Using Tools

Do You Ever...?

Do you ever get excited about a new planner or app, use it for a few days, and then completely forget about it?

What is it?

Tools are things outside your brain that help you remember, start tasks, stay on track, and finish. Examples:

  • Planners, sticky notes, whiteboards.
  • Timers, alarms, reminders.
  • Apps, visual schedules.
  • Fidgets, checklists, and body doubling (working near someone else).

Why does this happen?

Most standard systems are designed for brains with:

  • Strong internal organization.
  • Reliable working memory.
  • Lower need for stimulation.

ADHD brains often need:

  • Very visible tools (out of sight = out of mind).
  • Very simple steps.
  • Systems that are okay to restart and adjust.

What can I do?

Make your tools big and visible.
Use a large wall calendar, bright sticky notes, and whiteboards.

Keep your system simple.
One daily to-do list. Top 3 tasks only. One main calendar.

Experiment often.
Try a tool for a few days and ask, “Did this help or stress me?” If it helps, keep it. If not, change it. That’s not failing; that’s customizing.

Allow your tools to be unique.
If your brain likes drawings, colors, or voice notes instead of text, that is valid. The right tool is the one that works for you.

The Short

Because ADHD brains are different, standard systems (like typical planners) may not always work, so kids often need tools that are tailored to them. When youth experiment with their own routines, apps, visuals, and tricks, they learn self-advocacy and discover that success is about finding what works for their brain, not forcing themselves to be “like everyone else.”

Fun Fact!

Sometimes the tools that work best are the ones you create for yourself. If you build it the way you need, and design it so it makes sense to your brain, you’re much more likely to adopt it as a permanent part of your daily routine.

Resources

Some fun sites and videos you can check out!

References

Links to professionals that know their stuff.