "Just focus harder" — focus is environment, not willpower
  • Compare yourself to neurotypical systems — different OS, different manual

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