I haven’t been diagnosed with ADHD, but I’ve come to recognise a lot of traits in myself. I used to feel like my mind was just chaotic. I’d always get things done in the end, but it probably looked like the long way round to anyone watching. Or I’d have a headache by the end of the day from the sheer effort of trying to keep all the plates spinning.
What I was missing was an understanding of how my brain actually works.
I need simple, step-by-step instructions and a clear plan in front of me, otherwise it all gets a bit much. That’s where lists came in. Putting pen to paper helps me get things out of my head so there’s actually room for other thoughts. Not just stress.
And I’m not just talking about practical lists either. I’ve got lists for all sorts like, places I want to visit, or plans for Tammy’s 40th birthday... even though she’s only 35. But I’ve also got the everyday ones, the kind that help me move through the day without spiralling. And yes, sometimes I rewrite them just because the order is wrong, or the layout doesn’t feel quite right.
Everyone who knows me will tell you I’m the most organised person they know. It’s a bit of a running joke. But the truth is, I have to be. And now I’m learning how to stay organised without the chaos that used to come with it.
There’s something powerful about writing things down. People always talk about journalling for mental clarity and maybe this is my version of that. I used to be great at remembering things, but even then I still wrote lists. It’s not just in case I forget (though that definitely helps). I think it’s about taking some of the responsibility off my brain. Giving it space to breathe. And that feels like something worth holding onto.
These habits don’t just keep me sane, they’re exactly what I bring to my work as a virtual assistant, helping my clients get organised and find some calm in the chaos. I aim to help clients find systems that actually work for their brain. It might be by hiring me but trust me, I’ll have a to-do list ready to figure out what works for my clients!!
