If you have ADHD (or adore someone who does), you already know that getting life in order feels like herding caffeinated squirrels. Sure, it’s entertaining, but it’s also exhausting. The real problem isn’t figuring out what to do—it’s making it stick without needing the discipline of a Navy SEAL and the memory of an elephant.

Enter: smart systems. Think of these as life’s cheat codes—simple, low-energy solutions designed to work with your ADHD brain, not against it. Because let’s be real: becoming a hyper-organized, color-coded-planner-loving productivity machine isn’t happening. And that’s okay! Instead, we’re going for functional chaos—the kind that keeps life running without requiring a daily executive function marathon.

Let’s dive in.

Make It Visible, or It Doesn’t Exist

Ever put something in a “safe place” only to realize it’s basically in the witness protection program now? Same. ADHD brains are firmly in the out of sight, out of mind camp, so let’s use that to our advantage.

Actionable Hacks:

✅ Open Storage: Clear bins, pegboards, and labeled baskets = life. If you can see it, you’ll remember it exists.

✅ Command Centers: A designated “dumping ground” for essentials like keys, wallets, and reminders can save you from last-minute scavenger hunts.

✅ Sticky Notes & Digital Alerts: I have a bright yellow sticky note on my coffee maker that screams “TAKE YOUR MEDS!” because if it’s not screaming at me, I will forget.

Pro Tip: I used to lose my phone daily until I gave it a designated charging station next to my laptop. Now, I only panic-search for it once a week. Progress!

Remove Yourself from Soul-Sucking Tasks

Your energy is a precious (and unpredictable) resource. The best system isn’t about “doing more” but about doing less of the repetitive, brain-draining stuff.

Actionable Hacks:

✅ Hire a VA: Even a few hours of outsourced admin work can save you from email-induced rage.

✅ Batch Tasks: Instead of switching gears 100 times a day, block off specific days/times for focused work. Monday = content creation, Tuesday = client calls, etc.

✅ Templated Email Responses: If you’re typing the same reply over and over, create templates and reclaim your time (and sanity).

I used to drown in emails. Now, thanks to canned responses, I get through them faster than my ADHD brain can get distracted. And that, my friends, is a win.

Leverage Dopamine to Stay Consistent

We’re not lazy. We’re dopamine-dependent. If a system is boring, it will die a slow, neglected death. The trick? Make it interesting enough to keep you engaged.

Actionable Hacks:

✅ Turn Goals into Challenges: “Can I land 3 clients in 30 days? Can I answer all my emails in 30 minutes? Let’s find out!”

✅ Visual Progress Trackers: Remember the sticker charts from childhood? Yeah, those worked for a reason. Use them.

✅ Mini Rewards: Finished a task? Treat yourself to a snack, a break, or five minutes of doomscrolling (no judgment). Small wins deserve small rewards.

Reduce Friction Between You and the Task

If something is even slightly annoying, we ADHD-ers will avoid it like a haunted doll. The key is to make the path of least resistance work in your favor.

Actionable Hacks:

✅ Create a No-Distraction Zone: Close the door. Mute notifications. Hang a “Do Not Disturb—Hyperfocus Mode Activated” sign.

✅ Pre-Work Ritual: Easing into deep work is hard. Set up a ritual (like a 5-minute journal or quick walk) to transition into it.

✅ The Two-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes, just do it now. Future You will be grateful.

Sometimes, it’s the getting started part that’s the real battle. Trick yourself by setting a 10-minute timer and just begin. Momentum usually follows.

Accept That Your Systems Will Evolve

No system works forever. ADHD brains get bored. Life changes. What worked last month might be totally useless now. And that’s fine. Adaptability is key.

Actionable Hacks:

✅ Quarterly System Review: What’s working? What feels like a dumpster fire? Adjust accordingly.

✅ Give Yourself Grace: Messy doesn’t mean failure. It just means the system needs a tweak.

✅ Experiment! ADHD brains thrive on novelty. If something stops working, try something new. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Final Thought: Make Your System Work for YOU

The best business systems for ADHD aren’t the most sophisticated—they’re the ones you actually use. Start simple, tweak as needed, and remember: ADHD isn’t a flaw. It’s a different operating system that, when optimized, makes you unstoppable.

Now go forth and systemize like the beautiful, chaotic genius you are. 🚀