ADHD

[Bill Myers]

Thanks for you answer! They can sure be wrong, I have met several that I thought should work with something else Yeah I guess the psychologist recommend that because it is so simple, and I guess it is a much better method than to have the total unorganized chaos (that I have had) that many with ADHD struggle with.

I also have decided to go all in, finally. What i struggle with is of course procrastination, actually doing the stuff, but finally I have started to do the weekly reviews.

Curious to know what you mean by "card-carrying"? Do you write next actions on index cards or is your whole system paper-based?

No, that's an idiom we have in the U.S. that means I definitely fall into a certain category. Think of "card carrying" like me having an ID card that says, "Yes, I'm definitely ADHD." In this case I consider myself to be "card carrying" because I have a medical diagnosis rather than a self-diagnosis.

The idiom can apply to a lot of things. If I say I'm a "card-carrying comic-book fan" it simply means that I am definitely a comic-book lover (which I am).

Do you have the second edition of Getting Things Done? It was revised to include more examples of how to apply GTD in your personal life. I don't know if that would help with the cultural barriers, but at least it does a better job showing how GTD can be applied holistically.

 

[johanbertil]

Ok, thanks for the explanation.

I actually have the second version, on my iPad and in english. I didn't want to buy the second version in swedish since I don't trust the translation. I will sure give the original another try..

 

[Bill Myers]

Ok, thanks for the explanation.

I actually have the second version, on my iPad and in english. I didn't want to buy the second version in swedish since I don't trust the translation. I will sure give the original another try..

It's possible the Swedish translation was written to be more culturally accessible. I wouldn't know. I am unfortunately limited to knowing one language.

It sounds like you've gone through the 10 moves in the workbook. Is that correct? If not, I'd recommend it. Everything about GTD became a lot more clear for me after doing that.

 

[johanbertil]

It's possible the Swedish translation was written to be more culturally accessible. I wouldn't know. I am unfortunately limited to knowing one language.

It sounds like you've gone through the 10 moves in the workbook. Is that correct? If not, I'd recommend it. Everything about GTD became a lot more clear for me after doing that.

I remember I did some of the steps and skipped some, since some were already familiar to me. Maybe I should have worked it through more I will revisit it before the "real" book.

 

[gtdstudente]

Thanks for you answer! They can sure be wrong, I have met several that I thought should work with something else Yeah I guess the psychologist recommend that because it is so simple, and I guess it is a much better method than to have the total unorganized chaos (that I have had) that many with ADHD struggle with. The ADHD book that I read, that the medical care here recommends to every one, also recommends some kind of "capturing", namely a notebook that you later use to put your actionable items on the ABC-list. But it's far from a complete inventory of course, and does not include any review or processing of the "in"

I also have decided to go all in, finally. What i struggle with is of course procrastination, actually doing the stuff, but finally I have started to do the weekly reviews.

Curious to know what you mean by "card-carrying"? Do you write next actions on index cards or is your whole system paper-based?

@johanbertil

"I have also read that some people recommend the GTD for teens book, even for adults. Maybe that is a good idea for people with ADHD?"

Absolutely

Getting Things Done for Teens is so accessible it could also be accurately and appropriately titled as: "GTD Implementation Manual for Everyone" ?

As you see GTD fit. . . .

 

[Bill Myers]

I remember I did some of the steps and skipped some, since some were already familiar to me. Maybe I should have worked it through more I will revisit it before the "real" book.

I can't tell you what you "should" do. I can only tell you that I followed the book to the letter, as though I were entirely new to GTD. I found that approach to be extremely helpful.

 

[schmeggahead]

The best thing I've read in this thread is you discussing what you are doing with your therapist. When I told mine that the whole point was to determine what something means to you and whether or not you want to act on it, she thought that was a great thing. And putting it with other things that mean the same thing to you (on the same list), was great too.

One thing that really helped me with clarifying was to tell myself that each thing I took the time to clarify and organize was something that was itself a completion: completing the thinking on that item; I would not have to do that again. Inbox zero happened when I stopped worrying about how much was in my inboxes and handled items one by one. I moved my physical inbox above my desk so I couldn't see anything in my inbox. When I reached up and took something out of the inbox, that was all I had in front of me.

My vision of clarity is 3 statements: 1) I am focused on what I can do with clear visualization and effective planning. 2) I expand my resources to enable this clarity. 3) I finish the thinking on each item to allow it to rest comfortably in my system, ready for action, added to the possibilities, or concisely declined.

As to the ABC thing, if you connect with that, it is worth trying it out. See of it is helping and if not, toss it back in your toolbox - having experienced using it, you'll have a better understanding of when it might be helpful. I did the whole ABC thing and carrying over all the items not completed to the next day prior to implementing GTD. I really enjoyed dumping that process, replacing it with a rolling list.

One other thing about someday maybe: I put tons of things into that list and didn't review them for a couple of years. When I did review the lists, I found I had done more than half of them. Something about capturing them freed me to find a way to do them the next time they showed up on my radar.

Best of luck on your journey with GTD
Clayton

Sometimes you have to go to the balcony to get a bigger picture.

 

[Mike Taku]

Can you guys please tell us how organizing your thoughts, completing tasks one at a time, and using tools like Someday Maybe lists help improve focus and clarity in daily life?

 

[johanbertil]

The best thing I've read in this thread is you discussing what you are doing with your therapist. When I told mine that the whole point was to determine what something means to you and whether or not you want to act on it, she thought that was a great thing. And putting it with other things that mean the same thing to you (on the same list), was great too.

One thing that really helped me with clarifying was to tell myself that each thing I took the time to clarify and organize was something that was itself a completion: completing the thinking on that item; I would not have to do that again. Inbox zero happened when I stopped worrying about how much was in my inboxes and handled items one by one. I moved my physical inbox above my desk so I couldn't see anything in my inbox. When I reached up and took something out of the inbox, that was all I had in front of me.

My vision of clarity is 3 statements: 1) I am focused on what I can do with clear visualization and effective planning. 2) I expand my resources to enable this clarity. 3) I finish the thinking on each item to allow it to rest comfortably in my system, ready for action, added to the possibilities, or concisely declined.

As to the ABC thing, if you connect with that, it is worth trying it out. See of it is helping and if not, toss it back in your toolbox - having experienced using it, you'll have a better understanding of when it might be helpful. I did the whole ABC thing and carrying over all the items not completed to the next day prior to implementing GTD. I really enjoyed dumping that process, replacing it with a rolling list.

One other thing about someday maybe: I put tons of things into that list and didn't review them for a couple of years. When I did review the lists, I found I had done more than half of them. Something about capturing them freed me to find a way to do them the next time they showed up on my radar.

Best of luck on your journey with GTD
Clayton

Sometimes you have to go to the balcony to get a bigger picture.

Thank you so much for this answer. It was really helpful and motivational. Especially the second paragraph.

I think I will toss the ABC back into the toolbox and go more into GTD. Would be really interesting to see a study where ADHD:ers use GTD to handle their organizational problems

 

[helpfulCity734]

Hi @Slendersoul,

Oh, I completely understand how overwhelming GTD can feel when you’re starting out—especially with ADHD in the mix! I went through the same thing when I first tried to implement it. My ADHD brain tends to jump ahead and try to figure out the entire system all at once, which, as you can imagine, was a disaster.

Here’s what has worked for me:

1. Start with Capturing Only​

David Allen talks about capturing as the foundation of GTD, and honestly, that’s where I began. I carried a small notebook (sometimes just used my phone’s notes app) and wrote down anything that popped into my head: to-dos, ideas, random thoughts. Don’t worry about categorising yet—just get used to dumping everything somewhere.

2. Skip the Audible for Now​

I find audiobooks really hard to focus on, so I switched to skimming the workbook. I’d tackle one small section at a time, then try to implement just that piece for a week before moving on. The GTD Workbook (and the GTD for Teens book, funnily enough) made things feel more manageable than the original book.

3. Simplify Your Tools​

When I first started, I got super distracted by all the fancy apps and tools out there. Pen and paper turned out to be my ADHD-friendly option. I’d make short lists that didn’t feel overwhelming. Later, I moved onto digital tools, but keeping it simple at first was key.

4. Make It ADHD-Friendly​

Some GTD rules don’t work for me, and that’s okay. For example:

• The 2-Minute Rule often pulls me into a rabbit hole of small tasks, so I don’t follow it strictly.
• I keep my Next Action lists super short—seeing a massive list can paralyse me. Most things live in Someday/Maybe until I’m ready to focus on them.
• I review my lists in bursts rather than in one big Weekly Review, because my brain can’t handle sitting still for too long.

5. Give Yourself Grace​

It’s okay to struggle and okay to fall off the wagon. ADHD brains thrive on novelty, so sometimes systems need a refresh to stay interesting. The key is not to feel guilty—just pick up where you left off.

You’ve already taken a huge step by recognising where you’re struggling and asking for help—that’s half the battle won. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat more about the ADHD + GTD combo. You’ve got this!

Claire

 

[Max34]

Also have ADHD here (or ADD more specifically). I really wish there could be an extensive article or book written about this subject (GTD with ADHD). It took long for me to understand it, and I echo the previous opinion that the Workbook made it easier. I also want to say that I understood Allens book Making it all work much better than the "real" GTD book, so I really want to recommend that one (I feel it has been a bit in the shadows in the strong light of the original GTD book.)

I have also read that some people recommend the GTD for teens book, even for adults. Maybe that is a good idea for people with ADHD?

When I read the first GTD book from 2001, in Swedish, I thought it sounded cool, but I had no idea on how to implement this in my life. His examples is a lot for an office/corporate guy with a million things to do, and at the time I was just a student without a job, so I didn't really understand how this was for me. It could also be that the translation was a bit bad

I hope nobody gets offended but, as all writers are a writing from their cultural context, the great David Allens book is written from an American (often corporate, like people who have board meetings and a boat) perspective, and even though most of it's totally universal, the principles I mean, some of the cultural references or language I feel does not speak to me, or rather are so far from my reality, and some times different from the Swedish culture.

But when I read Making it all work I understood much better, but sadly never implemented it. (This was 10 years ago). Now I have finally started to implement it but with ADHD it feels sometimes very overwhelming, especially with long lists. I have decided not to check the Someday/Maybe list so often for example, or maybe even not capture "all" crazy mindblowing ideas in there, it just creates guilt for me, even though many things there are good stuff. I also like the "pure" GTD project list with no "subtasks", it makes it a lot less overwhelming.

Another great concern I have is what I have read that several psychologists and books on ADHD recommend, namely the ABC method. Just prioritizing tasks with ABC, which is an easier method, but goes much against what David Allen teaches. They also recommend that, again against GTD, that you put the ABC (maybe color codes) tasks on a calendar, even stuff that is not strictly time bound (as GTD recommends). So if that is researched to have worked, I am a bit thorn between maybe GTD is not for me, but also I have seen that GTD has worked so far.

Any thoughts on this? The ABC method can also feel very overwhelming since you are supposed to prio your tasks every day, and just looking at a calendar full of tasks (maybe recurring tasks like showering or washing, but never the less) can also feel very overwhelming. Also I have managed to implement GTD kind of good for my working life (even though I am really a beginner), but not very good in my personal life (yet).

For me, cannabis treatment has made a real difference. It helped improve my focus and manage the chaos. I’ve been using plant-based treatments through Releaf, an UK clinic, and their support has been invaluable. If you're looking for options, I highly recommend to try medical cannabis, because for me it was like a lifesaver.

 

[fooddude]

Also have ADHD here (or ADD more specifically). I really wish there could be an extensive article or book written about this subject (GTD with ADHD). It took long for me to understand it, and I echo the previous opinion that the Workbook made it easier. I also want to say that I understood Allens book Making it all work much better than the "real" GTD book, so I really want to recommend that one (I feel it has been a bit in the shadows in the strong light of the original GTD book.)

I have also read that some people recommend the GTD for teens book, even for adults. Maybe that is a good idea for people with ADHD?

When I read the first GTD book from 2001, in Swedish, I thought it sounded cool, but I had no idea on how to implement this in my life. His examples is a lot for an office/corporate guy with a million things to do, and at the time I was just a student without a job, so I didn't really understand how this was for me. It could also be that the translation was a bit bad

I hope nobody gets offended but, as all writers are a writing from their cultural context, the great David Allens book is written from an American (often corporate, like people who have board meetings and a boat) perspective, and even though most of it's totally universal, the principles I mean, some of the cultural references or language I feel does not speak to me, or rather are so far from my reality, and some times different from the Swedish culture.

But when I read Making it all work I understood much better, but sadly never implemented it. (This was 10 years ago). Now I have finally started to implement it but with ADHD it feels sometimes very overwhelming, especially with long lists. I have decided not to check the Someday/Maybe list so often for example, or maybe even not capture "all" crazy mindblowing ideas in there, it just creates guilt for me, even though many things there are good stuff. I also like the "pure" GTD project list with no "subtasks", it makes it a lot less overwhelming.

Another great concern I have is what I have read that several psychologists and books on ADHD recommend, namely the ABC method. Just prioritizing tasks with ABC, which is an easier method, but goes much against what David Allen teaches. They also recommend that, again against GTD, that you put the ABC (maybe color codes) tasks on a calendar, even stuff that is not strictly time bound (as GTD recommends). So if that is researched to have worked, I am a bit thorn between maybe GTD is not for me, but also I have seen that GTD has worked so far.

Any thoughts on this? The ABC method can also feel very overwhelming since you are supposed to prio your tasks every day, and just looking at a calendar full of tasks (maybe recurring tasks like showering or washing, but never the less) can also feel very overwhelming. Also I have managed to implement GTD kind of good for my working life (even though I am really a beginner), but not very good in my personal life (yet).

Personally I don't use priority. I only use context. Anything that is time specific goes on my calendar. If I look at my @computer list I would know what is most important. Also I use the same system for work and personal. I don't keep separate lists. My lists are simple and I don't have tasks and colors or tags and all the exact things that would make GTD difficult for someone with ADD. I do the weekly review religiously. Example of project list, Context list, and one context list note with very next action for projects. Hope this helps. All the best.

 

[johanbertil]

For me, cannabis treatment has made a real difference. It helped improve my focus and manage the chaos. If you're looking for options, I highly recommend to try medical cannabis, because for me it was like a lifesaver.

Its not legal here and I was more interested in practical advice related to ADHD plus GTD

 

[johanbertil]

Personally I don't use priority. I only use context. Anything that is time specific goes on my calendar. If I look at my @computer list I would know what is most important. Also I use the same system for work and personal. I don't keep separate lists. My lists are simple and I don't have tasks and colors or tags and all the exact things that would make GTD difficult for someone with ADD. I do the weekly review religiously. Example of project list, Context list, and one context list note with very next action for projects. Hope this helps. All the best. View attachment 2150View attachment 2151View attachment 2149

Thanks for showing your lists. Which app is it? I would like to have professional and private in one system but I don't want to save my personal stuff on my work account and vice versa. I use Outlook tasks (not ms todo) at work and I think it's great (integrated with mail and calendar of course). My private system is still a bit of chaos and I have a lot of procrastination going on (much less so at work).

 

[fooddude]

Thanks for showing your lists. Which app is it? I would like to have professional and private in one system but I don't want to save my personal stuff on my work account and vice versa. I use Outlook tasks (not ms todo) at work and I think it's great (integrated with mail and calendar of course). My private system is still a bit of chaos and I have a lot of procrastination going on (much less so at work).

I use apple notes.

 

[johanbertil]

I use apple notes.

Sounds good, the simplest tools are usually the best. I have created a shortcut on windows desktop with a keyboard shortcut so I can quickly capture stuff to the Outlook tasks. I have iOS on my work phone so I can also capture tasks in Apple Reminders and they will show up in Outlook. But I can't download any apps on the work phone since it's strictly restricted but it works really good.

 

[gtdstudente]

Sounds good, the simplest tools are usually the best. I have created a shortcut on windows desktop with a keyboard shortcut so I can quickly capture stuff to the Outlook tasks. I have iOS on my work phone so I can also capture tasks in Apple Reminders and they will show up in Outlook. But I can't download any apps on the work phone since it's strictly restricted but it works really good.

@johanbertil

Thank you for your GTD post

In your good opinion(s), what characteristics make for "the simplest tools. . . ."

Thank you very much

 

[johanbertil]

@johanbertil

Thank you for your GTD post

In your good opinion(s), what characteristics make for "the simplest tools. . . ."

Thank you very much

For example Outlook Tasks is extremely simple (and much better than Ms Todo). Seems like using Apple notes is even simpler of course. I also would like to try a total paper system but it is tough these days when everyone wants to share and sync calendars and files.

I guess the characteristics are simple capture, simple list handling, simple integration with calendar for example, and for me simple due date handling and reminders since I am so forgetful.

Quick steps in Outlook is a great and simple thing: for example create a task straight from an email and then move that email to the trash or archive it.

 

[gtdstudente]

For example Outlook Tasks is extremely simple (and much better than Ms Todo). Seems like using Apple notes is even simpler of course. I also would like to try a total paper system but it is tough these days when everyone wants to share and sync calendars and files.

I guess the characteristics are simple capture, simple list handling, simple integration with calendar for example, and for me simple due date handling and reminders since I am so forgetful.

Quick steps in Outlook is a great and simple thing: for example create a task straight from an email and then move that email to the trash or archive it.

@johanbertil

Very nice . . . thank you very much

Meanwhile, while it might be inappropriate for you, one of the great things about GTD is that . . . an 'internal' Paper based GTD system can efficiently exist, with little friction . . . with an 'external' Digital based system, i.e., Calendar for sharing and the like

As you see GTD fit. . . .

 

[johanbertil]

@johanbertil

Very nice . . . thank you very much

Meanwhile, while it might be inappropriate for you, one of the great things about GTD is that . . . an 'internal' Paper based GTD system can efficiently exist, with little friction . . . with an 'external' Digital based system, i.e., Calendar for sharing and the like

As you see GTD fit. . . .

You mean like a paper "copy" of my digital system (professional and private) or like doing digital for work and paper for private or something like that?