Adult ADHD: What's the best method for getting stuff done?

Question

I struggle with "to do" lists. They never work for me. Also have trouble with procrastination. I'm wondering what other adult ADHDers have found to be helpful.

Answer 1

As for procrastination, I find that taking Adderall XR is helpful and also discipline-learning new habits. Better time management and organization would probably help with the procrastination-I know that for me, if I know how much crap lies ahead of me, its hard to sit there and look at the wall. I also just hired someone that specializes in ADHD to help me get organized. Here is what I am doing:

-get a full sized planner (like the size of a notebook) that has the hours of the day displayed in it

-write down what you are supposed to do for the day in the hours that you are supposed to do them (like before you go to bed)

-every morning when you wake up, the first thing you do is look at the planner so you know what you are supposed to do

-carry that stupid planner every where you go (If you are a purse carrier, than buy a bigger purse and put it in there). If you don't carry it around like a purse, in your purse, you will lose it or forget to use it....

-use colored highlighters to specifiy things (like if pink for appointments, green for tests, etc.)

-you can also use sticky notes in the planner if you want

-when you get an appointment, be sure to write it down right away or asap (even if its 4 months away)

....Using a planner, getting to places on time, and disciplining myself so I don't procrastinate are challenges for me...

Answer 2

The most helpful thing for me is whenever i want to jump to some other task, I ask myself "what is the most important thing I need to do today?" It is very difficult, but If I stick with the important things, it's a little easier to stay on track.