Why Planning Systems Fail

On this week’s show, Pete and Nikki break down how to create and implement planning systems that work with the ADHD brain.“There is not a perfect calendar, planner or task manager for ADHD,” notes Nikki. “What matters is that you build trust and consistency with your chosen tools.” They start by addressing common misconceptions about finding the “right” organizational system. As Nikki explains, no one tool determines success - only your willingness to use it consistently builds planning skills. She cautions against getting distracted searching for a flawless system. What matters is finding tools that fit your workflow and building habits around using them daily.What causes so many to abandon their carefully chosen systems? They share the psychological traps that sabotage trust in planning tools, from perfectionism to learned helplessness. They discuss how forgetting to use the system consistently or failing to personalize it to your needs also hinders success. Tune in to gain insight into why your tools may be failing you.  The key to results is forming a habit of using your system, not the system itself. They offer tips like starting small, scheduling planning time and allowing flexibility as you build consistency. Nikki emphasizes that mistakes are part of the process - you must persist through frustration to cement reliability. Create order amidst the chaos of ADHD through insights on building planning systems you can trust. Pete and Nikki guide you through myths, pitfalls, and practical strategies for long-term consistency. Discover how small steps create big change.Links & NotesDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (02:21) - Support the show! Get Member-Only D&D Special through Patreon! (04:59) - Planning Systems and Why They Fail (06:07) - What are we counting on our planning systems to do? (21:45) - Perfectionism (32:41) - Routines (35:47) - Beware the "Best Of" Recommendations --It's Time to Live Unapologetically — The Book is Available Now!Our new book, Unapologetically ADHD: A Step-by-Step Framework for Everyday Planning on Your Terms, is out and available now! You can find the hardcover or ebook version via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. Visit https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook for direct links to your favorite bookstore online, or visit your neighborhood bookstore and ask for it by name!  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★