ADHD Real Talk: Daily Habits That Help Me Keep It Together
Ever feel like your brain has a million tabs open and no Wi-Fi? Here’s my daily game plan for keeping ADHD chaos (mostly) under control—with a side of humor.
Learning to Control My ADHD: A Daily Commitment
Alright, ADHD friends (and curious onlookers), here’s the real talk. ADHD isn’t just about forgetting where you put your keys or re-reading the same sentence for the tenth time. Science shows it’s linked to brain chemistry—specifically, lower dopamine levels, a little gift from evolution that makes focusing on unexciting tasks feel about as fun as filing taxes on a Friday night. This lack of dopamine means the simple stuff—prioritizing, finishing tasks, deciding what’s for dinner—can feel like running a marathon with no coffee in sight.
ADHD affects the brain’s reward system too, so routine tasks feel overwhelming. Think of it like having your mind yell, “Hey, don’t forget we still need to clean the closet, learn Italian, and start that OnlyFans!” All at the same time. This chaos can lead to stress, anxiety, and that unique talent for juggling three responsibilities at once while getting none of them done.
How I keep my ADHD on a leash (most of the time):
1. Set Goals with Purpose
Every day, I figure out what I actually need to accomplish. Then I remind myself how great it’s going to feel when I hit those goals. My ADHD brain needs that dopamine rush to stay motivated, so I lean into that future payoff—even if it’s just finally putting the laundry away (hey, progress is progress).
2. Stick to a Structured Routine
Structure is everything. Without a plan, I’d be like a squirrel who just found a Red Bull. My day and week are as organized as I can make them, because without that structure, I’ll end up lost in my thousands of random thoughts—none of which involve getting anything done. (And, yes, “random thoughts” includes re-thinking every conversation I had in high school.)
3. Prioritize Like a Pro
Want a tip on prioritizing when your brain has too many tabs open? Start by asking: What’s actually important today? Then, rank tasks based on urgency. If it needs to get done today, it goes at the top; if it can wait, it goes lower. I’ve also found it helps to tackle one big task first, then reward myself with a smaller, easier one—keeps that dopamine flowing and my focus on point.
4. Stay Cool, Calm, and Collected
ADHD mixed with emotions? Dangerous cocktail. It can lead to the kind of impulsive decisions that’ll have you wondering, “Did I really just order another latte maker?” I work to keep things level-headed so my brain doesn’t trick me into chaos-mode every time something shiny comes along.
5. Take Small Steps & High-Five Myself
Big tasks are basically torture for my ADHD brain, so I break everything down into small steps. And yes, every step forward gets a high-five moment—mentally, at least. Why? Because that little dopamine hit keeps me motivated to keep going. Plus, it’s just fun to imagine giving myself high fives for remembering to finally take out the trash.
6. Give Myself Some Slack
Let’s be real, ADHD can make you your own worst critic. I remind myself that progress beats perfection every day, and I’ll take the small wins where I can get them. So if I’m not changing the world by 9 a.m., well, that’s okay—small victories still count!
So if you’re dealing with ADHD, just know you’re not alone. With a few good strategies (and maybe a healthy dose of humor), you can make real progress. It’s all about sticking to structure, prioritizing like a pro, and staying focused… at least until something shiny shows up.
TLDR for my ADHD friends:
• Set goals daily – because, yes, you do need a reason to finish the laundry.
• Structure your life – like, really, or prepare to spiral into the black hole of “what was I doing again?”
• Prioritize tasks – urgent stuff on top, fun stuff as a reward, and “learning Italian” can chill for now.
• Stay calm-ish – ADHD + emotions = probably don’t buy that extra latte maker.
• Take tiny steps – small wins keep the dopamine rolling, one trash bag at a time.
• Give yourself a break – perfection is for robots. Humans (with ADHD) just keep moving forward.
So here’s to making progress, even if it’s messy, funny, or just in tiny increments. We got this!
About the Author
Jasper Madriaga, the Barbarian Wizard at Infitnite, stands as a Bodybuilding Specialist, Champion, and a beacon of transformation for both casual and hardcore gamers. Evolving from a Pokémon enthusiast to a fitness icon, Jasper's path is marked by a blend of gaming fervor and relentless self-improvement. His ISSA certifications in Fitness Training, Nutrition, and Exercise Therapy, along with his status as a certified Pain-Free Performance Specialist (PPSC), empower him to intertwine fitness mastery with his gaming passion. Renowned for his ability to transform bodies and minds, Jasper crafts personalized fitness quests, guiding Warriors to transcend their limits. His holistic approach, deeply rooted in the discipline of the Mamba Mentality, propels gamers on a captivating journey to sculpt their physique, conquer mental barriers, and navigate the complexities of financial literacy, ensuring a triumphant quest in health, wealth, and life.