Let's talk about planning systems and why most of them fail ADHD brains. Recently, I tried the 12-Week Year system and completely bombed it. But instead of spiraling into shame (been there, done that), I learned something valuable about what actually works for my ADHD brain.
Why Traditional Planning Systems Fail Us
Here's the truth: most planning systems are designed for neurotypical brains. They assume you can:
- Maintain consistent energy levels
- Focus on arbitrary deadlines
- Get motivated by checking boxes
- Think linearly about time
Spoiler alert: that's not how ADHD brains work.
The Permission to Follow Your Energy
During a recent coaching session, I had a major revelation. I'd been forcing myself toward creating a membership program because "that's what successful coaches do." But my procrastination was trying to tell me something - it felt completely unaligned with my energy.
Instead, I discovered:
- One-on-one coaching lights me up
- Creating content (like YouTube videos) energizes me
- Asynchronous communication works best for my brain
- I need flexible, unstructured days for creativity
And all that is also true for the way I plan and run my business!
Building a System That Actually Works
After ditching the 12-Week Year's rigid structure, I went back to what worked: my Notion-based system. Here's what makes it ADHD-friendly:
1. Visual Weekly Overview
- Calendar view that can shrink to show just one week
- Color coding for different types of tasks
- Time estimates right next to each task
2. Goals Always Visible
Remember: out of sight, out of mind. Keep your goals front and center where you'll actually see them.
3. Time Blocking with Flexibility
- Add task durations (30, 60, 90 minutes)
- See at a glance when a day is fully booked
- Leave space for energy fluctuations
4. Future Planning Without Overwhelm
Instead of juggling multiple planners, everything lives in one place:
- Current week's tasks
- Future appointments
- Recurring tasks
- Project deadlines
The Real Game-Changer: Permission to Be Different
The biggest shift wasn't the planning system - it was giving myself permission to:
- Work in ways that honor my energy
- Ignore "should do" business advice
- Create structures that fit my brain
- Trust my procrastination as valuable feedback
Making It Work For You
If you're struggling with your current planning system:
- Notice what's causing stress
- Are deadlines too compressed?
- Does checking boxes make you anxious?
- Is the system too rigid?
- Track your energy
- When are you most focused?
- What tasks light you up?
- What drains you?
- Build around your strengths
- Use visual cues
- Keep important info visible
- Create flexible structures
Remember: Your procrastination isn't laziness - it's often your brain telling you something isn't working. Listen to it.
Choosing YOUR ADHD Planning System
The goal isn't to force yourself into someone else's system. It's about creating a framework that supports your unique brain wiring. Sometimes that means letting go of "should" and embracing what actually works - even if it looks different from what everyone else is doing.
And hey, if you're looking for an ADHD-friendly Notion template to get started, you can always try mine. Just remember: it's a starting point, not a rigid rulebook. Make it your own.
