So you’ve finally got your ADHD medication sorted out. Maybe you’re thinking “Great! Everything should be perfect now, right?” But then you still can’t find your keys, or you’re late to appointments, or your brain feels like a browser with 100 tabs open. Don’t worry – you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Quick Note Before We Start

This guide is written for people with ADHD, by someone who gets it. Take breaks while reading. Bookmark it. Come back later. There’s no rush, and you don’t have to memorize everything at once.

Why Medication Isn’t the Whole Story

Think of ADHD medication like putting on glasses. Glasses help you see better, but they don’t automatically teach you how to read. Same with ADHD meds – they help your brain focus, but you still need to learn specific skills. Let’s talk about those skills in a way that actually makes sense.

1. Time Management (That Actually Works)

Forget everything you’ve heard about “just use a planner.” Here’s what really works:

The “Time Blindness” Fix

Set alarms for EVERYTHING. Not just appointments – set them for “start getting ready for the appointment”
Use a visual timer (like Time Timer) when working. Seeing time disappear helps make it real
Add 15 minutes to however long you think something will take. Trust me on this one

The “But I Lost Track of Time!” Solution

REAL EXAMPLE: Getting ready for work Instead of: “I need to leave at 8:00,” try this:

7:15 – First alarm: “Hey, start thinking about getting ready”
7:30 – Second alarm: “No really, start getting ready now”
7:45 – Third alarm: “Final check: Keys? Phone? Wallet? Lunch?”
8:00 – “Out the door NOW”

2. Organization (For People Who Hate Organizing)

The “I Can’t Find Anything” Fix

Clear containers aren’t just nice – they’re necessary. Your ADHD brain needs to SEE things
Example: Instead of a drawer full of socks, use a clear box. Label it “SOCKS” in big letters
Put things where you actually use them, not where they’re “supposed” to go

The “Everything’s a Mess” Solution

Instead of trying to organize everything at once:

Pick ONE surface (like your desk)
Set a timer for 10 minutes
Sort things into three piles: “Keep here,” “Goes somewhere else,” “Trash”
When the timer rings, you can stop (really!)

3. Money Stuff (Because Bills Don’t Pay Themselves)

What Actually Works:

Set up automatic payments for EVERYTHING you can
Use separate accounts: One for bills, one for spending
Get notifications when your balance is low
Use apps like Mint or YNAB that show your money visually

4. Dealing with Emotions (Because ADHD Isn’t Just About Focus)

When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed:

Try the “5-4-3-2-1” game: Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste
Have a “calm down box” ready with: Something to squeeze, something that smells good, something that makes noise, something to look at

When You’re Frustrated:

Remember: Your worth isn’t measured by your productivity
Text a friend: “Brain’s not working. Send cat pictures.”
Step outside for 2 minutes – just 2 minutes can reset your brain

When to Get Extra Help

It’s okay to need support. Actually, it’s more than okay – it’s smart. Consider working with someone when:

You’ve tried these strategies and they’re not clicking
You feel stuck or overwhelmed
You want someone to help you figure out what works for YOUR brain

The Bottom Line

Living with ADHD is like having a Ferrari engine with bicycle brakes. Medication helps, but these skills are your owner’s manual for daily life. Take what works for you, leave what doesn’t, and remember – you’re not alone in this.

Want More Support?

I work with adults with ADHD to develop personalized strategies that actually fit their lives. We can work together to find approaches that make sense for your unique situation.

Disclaimer: This is a starting point, not a rulebook. Always work with your healthcare providers to find what works best for you.