ADHD & Success: You’re Not Broken—You’re Wired Differently

Alex Koupal • May 21, 2025

Let’s be real: having ADHD in a world built for planners, routines, and color-coded calendars is hard.


You’re not lazy. You’re not flaky.

Your brain is just playing by different rules—and no one gave you the rulebook.


Whether you’re a mom juggling 18 browser tabs (in your brain and on your screen), or a young professional staring at a to-do list that refuses to to-do, it’s tough.


But here’s the good news: you don’t need to “fix” your brain to succeed. You just need to stop fighting how it works—and start working with it.


The Power of Parallel Presence

Ever get more done when someone’s just... sitting nearby? That’s not weird—it’s called body doubling, and it works really well for ADHD brains.


It’s not about being watched. It’s about shared energy.

Try working in a coffee shop, joining a virtual coworking session, or even playing a “Study With Me” video in the background. It counts.


Rethink How You Plan

Traditional planners assume you’ll remember to look at them. For many ADHD folks… that’s a big ask.


You can try whiteboards, sticky notes, phone alarms—or all three. Go visual. Go simple. Go small. Instead of planning your entire day, try naming the next thing: “Respond to that email,” “Call about the dentist,” “Microwave leftovers.” Simple is better.


Starting > Feeling Motivated

Waiting to feel “ready” or “motivated”? You might be waiting forever.


Instead, set a timer for five minutes and tell yourself, “I’ll just do a little.” That first step often kickstarts momentum. It’s not about finishing—it’s about starting, and letting that be enough.


Your Brain’s Not a Calendar

If you’ve ever forgotten an appointment you genuinely cared about—welcome to the club.


ADHD isn’t about not caring. It’s about not remembering at the right time. So outsource it all.


Calendar alerts. Alarms with labels. Sticky notes in places you can’t ignore.


Don’t rely on memory. Let your brain think—not hold stuff.


Tiny Wins Are Still Wins

Success doesn’t always look like crossing 12 things off a color-coded list. 


Sometimes it’s brushing your teeth before noon or replying to one email without spiraling. And guess what? That counts. Give yourself credit. ADHD isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress, one messy, beautiful, real-life step at a time.


Let’s Build a System That Works for You

ADHD doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It means you need different tools—ones that match how your brain actually works.


If you’re tired of trying to fit into someone else’s system and ready to build your own, I’d love to help.



👉 Book a free consultation and let’s figure out what thriving looks like—for you.

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