# Why ADHD Brains Need to Functional Plan  ## Introduction - Pretty Planning vs. Functional Planning - The importance of having a functional plan for individuals with ADHD is being discussed, as traditional "pretty planning" methods may not be effective for people with ADHD [(00:00:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=11s). - The speaker used to be a "pretty planner" and would add stickers and other decorations to their planner, but found that this method was not functional and did not help them get things done [(00:01:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=68s). - Stickers can be distracting for individuals with ADHD, causing them to go off on tangents and lose focus on the task at hand [(00:02:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=125s). - The speaker's brain is easily distracted by stickers, leading them to research the designer, their history, and biography, rather than focusing on the task [(00:02:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=151s). ## Using Stickers After the Fact - The speaker has found that using stickers after the fact, rather than during the planning process, is a more effective way to use them without getting distracted [(00:03:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=184s). - The speaker's current planner is very functional and is used as a "workhorse" to get things done, with space for testing pens and markers [(00:03:12)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=192s). - The speaker has created a planner specifically designed for individuals with ADHD, called the ADH Done Planner, which is available on their website, panacheplanner.com [(00:01:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=103s). ## The ADH Done Planner and Brain Dump Process - The process of planning involves a brain dump of tasks, where everything is written down without organization or prioritization, and then later color-coded and prioritized [(00:03:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=235s). - The initial brain dump is done in black ink, and color-coding is added later to differentiate between tasks and priorities, such as general work, design, social, personal, and top priority tasks [(00:04:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=274s). - This process helps to visualize tasks and identify what needs to be accomplished, separating top priorities from random brain dump tasks [(00:04:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=286s). ## Importance of Task Focus over Aesthetics - Tasks can get lost in decorative spreads, making it essential to focus on the tasks themselves rather than the aesthetics of the planner [(00:05:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=311s). - A simple list can be an effective planning tool, as seen in a 15th-day example where tasks, appointments, and chores were listed in a straightforward manner [(00:05:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=328s). ## Boyfriend's Adoption of Disc-Bound Notebook - The use of a disc-bound notebook has been adopted by the writer's boyfriend, who uses it for work in a professional setting, and has found it to be a useful tool for organization [(00:05:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=356s). - The boyfriend's use of the disc-bound notebook was a surprise, but he has reported using it daily and appreciating the premium Bristol vellum paper used in the notebook [(00:06:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=388s). - The writer's boyfriend has also tested pens in the notebook and has found a pen that works well with the paper, which has been a successful experiment [(00:06:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=408s). ## Disc Planner in a Meeting - A person used a disk planner in a meeting, which was seen as a useful tool for organization, and it doesn't have to be aesthetically pleasing to be effective [(00:07:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=434s). ## Daily Planner Layout and Flexibility - A daily planner layout was created with blank boxes that can be used for various tasks, habits, or to-do lists, and stickers can be added for check marks or other purposes [(00:07:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=462s). - The boxes in the planner layout are versatile and can be used differently each day, allowing for flexibility in planning and organization [(00:08:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=510s). - Regular planners can be limiting, as they often have a set format for habit tracking that may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with ADHD [(00:08:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=517s). - The planner layout allows for customization, and each day can have different tasks or habits, making it more functional for individuals with ADHD [(00:09:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=540s). ## Decorations and Overwhelm for ADHD - Decorations in planners can be overwhelming for people with ADHD, and the pressure to create perfect spreads can be discouraging [(00:09:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=561s). - The focus on making planners visually appealing can distract from their functional purpose, and individuals with ADHD may prioritize aesthetics over usability [(00:10:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=622s). - Neurotypicals tend to focus on the aesthetic aspects of planners, such as the spread and decoration, rather than their functional use [(00:10:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=650s). - Individuals with ADHD need separate spaces for creativity and functionality, which can be challenging to explain to those without ADHD or neurodivergent experiences [(00:11:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=671s). ## Bullet Journaling and Planner Preferences - [[Bullet journal | Bullet journaling]] is often recommended for ADHD, but it may not be suitable for everyone, as it lacks organization and can be frustrating for some individuals [(00:13:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=825s). - The use of a planner with rings that can be taken in and out is preferred, as it allows for flexibility and customization [(00:11:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=708s). - A planner should serve as a tool for daily tasks and to-do lists, rather than being solely focused on aesthetics [(00:12:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=773s). - Having a separate space for journaling, such as a column notebook or journal, can be beneficial for getting thoughts and ideas out of one's brain in a long-form format [(00:12:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=757s). - The use of metal discs in a planner can be a personal preference, and some individuals may find it more appealing than clear or frosted discs [(00:13:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=800s). ## Creative Outlets and Family Influences - Engaging in creative outlets, such as painting, drawing, and scrapbooking, can be helpful for individuals with ADHD, as it provides an alternative means of expression [(00:13:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=838s). - The experience of attending a Creative Memories party as a child can have a lasting impact on one's interest in crafting and creative activities [(00:14:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=851s). - The individual's family, particularly their mother's side, is very crafty, with their mom painting and sculpting, and their aunt making cards, but they personally need to separate creative activities from functional tasks in their planner [(00:14:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=863s). - They keep memories in their relationship tab, mostly to remember what they did during the day, what they ate, and cute pictures, but art is a separate area of their life and not in their planner [(00:15:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=901s). ## Planner as a Centralized Tool - Their planner serves one purpose, which is to help them get things done, and it is always with them, allowing them to write down memories or notes when they don't have their mythology book [(00:15:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=920s). - Having all tasks in one place, their planner, benefits their ADHD, as tasks don't live in multiple places like astrology, journals, or pocket-sized notebooks [(00:15:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=953s). ## Benefits of Paper Planning - Writing tasks out personally, especially with paper planning, solidifies tasks and gives accountability, as it provides a physical sense of obligation to complete tasks [(00:16:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=977s). - Paper planning provides a sense of permanence and makes tasks feel less abstract, unlike digital planning, which can be easily deleted and feels disconnected [(00:16:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1014s). - Writing tasks down in a planner makes them feel more personal and connected, giving tasks a place to live and making them feel more real [(00:17:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1068s). - Digital planning feels abstract and disconnected, making it harder to feel ownership of tasks, whereas paper planning helps to own tasks and what needs to be done [(00:17:32)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1052s). - Paper planning is considered a lost art form due to the widespread use of digital devices, which can be distracting and lead to a lack of focus [(00:18:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1093s). - Using a phone for planning can be problematic, as it can lead to distractions and make it difficult to stay on track [(00:18:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1129s). - Writing in a planner can help individuals with ADHD brains to stay organized and focused, as it provides a physical space for planning and reduces the likelihood of distractions [(00:18:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1138s). - Digital planning can lead to a lack of accountability, as tasks and reminders can easily get lost in the digital space [(00:19:20)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1160s). - Paper planning allows for a more visual and tangible approach to planning, making it easier to sort and prioritize tasks [(00:19:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1174s). - Writing down tasks by hand can help individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and make adjustments as needed [(00:19:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1195s). ## Pen Recommendations and Paper Compatibility - The Zebra Sarasa Dry pen is a recommended writing tool, particularly the 0.7mm size, which is suitable for paper planning [(00:20:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1210s). - The [[Uni-ball | Uniball]] pen, specifically the 0.7mm size, can be prone to skipping and may not be the best option for paper planning, especially for those who write quickly [(00:20:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1242s). - The 0.5mm Uniball pen is a better option for paper planning, as it writes smoothly and consistently on paper [(00:21:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1290s). - The pen being used works well with the paper in the planner, which has a slightly toothier texture that provides more grip, unlike smoother papers like HP premium paper [(00:22:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1338s). - A video will be made about the best pens that work with this type of paper, as it is a different kind of paper that requires specific pens [(00:22:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1342s). ## Call to Action and Social Media Promotion - The creator appreciates feedback, comments, and suggestions from viewers, as it helps them create more valuable content and reach a wider audience [(00:22:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1369s). - Viewers can follow the creator on [[Instagram]] at [[Vasopressin | ADH_done]] for personal updates and day-to-day planning content, and at Panache palana for shop updates [(00:23:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1391s). - The creator encourages viewers to like, subscribe, and interact with their content to help push it higher in the [[YouTube]] algorithm and show that people care about this type of content [(00:23:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSHw2_BBBI&t=1420s).