You Don't Need Fancy Planners to Get Things Done.

Your ADHD brain wants a shiny new object but it won't help the way you want it to.

I frequently see people get bogged down by the sheer

volume of "stuff" they think they need to be productive. Beautifully bound planners, intricate digital apps, and color-coded organizational systems promise to be the key to unlocking your most efficient self. But here's a little secret: you don't need any of it to remember tasks and get things done.

What do you need, then? Something profoundly simple, incredibly effective, and almost always within reach: a legal pad and a pen.

The Power of Pen and Paper

Forget the overwhelming feeling of trying to choose the "perfect" planner or syncing a dozen apps. The beauty of the legal pad method lies in its straightforward simplicity. There's no learning curve, no batteries to charge, and no tempting distractions. Just you, your thoughts, and the satisfying scratch of ink on paper.

This isn't just about simplicity; it's about active engagement. The act of physically writing down your tasks helps to solidify them in your mind. It's a tangible commitment that a digital tap can't quite replicate.

Your Daily Blueprint: The Legal Pad Method

Here's how to harness the power of your legal pad and pen to create a system that truly works for you:

1. Date It:

At the very top of each new page, each and every day begin with the day's date. This simple act creates a clear record of your progress and provides a chronological archive of your accomplishments.

2. Your Daily To-Do List

Beneath the date, create your daily to-do list. Don't overthink it. Just jot down everything you need to accomplish. Aim to be realistic about what you can achieve in a day. Try to set this in order of importance. For smaller tasks like dropping by the ATM or picking up dry cleaning a small box on the right side of the page can hold these personal reminders.

3. The Power of Symbols

This is where your legal pad comes alive and provides instant visual feedback on your progress. Use these simple symbols to indicate the status of each task:

• ☆ (Star): Use a star next to tasks that are high priority or that you absolutely must get done today. This helps you quickly identify your most important actions.

• ✓ (Check Mark): When part task is completed, put a satisfying check mark next to it. This provides a visual cue of your accomplishments and a boost of motivation. Perhaps you needed to speak with a client but couldn't get a hold of them. You did however leave a message. The check mark indicates you did your part. You can add some shorthand as well, like LVM meaning you left a message for them.

• (Cross Out): If a task is no longer relevant, delegated or completed, simply cross it out. This keeps your list clean and focused.

4. Space for Notes

Leave a little bit of space in between each task on your list. This is your personal thinking ground. Use it for notes, relevant phone numbers, or any little detail that pertains to that specific task progressing.

5. The Rolling Transfer

Life happens, and sometimes you don't get everything done. That's perfectly normal! At the end of each day, or first thing the next morning, move any unfinished tasks to your new day's list. The key is to rewrite them. This ensures you're actively acknowledging and re-prioritizing them, rather than just letting them linger.

The 21-Day Habit Challenge

Here’s your challenge: practice this legal pad method for 21 days.

Consistency is key to forming a habit. For 21 days, commit to starting each workday by writing your to-do list on a legal pad. Use the stars, check marks, and cross-outs diligently. Carry over your unfinished tasks.

After 21 days, you'll likely find that this simple, tactile approach has become an ingrained part of your daily routine. You'll be remembering tasks more effectively, feeling more in control of your workload, and experiencing the quiet satisfaction of seeing your progress unfold right before your eyes.

So, put down the expensive planner. Close that tempting app. Grab a legal pad and a pen, and start getting things done. What’s the first thing you’re going to write down today?