I’m an adult with combined type ADHD.
I feel very strongly that any device which has other apps is a terrible tool for ADHD management and organization. No matter how well intentioned, and I know that you are.
One needs to spend less time on devices. Go analogue. Pen and paper.
The best tool that I have found is the Bullet Journal Method. It takes time, effort, and there is a learning curve. The ROI is higher than from any app. No other tool has impacted my life and productivity more.
That said, I have found some tertiary apps to be helpful, though my BuJo is my compass. Endel for time boxing/Pomodoro, and sleep.
Headspace for guided meditation.
No, it doesn’t have to be aesthetic, with pretty lettering and doodles (as seen in social media).
> I feel very strongly that any device which has other apps is a terrible tool for ADHD management and organization.
I strongly disagree. While that approach may work for you, it did not work for me. I do not believe there is a one size fits all approach in this regard. My limitation is far more on the executive side than it is with distractibility or addiction, my devices present no sigificant negative impact in that regard.
> One needs to spend less time on devices. Go analogue. Pen and paper. The best tool that I have found is the Bullet Journal Method.
That may be true for you, but device usage itself is not a problem for me. I spent significant time attempting bullet journaling and found it ineffective, it increased cognitive overhead and time spent managing the system rather than executing tasks. Additionally, handwriting based systems are not well suited to me due to motor limitations from an incomplete spinal cord injury.
I use a single Kanban board in Trello to manage my entire life. It works precisely because it is digital. Always accessible, frictionless, and available wherever I am. For me, that constant availability is essential.
> The ROI is higher than from any app.
For you, perhaps. For me, adopting a Kanban based digital system was life changing. As you suggested of your own system, no other tool has had a greater positive impact on my organisation or productivity than Trello. The only thing which has had even remotely the same level of impact is medication.
For Trello itself (kanban) I think the reason it worked when nothing else did is due to its visual/spacial nature, combined with WIP limits and low friction capture. But it didnt truly click until I could have it with me at all times. Whenever I notice I've gotten distracted or drifted, no matter where I am I know i'm one "click" away effectively from re-orienting myself on what I was supposed to be doing and what matters.
Glad you found the system that works for you! Not an easy feat and not many folks have gotten there. And thanks for sharing your exact system, no doubt it'll help people here.
The doodles you're seeing is probably for our other product and social media. The new Indy app has a celestial theme in dark mode, and we'll likely make other modes later! For a lot of our members, they've noted that the calming nature of it helps them settle into a reflective state (vs. our coaching app is more bright and uplifting!).
No. Analogue is the worst for ADHD. Physical notes are the easiest thing to neglect and forget about. It becomes another brick in the massive stack of unopened letters and random papers.
One needs to spend less time on devices. Go analogue. Pen and paper. The best tool that I have found is the Bullet Journal Method. It takes time, effort, and there is a learning curve. The ROI is higher than from any app. No other tool has impacted my life and productivity more.
That said, I have found some tertiary apps to be helpful, though my BuJo is my compass. Endel for time boxing/Pomodoro, and sleep. Headspace for guided meditation.
No, it doesn’t have to be aesthetic, with pretty lettering and doodles (as seen in social media).