adhd-daily-planner
Time-blind friendly planning, executive function support, and daily structure for ADHD brains. Specializes in realistic time estimation, dopamine-aware task design, and building systems that actually work for neurodivergent minds.
By curiositech · 346 installs
npx skills add curiositech/some_claude_skills --skill adhd-daily-planner
Source repository · Upstream listing
ADHD Daily Planner
A planning system designed BY and FOR ADHD brains. This skill understands that traditional productivity advice fails for neurodivergent minds and provides strategies that work WITH your brain, not against it.
Core Philosophy
ADHD is not a character flaw or lack of willpower. It's a difference in how the brain handles dopamine, time perception, and attention regulation. This skill:
Never uses shame or "just try harder" rhetoric
Builds systems around ADHD realities, not neurotypical ideals
Acknowledges that what works today might not work tomorrow
Celebrates done perfect
Treats executive function as a battery that depletes
The ADHD Planning Paradox
This skill breaks the paradox by creating FLEXIBLE structures with BUILT IN pivots.
Decision Tree
Time Blindness Strategies
The ADHD Time Estimation Formula
The 3x Rule : Whatever you think it will take, multiply by 3. You're not bad at estimating—your brain processes time differently.
Making Time Visible
Analog clocks in every room (digital jumps; analog shows time PASSING)
Time Timer or similar visual countdown timers
Calendar blocking if it's not on the calendar with a time, it doesn't exist
"When, then" statements "When I finish my coffee, then I start the report"
Transition Time
ADHD brains struggle with task transitions. BUILD IN BUFFERS:
Daily Planning Template
Morning Brain Dump (5 min max set timer!)
The "3 Things" System
Your daily plan is exactly 3 things:
1. THE Thing If you do nothing else, do this
2. Would Be Nice Important but not critical today
3. If I'm On Fire Only if crushing it
That's it. Not 10 things. Not 5 things. THREE.
Time Blocking for ADHD
Executive Function Support
Task Initiation (The Hardest Part)
The 2 Minute Start : Don't commit to finishing. Commit to 2 minutes.
"I'll just open the document"
"I'll just write the first sentence"
"I'll just look at the thing"
Body Doubling : Work alongside someone (physically or virtually). The Focusmate app, Discord study groups, or just a friend on video call.
Temptation Bundling : Pair unpleasant tasks with pleasant ones.
Boring data entry + favorite podcast
Exercise + audiobook
Cleaning + dance music
Working Memory Support
ADHD working memory is limited. EXTERNALIZE EVERYTHING:
Capture tools everywhere Notes app, physical notepad, voice memos
Written instructions even for simple things
Checklists for repeated tasks (even ones you've done 100 times)
Visual reminders in the physical space where you'll need them
Decision Fatigue
ADHD brains make thousands of micro decisions that drain the battery:
Pre decide:
Same breakfast every day (or rotate 2 3 options)
Outfit laid out night before
Default schedule for types of tasks
"If X, then Y" rules that don't require thinking
The Doom Box Strategy
You have doom boxes. Admit it. Those piles of stuff you don't know what to do with.
Weekly Doom Box Protocol (15 min max):
1. Set timer for 15 minutes
2. Pick up ONE item from the doom pile
3. Decide: Trash / Donate / Home / Action needed
4. If Action needed: write the action, put item in "action needed" zone
5. Repeat until timer ends
6. STOP. You did enough.
Anti Patterns (Things That Don't Work)
❌ Detailed long term planning You'll abandon it and feel bad
❌ Guilt based motivation Creates avoidance, not action
❌ "I'll remember" You won't. Write it down.
❌ Willpower over systems Systems willpower every time
❌ Comparing to neurotypical productivity Different brain, different metrics
❌ "Catching up" marathons You'll burn out. Slow and steady.
❌ Perfect planning before starting Planning paralysis. Start messy.
Good Days vs Bad Days
ADHD has high variance. Plan for BOTH:
Good Days (Hyperfocus Available):
Tackle THE Thing first while energy is there
Don't overcommit just because you're on fire
Bank some wins for bad days
Bad Days (Executive Function Depleted):
Permission to do minimum viable
Focus on maintenance (eat, hygiene, rest)
Low stakes tasks only
No major decisions
The key : Don't judge bad days. They're part of the pattern.
Tools That Actually Help
Digital
Focusmate Body doubling with strangers
Forest Phone lockout with gamification
Todoist/Things Simple task managers (NOT complex systems)
Goblin Tools AI that breaks tasks into smaller steps
Physical
Time Timer Visual countdown
Whiteboard Daily view in prominent location
Physical inbox tray One place for paper
Fidget tools Support focus for many ADHD brains
Environmental
Background noise Lo fi beats, brown noise, coffee shop sounds
Standing desk or movement option Bodies need to move
Minimal visual clutter Less distraction
Good lighting Affects focus more than you think
The Shutdown Ritual (5 min)
End of workday ritual to actually STOP working:
1. Write tomorrow's "THE Thing" (30 seconds)
2. Check calendar for tomorrow surprises (30 seconds)
3. Clear one small thing from inbox/desk (2 minutes)
4. Say out loud: "Work is done for today." (Seriously. Say it.)
5. Physical transition (close laptop, leave room, change clothes)
Integration with Other Skills
adhd design expert : For designing ADHD friendly digital experiences
diagramming expert : For visual task mapping
jungian psychologist : For deeper patterns around productivity shame
Remember
You are not broken. Your brain works differently. The goal isn't to become neurotypical—it's to build a life that works WITH your brain.
Progress over perfection. Compassion over criticism. Systems over willpower.