Living with ADHD can feel like your brain is constantly switching radio stations. One minute you're hyper-focused on organizing your desk, the next you're scrolling through social media wondering where the last two hours went.
Exactly the same thing happened to me all the time. It made for bad grades at school, I was never able to finish projects and most of the time I couldn't achieve the goals I set myself.
The good news? There are simple tricks that work with your ADHD brain, not against it. Here are seven productivity hacks that can make a real difference.
1. Use the 2-Minute Rule
If something takes less than two minutes, do it right now. Reply to that text. Put the dishes in the dishwasher. File that document.
This hack stops small tasks from building into overwhelming mountains. Plus, it gives your brain quick wins throughout the day.
I put this into practice every day. For example, just yesterday I realized that I still have to send documents to my business partner. Instead of putting it off until later, I did it straight away because it would be done in under 2 minutes.
2. Try Body Doubling
Body doubling means working alongside someone else, even if you're doing different tasks. It's like having a gym buddy for productivity.
You can:
Work with a friend over video call
Study at a coffee shop
Join online body doubling sessions
The presence of others helps keep your focus on track.
3. Set Timers for Everything
ADHD brains struggle with time awareness. Setting timers creates structure and prevents hyperfocus spirals.
Try these timer techniques:
25 minutes of work, 5-minute break (Pomodoro method)
15-minute cleaning sessions
10-minute email checks
I personally use a physical kitchen timer because it is tactile. Here is the watch I use (note: it's an affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4dNL6r2
4. Create Visual Reminders
Out of sight, out of mind is real for ADHD. Make important things visible.
Put sticky notes on your bathroom mirror. Leave your gym bag by the door. Use colorful calendars and planners.
Visual cues work better than mental notes for ADHD brains.
5. Batch Similar Tasks
Group similar activities together. Answer all emails at once. Make all your phone calls in one session. Prep all your meals on Sunday.
Batching reduces the mental energy needed to switch between different types of tasks.
For example, I schedule all meetings on Monday and all video editing tasks on Tuesday. This allows me to focus directly on the important things.
6. Use the "Good Enough" Rule
Perfectionism is productivity's worst enemy, especially with ADHD. Sometimes 80% is perfectly fine.
Your email doesn't need to be perfect. Your presentation doesn't need seventeen revisions. Done is better than perfect.
This mindset shift can free up hours of stuck time.
7. Design Your Environment
Your space affects your focus. Remove distractions and add helpful cues.
Clear your desk of everything except what you're working on. Keep fidget tools nearby. Use noise-canceling headphones or background music.
Small changes to your environment can make big differences in productivity.
For me, a tidy and minimalist desk is the most important thing. Without this environment, I find it very difficult to work. Another thing I've noticed is that I work best in 5-star hotel lobbies, because there are usually business people there and everyone is working anyway. Sounds crazy, but try it out!
The Bottom Line
Productivity with ADHD isn't about forcing yourself into neurotypical systems. It's about finding what works for your unique brain.
Try one or two of these hacks first. See what clicks. Then add more gradually.
Remember, some days your brain will cooperate, and some days it won't. That's normal. Be patient with yourself as you figure out your personal productivity system.
The key is consistency, not perfection. Small changes add up to big improvements over time.