ADHD: How to Trick Your Brain Into Functioning

Living with ADHD means your brain processes the world a little differently—and that’s not a flaw. It’s just how your brain is wired. The problem isn’t that your brain is broken; it’s that a lot of the systems around us were never designed for brains like yours. So instead of wasting energy trying to force your brain to function like it “should,” let’s talk about ways to work with it.

Here are a few strategies that can help you outsmart the executive function roadblocks and make your life a little more doable—on your terms.

1. External Structure Isn’t Cheating

If organizing your internal world feels impossible some days, lean on external tools. Alarms, sticky notes, visual schedules, whiteboards, body doubling—these aren’t crutches, they’re extensions of your brain. It’s not about becoming “more organized,” it’s about creating a system that makes sense to you.

2. Smaller Is Smarter

If a task feels impossible, it probably is—for your brain, the way it's currently being framed. Shrinking a task down into something tiny and manageable is not lazy or avoiding. It’s strategy. The smaller the step, the more likely your brain can say “yeah, okay, I can do that.” Start where your brain is, not where you think it should be.

3. Hyperfocus Is a Feature, Not a Flaw

Yes, ADHD can make focus hard—but when you do focus, you can go deep. That’s not a bug, that’s a built-in superpower. Learn to work with those bursts. Line up tasks that are easier to fall into when that window opens. Don’t waste time wishing you were more “balanced.” Use the brain you’ve got.

4. Fidgeting, Moving, Doodling? Good.

If sitting still feels like a full-time job, maybe it’s not the right job for your brain. Movement helps regulate your nervous system. Chewing gum, pacing, bouncing your leg—it’s all part of how you focus, not signs that you’re failing at it.

5. Make Urgency Work For You

If your brain only clicks into gear under pressure, that’s useful information—not a character flaw. Create urgency on purpose. Use countdown timers, fake deadlines, or accountability check-ins. You’re not being dramatic or procrastinating “on purpose.” Your brain just needs a reason to care now, not later.

6. Visual Reminders = Brain Anchors

Out of sight, out of mind is real. ADHD brains need physical, visible cues. Leave your meds on the coffee maker. Use color-coded calendars. Hang your keys by the door. These aren’t clutter—they’re reminders. You’re not forgetful. Your brain just stores information differently.

7. Reward Systems Aren’t Just for Kids

Your brain loves dopamine. So use that. Bribe yourself. Make boring tasks more interesting. Pair chores with podcasts or audiobooks. Promise yourself a reward for finishing something. It’s not “immature”—it’s a way to connect motivation to your nervous system. That’s smart.

8. You Might Need Help—That’s Okay

Your brain may not do great with solo responsibility, and there’s nothing wrong with needing outside structure. Whether it’s an accountability buddy, a coach, or a therapist, sometimes having another human in the loop makes things possible that otherwise feel totally out of reach.

9. Mind the Burnout

Living in a world that doesn’t accommodate your brain is exhausting. You might be running on fumes more often than you realize. Rest before you crash. Let yourself off the hook. Take a nap. Do nothing on purpose. The more you respect your brain’s limits, the more capacity you’ll actually have long-term.

10. You're Not a Broken Neurotypical

You’re not failing at being a person. You’re just trying to use a map that wasn’t made for your terrain. Throw that map out. Build a new one. Your brain isn’t wrong—it just works differently. You don’t need to become someone else to function. You just need tools that actually work for you.

There’s no one right way to ADHD. Your brain might not play by the rules you were taught—but that doesn’t mean it can’t do incredible things. The goal isn’t to fix yourself. The goal is to understand yourself, so you can move through the world in ways that feel more manageable, more authentic, and maybe even a little easier.

You deserve that.