Rapidly Trending Topics, Insights, and Analysis: ADHD Planner

ADHD planners are organizational tools specifically designed for people with ADHD. A planner or organizational tool specifically designed for individuals with ADHD, with features such as task lists, time management, and goal tracking.

Specifically, this product is designed to make it easier to manage time, track goals and focus on tasks.

Interest in ADHD planners is growing primarily because of social media.

In fact, videos about ADHD planners have over 6.9 billion views on TikTok.

One popular ADHD planner brings in approximately $79K/month on Amazon.

What’s Next

ADHD planners are part of the Online ADHD meta trend.

Interest in ADHD has taken social media by storm.

The ADHD hashtag has over 3.6 million posts on Instagram. Whereas this hashtag has over 26.9 billion views on TikTok.

The r/adhd subreddit had only around 643,000 members in March 2020. This number has since increased to over 1.6 million.

Notably, people are also using online resources to manage their ADHD.

For example, ADHD apps monitor activity and provide organizational structure to help people with ADHD stay on track.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Question: What is an ADHD planner?

Answer: An ADHD planner is a tool that helps people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manage their time, tasks, and goals more effectively. An ADHD planner typically has a monthly view and a daily view, where the user can enter their responsibilities, appointments, deadlines, reminders, and priorities. An ADHD planner can also include features such as habit trackers, mood trackers, reward systems, motivational quotes, and tips for coping with ADHD challenges.

An ADHD Planner is a specialized organizational tool designed to assist individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in managing their time, tasks, and daily activities. It is tailored to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, such as difficulties with focus, organization, and time management.

ADHD Planners typically feature user-friendly layouts with clear sections for scheduling appointments, setting reminders, prioritizing tasks, and tracking progress. These planners often incorporate visual cues, color-coding, and prompts to help users stay on track and manage their responsibilities more effectively.

Question: Why do people with ADHD need a planner?

Answer: People with ADHD often struggle with time management, organization, planning, prioritizing, and remembering things. These difficulties can lead to missed deadlines, forgotten appointments, procrastination, stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. A planner can help people with ADHD overcome these challenges by providing them with a visual representation of their time and tasks, a structure for their daily routine, a way to break down large projects into manageable steps, and a reminder of their goals and achievements.

Question: How to choose the best planner for ADHD?

Answer: There is no one-size-fits-all planner for ADHD. Different people have different preferences, needs, and styles when it comes to planning. Some factors to consider when choosing a planner for ADHD are:

• The size and format of the planner. Some people prefer a large planner that can fit all their information on one page, while others prefer a compact planner that they can carry around easily. Some people like a spiral-bound planner that can lay flat on a desk, while others like a hardcover planner that can protect their pages.
• The layout and design of the planner. Some people prefer a simple and minimalist planner that has plenty of blank space for writing or doodling, while others prefer a colorful and creative planner that has stickers, icons, or graphics. Some people like a structured and pre-printed planner that has specific sections for different categories of tasks, while others like a flexible and customizable planner that they can adapt to their own needs.
• The features and functions of the planner. Some people prefer a basic planner that only has monthly and daily pages, while others prefer a comprehensive planner that has additional pages for tracking habits, moods, budgets, health, or other aspects of their life. Some people like a digital planner that they can access from multiple devices and sync with other apps or calendars, while others like a paper planner that they can write on by hand and personalize with their own style.
• The format: Do you prefer a paper or digital planner? A paper planner can be more tangible, customizable, and creative, while a digital planner can be more convenient, accessible, and flexible.
• The layout: Do you prefer a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly planner? A daily planner can help you to focus on the present, while a weekly or monthly planner can help you to plan ahead and see the big picture. A yearly planner can help you to track your progress and celebrate your achievements.
• The features: Do you prefer a simple or complex planner? A simple planner can be more user-friendly and less overwhelming, while a complex planner can offer more functionality and options.

Some features that can be helpful for people with ADHD are:

• Color-coding: This can help you to categorize your tasks, goals, and appointments by importance, urgency, or type.
• Checklists: This can help you to break down your tasks into manageable steps and track your completion.
• Timers: This can help you to estimate how long your tasks will take and set deadlines for yourself.
• Rewards: This can help you to motivate yourself and reinforce positive behaviors.
• Notes: This can help you to jot down your ideas, thoughts, and reminders.
• Calendars: This can help you to schedule your events, appointments, and deadlines.
• Goals: This can help you to define your short-term and long-term objectives and measure your progress.

Question: How to use a planner effectively with ADHD?

Answer: Using a planner effectively with ADHD requires some strategies and habits that can help the user make the most of their tool. Some tips for using a planner effectively with ADHD are:

• Review your planner regularly. Check your planner every morning to see what you have planned for the day, every evening to see what you have accomplished and what you need to do tomorrow, and every week to see how you are progressing towards your goals and what you need to adjust or prioritize.
• Write everything down. Don’t rely on your memory or assume that you will remember something later. Write down everything that you need to do or remember in your planner as soon as possible. This will help you avoid forgetting or overlooking important tasks or information.
• Be realistic and flexible. Don’t overbook or overcommit yourself by filling your planner with too many tasks or activities that you can’t realistically complete or attend. Leave some buffer time between tasks or appointments in case of delays or interruptions. Be prepared to adjust your plans if something unexpected or urgent comes up.
• Use reminders and alarms. If you have trouble remembering to check your planner or follow your schedule, use reminders and alarms to prompt you to do so. You can set reminders or alarms on your phone, computer, watch, or other devices that will alert you when it’s time to do something or look at your planner.
• Reward yourself. Using a planner can be hard work for people with ADHD. To motivate yourself and keep yourself on track, reward yourself for using your planner consistently and completing your tasks successfully. You can use rewards such as stickers, treats, breaks, entertainment, or anything else that makes you happy.
• Make it a routine: Set a regular time and place to update and review your planner every day. For example, you can do it in the morning before you start your day or in the evening before you go to bed. You can also set alarms or notifications to remind yourself to check your planner throughout the day.
• Be realistic: Don’t overestimate how much you can accomplish in a day or underestimate how long your tasks will take. Set realistic and attainable goals and prioritize them according to their importance and urgency. Leave some buffer time for unexpected events or delays.
• Be flexible: Don’t be afraid to adjust your plan if things change or don’t go as planned. You can reschedule, delegate, or cancel some tasks if necessary. You can also add new tasks or goals if they arise. Remember that your planner is a guide, not a rulebook.
• Be consistent: Don’t give up on your planner if you miss a day or make a mistake. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. You can also reward yourself for using your planner regularly and achieving your goals.

Question: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using a planner with ADHD?

Answer: Some common mistakes to avoid when using a planner with ADHD are:

• Using the wrong planner. Don’t use a planner that doesn’t suit your preferences, needs, or style. If you don’t like your planner or find it hard to use, you won’t stick with it. Experiment with different planners until you find one that works for you.
• Planning too rigidly. Don’t plan your days in too much detail or too far in advance. This can make you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or bored. Plan your days in broad strokes and leave some room for flexibility and spontaneity.
• Not planning enough. Don’t plan your days too loosely or too vaguely. This can make you feel lost, confused, or unproductive. Plan your days with enough detail and clarity to guide you and keep you focused.
• Losing or forgetting your planner. Don’t lose or forget your planner by leaving it somewhere or not carrying it with you. This can make you miss important tasks or information or lose track of your progress. Keep your planner in a safe and accessible place and always have it with you when you need it.
• Giving up on your planner. Don’t give up on your planner if you make mistakes or fall behind. This can make you feel discouraged, frustrated, or hopeless. Remember that using a planner is a skill that takes time and practice to master. Be patient and forgiving with yourself and try again.

Question: How to make a planner more fun and engaging for ADHD?

Answer: Making a planner more fun and engaging for ADHD can help the user enjoy using their tool and stay motivated and interested in their plans. Some ways to make a planner more fun and engaging for ADHD are:

• Use colors and stickers. Adding colors and stickers to your planner can make it more visually appealing and stimulating for your ADHD brain. You can use colors and stickers to highlight important tasks, categorize different types of tasks, mark your progress, or express your mood or personality.
• Use creativity and humor. Using creativity and humor in your planner can make it more entertaining and enjoyable for your ADHD brain. You can use creativity and humor to write catchy titles, funny notes, witty jokes, or clever puns in your planner. You can also use creativity and humor to draw doodles, cartoons, memes, or sketches in your planner.
• Use challenges and games. Using challenges and games in your planner can make it more challenging and rewarding for your ADHD brain. You can use challenges and games to set goals, track habits, measure performance, or compete with yourself or others in your planner. You can also use challenges and games to create puzzles, quizzes, riddles, or trivia in your planner.
• Use themes and stories. Using themes and stories in your planner can make it more meaningful and inspiring for your ADHD brain. You can use themes and stories to create a narrative, a character, a setting, or a plot for your plans in your planner. You can also use themes and stories to relate your plans to your values, passions, dreams, or purpose in your planner.

Question: How to find the best digital planner for ADHD?

Answer: Finding the best digital planner for ADHD depends on the user’s preferences, needs, and devices. Some factors to consider when finding the best digital planner for ADHD are:

• The compatibility of the digital planner with the user’s devices. The user should choose a digital planner that is compatible with the devices that they use most often, such as their phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. The user should also choose a digital planner that can sync with other apps or calendars that they use frequently, such as their email, contacts, reminders, notes, or social media.
• The functionality of the digital planner for the user’s needs. The user should choose a digital planner that has the functions that they need to manage their time, tasks, and goals effectively. Some functions that the user may look for are reminders, alarms, notifications, due dates, subtasks, categories, tags, filters, search, sort, export, import, backup, restore, share, collaborate, etc.
• The usability of the digital planner for the user’s preferences. The user should choose a digital planner that has a user interface that they find easy to use and navigate. The user should also choose a digital planner that has a design that they find attractive and appealing.

Some examples of popular digital planners for ADHD are:

• Todoist: A simple and powerful task manager that lets the user create projects, tasks, subtasks, due dates, priorities, labels, filters, and more.
• Trello: A visual and collaborative project management tool that lets the user create boards, lists, cards, checklists, attachments, comments, and more.
• Google Calendar: A versatile and reliable calendar app that lets the user create events, appointments, reminders, goals, tasks, and more.
• Evernote: A comprehensive and flexible note-taking app that lets the user create notes, notebooks, tags, clips, scans, drawings, and more.
• Notion: A multifunctional and customizable productivity app that lets the user create pages, blocks, tables, databases, calendars, galleries, and more.

Question: How can an ADHD Planner benefit individuals with ADHD?

Answer: An ADHD Planner can offer several benefits to individuals with ADHD:

• Improved Organization: The planner’s structured layout helps users organize their schedules, to-do lists, and commitments, reducing the risk of forgetting important tasks.
• Time Management: With designated spaces for planning daily activities and setting reminders, individuals can better manage their time and allocate it effectively.
• Focus and Attention: The visual cues and prompts in the planner can assist in sustaining focus and attention, making it easier to stay on track with tasks and deadlines.
• Reduced Stress: By providing a clear roadmap for daily activities, an ADHD Planner can help reduce stress and overwhelm, giving users a sense of control over their responsibilities.
• Goal Setting and Progress Tracking: Users can set achievable goals and track their progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
• Increased Productivity: The planner’s structure encourages productivity and helps users break down complex tasks into manageable steps.

Overall, an ADHD Planner acts as a valuable tool to support individuals with ADHD in effectively managing their daily lives and achieving their personal and professional goals.

Question: Are ADHD Planners different from regular planners?

Answer: Yes, ADHD Planners differ from regular planners in several ways. While regular planners typically offer standard scheduling layouts with pre-defined sections for dates, appointments, and notes, ADHD Planners are specifically designed to cater to the needs of individuals with ADHD.

Key differences of ADHD Planners may include:

1. Visual Prompts: ADHD Planners often use visual cues, color-coding, and icons to enhance engagement and stimulate focus.
2. Simplified Layout: The planner’s layout is typically less cluttered and overwhelming, making it easier for individuals with ADHD to navigate and use effectively.
3. Goal-Oriented Features: ADHD Planners often include sections for goal setting, progress tracking, and habit formation to support personal growth and time management.
4. Task Prioritization: These planners emphasize task prioritization and may provide strategies to help users determine which tasks to tackle first.
5. Reminders and Alerts: ADHD Planners may have built-in reminder systems or space for users to set their own alarms and alerts for important tasks and appointments.

The tailored features of ADHD Planners aim to accommodate the specific challenges faced by individuals with ADHD and support their organizational and time management needs.

Question: Can an ADHD Planner help with memory issues related to ADHD?

Answer: Yes, an ADHD Planner can be beneficial in addressing memory issues often experienced by individuals with ADHD. Memory problems are common among those with ADHD, and a planner serves as an external memory aid, helping individuals remember appointments, tasks, and other important information.

By writing down tasks and events in the planner, individuals can offload the burden of trying to remember everything mentally. This reduces the risk of forgetting essential appointments or tasks and enhances overall daily functioning.

Furthermore, the act of writing tasks in the planner helps reinforce memory through kinesthetic learning. The act of physically writing can aid in memory retention and improve recall.

For individuals with ADHD who struggle with short-term memory and working memory, an ADHD Planner can be an invaluable tool in compensating for memory challenges and promoting better organization and productivity.

Question: What features should I look for in an ADHD Planner?

Answer: When selecting an ADHD Planner, consider the following features to ensure it aligns with your specific needs:

1. Visual Prompts: Look for planners with visual cues, such as color-coding, symbols, and illustrations, to enhance engagement and memory recall.
2. Simplified Layout: Opt for a planner with a clean and uncluttered layout to reduce overwhelm and make it easier to focus on essential tasks.
3. Task Prioritization: Seek planners that provide space for task prioritization, helping you focus on high-priority activities.
4. Reminders and Alerts: Choose a planner with reminder systems or designated space to set alarms for important events and tasks.
5. Goal Setting and Progress Tracking: Look for sections that allow you to set goals and track your progress, motivating you to achieve personal milestones.
6. Flexibility: Ensure the planner offers flexibility in its layout, allowing you to customize it based on your specific preferences and needs.
7. Durability: Consider the quality of materials and binding to ensure the planner can withstand daily use.

Remember that everyone’s preferences and needs may differ, so choose an ADHD Planner that suits your individual organizational style and enhances your ability to manage tasks effectively.

Question: Can children with ADHD benefit from using an ADHD Planner?

Answer: Yes, children with ADHD can benefit significantly from using an ADHD Planner. Children with ADHD often face challenges with time management, organization, and remembering tasks and appointments. An ADHD Planner can serve as a helpful tool to support their daily routines and promote independence.

For children, it’s essential to choose an ADHD Planner that is age-appropriate and visually engaging. Look for planners with playful designs, vibrant colors, and space for stickers or personalization to make planning enjoyable for the child.

Parents and caregivers can work with children to fill out the planner together, reinforcing organization skills and the importance of time management. As children become more proficient with using the planner, they can gradually take more ownership of their schedules and responsibilities.

Question: Can I use a digital ADHD Planner or is a physical planner better?

Answer: The choice between a digital ADHD Planner and a physical planner depends on individual preferences and needs. Both options offer unique advantages:

Digital ADHD Planner:

• Portability: Access your planner on various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, for easy on-the-go planning.
• Flexibility: Digital planners may offer features like automatic reminders and cloud synchronization for seamless organization.
• Customization: Some digital planners allow for personalized layouts, font styles, and color schemes to suit individual preferences.
• Environmental Impact: Digital planners reduce paper usage, making them a more eco-friendly option.

Physical ADHD Planner:

• Tactile Experience: Writing tasks and events by hand can enhance memory recall through kinesthetic learning.
• Visual Cues: Physical planners can use color-coding and visual prompts effectively to engage and support focus.
• Reduced Screen Time: Using a physical planner can provide a screen-free experience, reducing eye strain and digital distractions.
• Personalization: Decorate and customize your physical planner with stickers, drawings, and other personal touches.

Ultimately, the best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle, organizational preferences, and ADHD management strategies. Some individuals may find a combination of both digital and physical planning tools works well for them.

Question: How can an ADHD Planner help with time management?

Answer: An ADHD Planner can significantly aid in time management for individuals with ADHD. It provides a structured framework to plan and allocate time effectively, reducing the risk of time-related challenges such as procrastination and missed deadlines.

Here’s how an ADHD Planner helps with time management:

1. Scheduling: Use the planner to jot down appointments, meetings, and deadlines to keep track of important dates and times.
2. Daily Planning: Plan out your daily activities and tasks, ensuring you allocate enough time for each task and prioritize effectively.
3. Time Blocking: Use time-blocking techniques in your planner to assign specific time slots for different tasks, helping you stay focused and on track.
4. Reminders: Set reminders and alarms for important events and tasks, prompting you to take action at the right times.
5. Reflection: Use the planner to reflect on how you spent your time and identify areas for improvement, enabling better time management in the future.

By leveraging the features and tools provided by an ADHD Planner, you can enhance your time management skills and improve overall productivity.

Question: Can an ADHD Planner be used in conjunction with other ADHD management strategies?

Answer: Yes, an ADHD Planner can be used as part of a comprehensive ADHD management approach. While the planner is a valuable tool for organizing and managing daily activities, it can work synergistically with other strategies to maximize its effectiveness.

Some additional ADHD management strategies to consider include:

• Medication: For individuals with ADHD who are prescribed medication, adhering to the prescribed treatment plan can help manage symptoms and improve focus.
• Behavioral Therapy: Participating in behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can teach coping skills and strategies for managing ADHD-related challenges.
• Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive and structured environment at home and work can help minimize distractions and improve focus.
• Exercise and Nutrition: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being and potentially reduce ADHD symptoms.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help enhance focus and self-awareness.

By combining an ADHD Planner with these strategies, individuals can develop a well-rounded and effective approach to managing ADHD symptoms and achieving their goals.

Remember that ADHD management is highly individualized, and it’s essential to work closely with healthcare professionals, such as doctors and therapists, to develop a personalized plan that meets your specific needs.

Question: What are some common challenges of using an ADHD planner and how can I overcome them?

Answer: Some common challenges of using an ADHD planner are:

• Forgetting to use it: If you tend to forget to use your planner, you can try to make it more visible and accessible. For example, you can keep it on your desk, in your bag, or on your phone. You can also use stickers, magnets, or bookmarks to mark important pages or sections.
• Losing interest in it: If you tend to lose interest in your planner after a while, you can try to make it more fun and engaging. For example, you can use different colors, fonts, stickers, or doodles to decorate your planner. You can also change the format or layout of your planner every once in a while to keep it fresh and exciting.
• Feeling overwhelmed by it: If you tend to feel overwhelmed by your planner because it has too much information or too many options, you can try to simplify it and focus on the essentials. For example, you can use only one or two colors, fonts, or features to avoid clutter and confusion. You can also use only one or two pages or sections to plan your day or week.

Question: How can I track my progress and success with my ADHD planner?

Answer: Tracking your progress and success with your ADHD planner can help you to see how far you have come and how much you have achieved. It can also help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve your performance. Here are some ways to track your progress and success with your ADHD planner:

• Review your planner regularly: Look back at your planner at the end of each day, week, month, or year and evaluate how well you did. You can use a rating system, such as stars, points, or grades, to measure your performance. You can also write down some feedback, such as what worked well, what didn’t work well, and what you can do better next time.
• Celebrate your achievements: Recognize and reward yourself for completing your tasks, reaching your goals, and using your planner consistently. You can use tangible rewards, such as treats, gifts, or activities, or intangible rewards, such as praise, gratitude, or satisfaction. You can also share your achievements with others, such as friends, family, or colleagues.
• Keep a record of your achievements: Keep a record of your achievements in your planner or in a separate journal or file. You can use charts, graphs, tables, or lists to display your data. You can also use photos, videos, or audio recordings to document your evidence. This way, you can have a visual and tangible proof of your progress and success.

Question: How can I get support and accountability with my ADHD planner?

Answer: Getting support and accountability with your ADHD planner can help you to stay motivated, focused, and on track. It can also help you to overcome challenges, solve problems, and learn from others. Here are some ways to get support and accountability with your ADHD planner:

• Join a group: You can join a group of people who use ADHD planners or have similar goals as you. You can meet online or in person and share your plans, progress, challenges, and tips. You can also give and receive feedback, encouragement, and advice.
• Find a buddy: You can find a buddy who uses an ADHD planner or has similar goals as you. You can pair up with them and check in with each other regularly. You can also set goals, deadlines, and rewards together.
• Hire a coach: You can hire a coach who is an expert in ADHD planning or goal setting. You can work with them one-on-one and get personalized guidance, support, and accountability. They can help you to create, implement, and evaluate your plan.

Question: What are some resources that can help me learn more about ADHD planning?

Answer: There are many resources that can help you learn more about ADHD planning. Some of them are:

• Books: There are many books that offer practical advice and strategies on how to plan effectively with ADHD. Some examples are:
  • The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success: How to Use Your Brain’s Executive Skills to Keep Up,
    Stay Calm, and Get Organized at Work and at Home by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare
  • ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life: Strategies that Work from an Acclaimed Professional Organizer and a Renowned ADD Clinician by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau
  • Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
• Websites: There are many websites that offer useful information and tips on how to plan effectively with ADHD. Some examples are:
  • ADDitude Magazine
  • CHADD
  • MindTools
• Apps: There are many apps that offer helpful features and tools for planning effectively with ADHD. Some examples are:
  • Trello
  • Evernote
  • Todoist

Question: How do I know if my ADHD planner is working for me?

Answer: The best way to know if your ADHD planner is working for you is to monitor your results and feelings. Here are some questions to ask yourself to evaluate if your ADHD planner is working for you:

• Are you completing more tasks than before?
• Are you reaching more goals than before?
• Are you missing fewer deadlines than before?
• Are you feeling more organized than before?
• Are you feeling more confident than before?
• Are you feeling more satisfied than before?

If you answer yes to most of these questions, then your ADHD planner is probably working for you. If you answer no to most of these questions, then your ADHD planner may not be working for you.