13 Aug Despite ADHD, project planning doesn’t have to be a nightmare
When you have ADHD, project planning becomes a whole other level of really bloody hard… I was recently asked by one of the fabulous women doing The Ultimate ADHD Reboot for tips for project management, so I thought I’d also create a blog post sharing my all time favourite ways to make complex, multi-step tasks much easier.
But before you even think about effectively managing a big project, while these strategies are great, for most people, nothing manages ADHD symptoms better than medication. And sadly, the majority of people I coach haven’t been through an effective medication titration process and therefore don’t have optimal medical management. 💩
This is always worth revisiting if you’re unsure whether your medication works optimally. When you’ve found your ‘sweet spot’ you’ll be much more capable of effectively managing complex tasks.
If there’s room for improvement, check out this free 10 minute ADHD Check Up & Reset Workshop or the more detailed ADHD 101 – a crash course for crazy busy people who refuse to be held back. They both include a self-assessment tool to help you determine how severe your symptoms are.
With optimal medical management to lessen the symptoms of ADHD, project planning really doesn’t have to be a nightmare as then you’ll be but in place other strategies that help. Here are my favorite ways to make it them much easier easier.
Setting Up for Success 🛠️
💊 Optimise medication: First and foremost I ensure my medications are working their best. (They’re the most effective from 9-3 regardless of topping up as I’m less tired).
⏰ Work when I’m at my best: In much the same way, I tackle tasks when I’m feeling good and avoid them on tough days.
🎧 Dance tunes with noise-cancelling headphones: Some upbeat grooves get me in the zone.
🔒 Create a distraction-free space: I set aside a chunk of time, lock myself away, and focus.
🏃♀️ Move and breathe: Ideally I have a walk, do some Qigong and/or do some meditation or breathing before the really hard stuff.
Getting Started
🧠 Brain dump: I spew forth all my thoughts to clear my mind, or..
🗣️ Use a sounding board: I am so grateful for my patient, amazing virtual assistant Charlie!! Talking it through always helps me plan.
🖼️ Visual mapping: I visually map out what I need to do. Miro is my go-to app for visuals but mind maps with pencils or whiteboard sessions with post-its work well too.
🪜 Break it down: Naming the steps – as an actual activity in itself – is essential for bigger chunks of a project. I write them out as part of the brain dump.
Staying on Track 📅
📋 Project management software: Trello and Notion are my go-to’s but Click-up, Monday and Asana and also popular with ADHD peeps.
🔄 Regular check-ins: For big projects, a system to keep it up to date involving another person – bless you Charlie!! – is the ONLY way I stay afloat. We have at least two check-ins – LOCKED IN – at the same times on the same days every week to track progress and update the plan.
🤝 Buddy up: When planning my overseas trip, I checked in with my sister twice as she was also planning a trip.
📆 Accountability sessions: I started the free Monday ‘planning accountability sessions’ on because it keeps ME on track!
To attend these free sessions all the info is pinned to the top of the feed in the community: For Women with ADHD who Refuse to be Held Back so come along!!
My final two bobs worth for smooth ADHD project planning
Help is seriously underrated. I couldn’t do what I do without loads of help. In-person support is without a doubt the most helpful strategy for me. Ideally getting the support of someone with amazing executive skills, but who gets ADHD – in other words, someone who isn’t judgmental and is a properly compassionate person – is invaluable,
If you run a business, remember that no-one ever created a properly successful business on their own. Investing in help is going to ensure your success in the long term.
Hope this helps. Happy planning (and executing!!)
