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June 26, 2024

Why AI Is ADHD’s Best Friend: A Personal Journey

Hey there, Shona here from Creative Compass UK. Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s close to home: how AI has become my best friend in managing ADHD and boosting my productivity tenfold.

As someone with ADHD, navigating the professional world can be a bit of a rollercoaster. From juggling multiple ideas at once to facing the constant challenge of staying organised, the struggle is real. But here’s the twist - AI has been a game-changer for me, and I believe it can be for others too.

A Constant Companion for Brainstorming

One of the most significant ways AI has helped me is by providing a constant companion for brainstorming. In the past, I’d often find myself waiting for meetings or hesitating to share my ideas, fearing they might sound stupid. But with AI, I don't have this issue. Tools like ChatGPT allow me to bounce off ideas anytime, anywhere. No more waiting for someone to be available or losing a great idea because I forgot it before the next meeting.

Boosting Productivity

ADHD often makes it challenging to stay on task, especially when the work involves repetitive or mundane activities. Here’s where AI steps in as a real help. For example, when creating content, I can use AI to generate drafts, brainstorm topics, or even find the right words when I’m stuck. This not only speeds up my work but also keeps it fresh and engaging.

Enhancing Organisation

Let’s face it - organisation isn’t exactly a strong suit for many of us with ADHD. AI tools like Trello and Notion, enhanced by smart suggestions and reminders, help keep my projects on track. I can set deadlines, break tasks into manageable chunks, and get nudged when I’m veering off course. It’s like having a personal assistant who never gets tired or frustrated.

Mitigating Overwhelm

One of the hardest parts of ADHD, for me at least, is feeling overwhelmed when faced with too many tasks. AI helps by prioritising my to-do list and suggesting the best order to tackle tasks based on urgency and importance. It filters out the noise and keeps me focused on what matters.

Encouraging Creativity

AI doesn’t just help with the mundane; it also fuels my creativity. By providing instant feedback and suggestions, AI tools help me refine my ideas and explore new ones. Whether I’m working on a marketing strategy or developing new content, AI is like a creative partner that’s always ready to collaborate.

Reducing Self-Consciousness

One of the unexpected benefits of using AI is that it reduces my self-consciousness. There’s no judgment or impatience from a machine, which makes it easier to express my thoughts freely. This has been particularly useful for me, allowing my creativity to flow without the fear of saying something “stupid.” 

A Side Note - Grammarly and Dyslexia

Grammarly has been another vital tool in my AI toolkit, especially for managing dyslexia. I love writing, it's one of my biggest passions and one of my best skills. However,  writing can be daunting when spelling and grammar mistakes constantly interrupt the flow. Grammarly acts as a second pair of eyes, catching errors that I might miss and suggesting improvements. This not only enhances the quality of my writing but also boosts my confidence. Knowing that Grammarly has my back means I can focus more on my ideas and less on the mechanics of writing. 

Practical Tips for Using AI Effectively

  1. Integrate AI Tools into Daily Workflow: Tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming, Grammarly for writing, and Trello for project management can make a significant difference.
  2. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with the help of AI. Whether it’s improving productivity or enhancing creativity, having clear objectives helps.
  3. Regular Reviews: Periodically review how you’re using AI tools and adjust your approach to maximise benefits.
  4. Embrace Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try different AI tools and features to see what works best for you.

Conclusion

Living with ADHD doesn’t mean you’re destined to struggle with productivity and organisation. AI has been a huge ally in my professional journey, helping me manage my ADHD in ways I never thought possible. It’s like having a 24/7 assistant who’s always there to support, inspire, and keep me on track. If you’re navigating similar challenges, I highly recommend exploring how AI can become your best friend too.

Thanks for reading about this personal journey. Let’s continue to embrace the power of AI and make our professional lives not just manageable, but all around better.

Written by
Shona Thom
LinkedIn