How Can I Be Consistently Productive With ADHD Every Day?
ADHD Hack: Build Unstoppable Habits Starting Today!
Do you find yourself falling off track when trying to build habits? If you have ADHD, you’re not alone in this struggle. But what if I told you there’s a simple, powerful tactic to help you create habits that stick? I’m Nic McLaughlin, an ADHD coach who has been in your shoes, and today I’m sharing a foundational system that has helped me and my clients 2-5x their productivity. Let’s dive in! 💪
Why Preparation is the Key to Success
As someone with ADHD, I’ve often struggled with procrastination. Can you relate? One of the reasons we procrastinate is because we don’t have a clear plan. Jumping into tasks without clarity is like heading into a battle unprepared—it’s overwhelming and unproductive.
That’s why preparation is vital. It’s about creating a strong foundation before you start. Think of it like building a house: if your foundation is made of sand, everything crumbles. But if it’s built on stone, it lasts. By implementing a clear system, you give yourself the structure and empowerment needed to succeed.
The Power of Personalized Principles
Here’s the game changer: creating what I call “principles.” Principles are simple rules you set for yourself, but they’re not just rules—they’re empowering statements that align with your identity and goals. Here’s the formula:
I am the type of person that [action step] – Define the action you’ll take.
so I can [desired outcome] – Clarify the result you want to achieve.
For example, if I have a habit of binge-watching TV all day, my principle might look like this: “I am the type of person that only watches 20 minutes of TV during lunch, so I can stay focused, productive, and build confidence in my daily life.” Notice how specific that is? The more specific you are, the more effective your principles will be.
Why Specificity Matters
Here’s the thing: if you’re not specific, your ADHD brain will find loopholes. Trust me, I’ve been there! For instance, if your principle says, “I don’t eat junk food,” your brain might say, “Well, donuts aren’t technically junk food, right?” Instead, be crystal clear: “I am the type of person that only eats sweets once a week, on Tuesdays, at 5 PM before dinner.”
By giving yourself clear instructions, you eliminate ambiguity and set yourself up for success. Think of your ADHD brain as a younger version of yourself—it needs clear boundaries to thrive.
Real-Life Example: Breaking the TV Habit
Let me share a personal story. I used to spend hours watching TV every day, letting it derail my productivity. Once I realized this habit was holding me back, I created my first principle: “I am the type of person that only watches TV during lunch for 20 minutes, so I can stay productive and efficient throughout my day.”
This principle helped me cut back on TV time, focus on my work, and feel more confident in my ability to manage my day. Over time, this small, intentional change had a massive impact on my overall productivity and mindset.
Actionable Steps to Get Started
Ready to try this system? Here’s how to get started:
Write down your principle using the formula: “I am the type of person that [action step] so I can [desired outcome].”
Be as specific as possible to avoid ambiguity.
Repeat your principle daily to reinforce the habit and build confidence.
When you slip up, reflect on what advice you wish you’d given yourself and modify your principle accordingly.
Consistency is key. Over time, you’ll notice how much stronger and more empowered you feel as you stick to your principles.
Conclusion: Build Your Foundation for Success
Building strong habits starts with preparation, clarity, and a system that works for you. By creating personalized principles, you’re not just setting rules—you’re defining who you are and taking control of your journey. Remember, small, intentional steps lead to big changes. 🌟
What principle will you create today? Write it down, stick to it, and watch how it transforms your life. And if you’re looking for more personalized strategies, let’s connect! I offer free strategy sessions to help people with ADHD boost their productivity. You’ve got this! 😊
