5 ADHD Hacks to Actually Get Stuff Done

Simple, Brain-Friendly ways to Boost Focus and Finish Your To-Do List

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Let’s face it- when you have ADHD (or just a busy brain) getting started can feel impossible, and staying focused? Even harder. The traditional productivity methods don’t always work for neuro divergent brains, and that’s okay.

These 5 hacks are designed for ADHD minds – easy to implement, dopamine-bosting, and designed to help you build momentum (even on chaotic days).

1. The 2-Minute Rule

If something takes 2 minutes or less to do, do it right now. This simple rule helps task build up and gives you a little spark of accomplishment to keep going. It’s great for replying to a message, wiping the counter, or finally putting your shoes away.

2. Use A Timer

Try the classic 25/5 rule: 25 minutes of focused work, 5-minute break. It creates urgency, limits boredom, and makes “just starting” feel less overwhelming. You can even adjust the intervals to fit your own rhythm – some clients prefer 15/5 or 45/15. I decide in the moment, usually shorter intervals for tasks I don’t want to be doing and make that 5-minute break worth the focused effort.

Reverse: with tasks I really hate and avoid, like putting laundry away, I will “race the timer” and see how long it takes me. It’s a friendly reminder that such a daunting task really takes no time at all, even though my brain thinks otherwise.

3. One Task Per Sticky Note

To-do lists can feel paralyzing. Instead, break tasks into micro-steps and put each one on its own sticky note. Visually, it makes things feel smaller and more achievable. Plus, ripping one off feels ridiculously satisfying. Check out my favorite sticky notes – I like white, clean-looking things, these are cheap and would stay stuck in a windstorm.

4. Start with a Micro-Task

Never try to go from zero to 100 (despite the urge) – if you need to clean just start with “I need to pick up one thing.” Once you begin, you are more likely to keep going. Starting small tricks your brain into action without resistance.

5. Keep a “Done List”

Are you the kind of person that adds already completed tasks to your to-do list to make you feel accomplished? You are not alone, same concept. Dopamine matters. Instead of just crossing things off, keep a done list too. Even small wins – like brushing your teeth or answering that email – this can help you feel productive and build momentum throughout the day.

 

ADHD Productivity Tip:

Your brain isn’t broken. You don’t need to force motivation or fake discipline – you just need systems that match the way you naturally think and work.

Want More ADHD Friendly Tools?

If you love these tips, you’ll love The Focus Collection – planner tools designed for ADHD brains with pages for brain dumps, dopamine rewards, priority planning, and more.

Grab your planner now and finally start crushing the things you care about!

@theFocus.collection | The Digital Vault

Cheering you on!

Jenna