13 Tips on How To Be Productive With ADHD

If you have ADHD, you already know that staying productive can feel like a full-time job in itself. When you have a brain that is constantly jumping from idea to idea and a to-do list that never seems to end, it’s easy to feel scattered or overwhelmed. As a parent, creative, and someone who juggles about a million things at once, I totally get it. The good news? There are actually ways to work with your brain rather than constantly fighting it. I’ve tried (and tweaked) a bunch of different strategies, and I’m sharing the ones that have really made a difference for me on how to be productive with ADHD.

Understand How Your ADHD Brain Works

First things first, there’s nothing “wrong” with you. ADHD brains work differently. We crave novelty, get bored easily, and sometimes struggle to start or finish things because our brains are wired for interest, not necessarily for importance. It took me a very long time to understand that. I often wondered what was wrong with me and why I couldn’t manage things that seemed to come so easily to others.

Once you understand that, it’s easier to let go of the guilt and start finding what actually helps you focus. Productivity doesn’t have to look like a perfectly color-coded calendar; it can simply mean building systems that fit your brain and your lifestyle.

Create a Space That Supports You

Environment matters a lot when it comes to ADHD productivity. If your surroundings are chaotic, your brain usually follows. Try decluttering your workspace, limiting distractions, and giving everything a “home.” It also took me a long time to learn that you can’t organize clutter; you need less stuff. Everything having a place makes a world of difference in helping your brain avoid fatigue when maintaining your space.

I like to keep things simple: one notebook, one pen, one planner. No fancy system, just something I can actually stick to. If music helps you focus, throw on your favorite playlist or some background noise. A favorite show that I’ve seen many times, so I don’t get distracted, or upbeat music is my go-to. Minor adjustments like these can make a big difference.

Write Everything Down (Seriously, Everything)

ADHD brains are great at ideas, not always so great at remembering them. That’s why writing things down is huge. Even tiny tasks like “switch laundry” or “call the school” go on my list.

There’s something about checking things off that gives your brain that little dopamine boost. Whether you use a paper planner, sticky notes, or your phone, find a method that you’ll actually use, not the one that looks prettiest on Pinterest.

This one may seem so simple, but it is incredible how much more productive you feel when you see what you have accomplished. Write down everything, even if it may seem basic or silly. If you started a load of laundry, write it down and cross it off! I’ve also learned that writing things down helps my brain remember things much better than using an app. I often forget things I need to take care of unless I write them down. I am still working on keeping a physical to-do list with me at all times. Not an electronic one, I find it very easy to ignore apps or notifications on my phone!

Use the 5-Minute Rule.

One of my favorite ADHD productivity tips is the 5-minute rule. When you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, tell yourself you’ll work on something for five minutes. That’s it.

Most of the time, once you start, you’ll keep going, but even if you don’t, five minutes is still progress. You’d be surprised how much you can get done in those little bursts of effort. I use this for everything from cleaning to writing blog posts (yep, even this one).

I know all sorts of productivity gurus advocate setting a timer when you need to get something done. Unfortunately for me and my ADHD brain, even a 15-minute timer sometimes felt too much. I just recently discovered the magic behind a 5-minute timer. You can do ANYTHING for 5 minutes, and you will be amazed at how much you can accomplish.

With a 15-minute timer, it was still incredibly easy to fall into my ‘pinball management.’ This is what my dad always called my mom’s habit of jumping around from task to task without completing one. 5 minutes makes it easier for me to focus on one thing at a time. It’s harder for me to get distracted and go off on a tangent. Once I see just how much I can get done in 5 minutes, it motivates me to keep going. I’ve accomplished so much with tiny 5-minute timers. However, my kids did get annoyed by my timer going off repeatedly!

Block Out the Chaos with a Good Playlist

Whether you enjoy listening to music or a podcast while getting things done, headphones are a must for me when I want to be my most productive. I find that headphones help more than just turning music on a speaker. The headphones help to block everything else out. The music motivates me to keep moving and being productive!

Eliminate Clutter

I am finally starting to learn that the more stuff I have, the harder it is to stay organized. It also makes it harder to accomplish the things I want to. I’ve focused on having less stuff and ensuring everything has a place. I still have a ways to go, but this has quickly become the most important thing I’m working on. I realize clutter spills over into every area of life and is a stumbling block to accomplishing my goals. If you have items you don’t have a specific place for and don’t use regularly, consider donating, selling, or recycling them!

Batch Tasks and Use “Focus Sprints”

Instead of switching from one task to another (hello, brain chaos), try batching similar tasks together. For example, answer all your emails at once, do your creative work in one block, and handle chores during another.

Timers are your friend here. Set a 20- or 30-minute focus sprint, then take a short break. It keeps your brain engaged without burning out your attention span.

Make Transitions Easier

One of the hardest parts of ADHD life is switching gears. Going from “fun creative mode” to “pay bills” isn’t exactly smooth. Try creating tiny rituals to help you transition, like cleaning off your workspace, lighting a candle, or stretching for a minute.

These little cues tell your brain, “Hey, we’re moving to the next thing now,” which makes it easier to refocus.

Progress, Not Perfection

If you only measure success by what’s completely finished, ADHD will make you feel like you’re always behind. Instead, celebrate small wins. Did you make a phone call you’ve been putting off? Awesome. Did you unload the dishwasher before bed? That counts!

Every little step adds up. When you acknowledge progress instead of perfection, you train your brain to see productivity as something positive, not exhausting.

Find Routines That Fit Your Life

If you’re a parent, your days probably don’t look the same twice. That’s okay! The key is flexible structure, a few daily “anchors” that give your brain predictability without locking you into something rigid.

That could mean a quick morning check-in, a mid-day reset, or a 10-minute evening tidy-up. Find what flows naturally with your day, not against it.

When It All Falls Apart (Because It Will)

Let’s be real, even the best systems sometimes fall apart. You’ll have days when nothing goes right and your focus is nowhere to be found. That doesn’t mean you failed.

Instead of beating yourself up, ask: What threw me off? Maybe your system needs a tweak, or perhaps you need rest. ADHD productivity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about noticing what works, adjusting, and trying again tomorrow.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments – You Won’t Always Finish Everything

This may be one of the most essential things yet. I have repeatedly learned that I do much better with positive affirmation, including how I talk to myself. Because I struggle so hard to be productive and get things done, I’ve tended to have all kinds of negative self-talk. As I learn more about myself, how my brain works, and the challenges I face, I need to celebrate all my successes, whether big or small. This is also important to do with my daughter, who has some of the same challenges. Hopefully, you have found the right people to surround yourself with who will celebrate your accomplishments, even if they don’t struggle with the same things you do.

Get Support and Tools That Work for You

ADHD can be more manageable when you have the proper support, whether that’s a therapist, a coach, or a community of people who get it. You can also use tools designed for ADHD brains, such as visual planners, habit trackers, checklists, and apps that make staying on track a little easier.

Suppose you’re a visual person like me. In that case, you’ll love using printable planners and trackers. I’ve designed several that help you keep your goals organized without feeling overwhelmed.

👉 Grab my Free ADHD Productivity Planner or check out the full printable library for instant access to meal planners, cleaning checklists, and more.

Please feel free to comment with your top productivity tips and recommendations! As always, please connect with me on Instagram or in my private Facebook group! I’d love to cheer you on over there!