Top 7 ADHD Hacks for Enhanced Focus in 2025 - Boost Productivity Now

After years of struggling with traditional planners, I can confidently say I’ll never return to using a regular planner again.

My ADHD diagnosis came during high school, a revelation I initially resisted. I excelled academically and doubted the legitimacy of ADHD.

Rejecting treatment back then led to challenges in college, where managing time and studying became difficult. Unlike high school, college demanded more focused effort.

Looking back, I realize my skepticism was due to a lack of understanding. You can succeed academically and still have ADHD.

Years later, after observing its impact on someone close, I confirmed my diagnosis. Suddenly, many behaviors made sense—my struggles with interrupting, procrastination, and maintaining order.

ADHD doesn’t define my character, but it shapes how I manage tasks. As a wise saying goes, ADHD isn’t my fault, but managing it is my responsibility.

My advice comes from personal experience with executive functioning challenges, not generic tips like “just leave earlier,” which often don’t work for those with ADHD.

Here are seven proven ADHD hacks that have transformed my daily routine and can help you boost concentration and productivity immediately.

1. Bullet Journaling for Customized Planning

Many with ADHD find traditional planners restrictive. Bullet journaling offers a flexible approach, allowing you to create a planner tailored to your needs.

Start from scratch with layouts that suit you—whether that means no dates or simple task lists. I use a dot grid notebook and have customized my system to fit perfectly.

2. Instant, Stress-Free To-Do Lists

Whenever a task comes to mind, I email myself a blank message with the task in the subject line (e.g., "schedule dog’s vaccine appointment"). I leave these emails unread until I organize them twice a week.

Tasks that can be completed immediately go on today’s list or get done right away, while others are added to my bullet journal for later.

3. OHIO: Only Handle It Once

This technique, learned from a friend, encourages dealing with tasks like mail immediately. Sort, file, or respond right away to avoid accumulating clutter and repeated handling.

4. Pomodoro Technique for Focused Work Sessions

My go-to method is the Pomodoro technique: work in focused 25-minute intervals followed by 5-minute breaks. During these intervals, distractions like emails and social media are off-limits.

This approach significantly improves my productivity and concentration.

5. MIT: Most Important Tasks

To avoid overwhelm, I select three critical tasks daily—the Most Important Tasks (MITs). Prioritizing these ensures efficient use of time, with additional tasks being bonuses.

6. Just 5 Minutes Rule

For daunting tasks, committing to just five minutes can break the inertia. Often, starting is the hardest part, and once underway, momentum carries me forward.

If after five minutes I still want to stop, that’s okay—I’ve met my commitment and can try again later.

7. VIP Alerts for Essential Emails

Important emails can get lost in the clutter. Setting VIP alerts on iOS for key contacts like editors or clients ensures I’m notified immediately and can respond promptly—applying the OHIO principle.

Identify who needs urgent responses to manage your inbox effectively.

Embrace Your Journey with ADHD

Managing ADHD means navigating everyday tasks that others might find simple. As a freelancer, I understand the challenge of juggling life’s demands.

These strategies have helped me regain control and boost productivity. I encourage you to try them and share your experiences.

Ash Fisher is a writer and comedian living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. When not navigating her unique challenges, she enjoys hiking with her corgi, Vincent, in Oakland. Learn more about her work on her website.

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