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Your ADHD Success Playbook 12:10 Lena: Alright, Miles, let's get practical. For our listeners who are thinking "this all sounds great, but what do I actually DO on Monday morning when I have three assignments due and can't seem to start any of them?"
12:23 Miles: Great question! Let's start with what I call the "minimum viable routine." Don't try to overhaul your entire life at once. Pick one small thing—maybe it's making your bed every morning or drinking a glass of water before checking your phone. Build that into an automatic habit first.
12:41 Lena: I love that approach. Start small and build momentum. What about the actual studying part?
12:47 Miles: Here's the game-changer—experiment with your environment like you're a scientist studying yourself. Try studying in different locations, with different background sounds, at different times of day. Keep notes about what works. One student discovered she could only focus on math problems while sitting on the floor with her back against the wall.
13:06 Lena: That's so specific! And probably something she never would have discovered if she hadn't given herself permission to be unconventional.
1:05 Miles: Exactly. Now, for managing assignments, try what I call "task stacking." Instead of looking at a huge project as one overwhelming thing, break it down into tiny, specific actions. Not "write my paper" but "open Google Docs, write one sentence about my thesis, find two sources, read the first source for ten minutes."
13:33 Lena: That makes it so much less intimidating. What about when you're in that paralysis state where you know what you need to do but just can't start?
13:41 Miles: The "starting problem" is huge for ADHD brains. Try the "two-minute rule"—commit to working on something for just two minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part, and momentum carries you forward. If not, at least you've honored your commitment to yourself.
13:55 Lena: And what about managing all the different aspects of college life—social, academic, self-care?
14:01 Miles: This is where visual systems become your best friend. Use a planner that you actually enjoy looking at. Color-code different areas of your life. Some students use apps, others prefer physical planners, some do both. The key is making it visually appealing so you'll actually use it.
14:17 Lena: I've heard about something called "body doubling" for accountability. Can you explain that?
14:21 Miles: Body doubling is having another person present while you work, even if they're doing something completely different. It could be studying in the library, joining a virtual study room online, or even just FaceTiming a friend while you both do homework. The presence of another person helps many ADHD brains stay focused and accountable.
14:38 Lena: That's such a simple but powerful concept. And for our listeners who might be struggling with shame or feeling like they're not cut out for college?
14:46 Miles: Remember that your brain is not broken—it's different. The strategies that work for neurotypical students might not work for you, and that's okay. Your success might look different, but it's no less valid. Focus on progress, not perfection, and celebrate the small wins along the way.