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Look, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably set countless goals that never made it past your journal. But 2025 is going to be different. Why? Because I’m going to show you how to use AI as your planning partner to create a system that actually works with your ADHD brain, not against it.
Why Traditional Planning Methods Fail ADHD Brains
Here’s the thing – most planning advice isn’t designed for us. Time-blocking? Please. I’d rather know what needs to get done and choose when to do it within my day. Cookie-cutter planning systems often create more friction than flow, leaving us feeling like we’re somehow doing it wrong.
Stop forcing yourself into planning systems that don’t work for you. The best system is one you’ll actually use. This is mine -> Vision to Action
Start With Reflection (But Make it Simple)
Before diving into 2025 planning, let’s take a quick look back at 2024. I’m keeping this super simple because I know how easy it is to get overwhelmed. Here’s what to consider:
- High and Low Points: When did you feel your best? Your worst? For me, I felt amazing when spending time with family and friends. My lowest? Being stuck in my office with unrealistic self-imposed deadlines that led to burnout (and getting sick three times – you can probably hear it in my voice).
- Identify Your Gains: Look at three simple buckets:
- Work life
- Personal life
- Health
Pro Tip: Focus on who you were at the start of 2024 versus now. What skills have you learned? What limiting beliefs have you overcome?
The Power of AI in ADHD Planning
This is where things get interesting. If you struggle with executive functions like I do, planning and organizing can feel impossible. That’s where AI comes in as your thinking partner. I use Perplexity (they have a free version, but I spring for the paid one because it’s worth it).
Here’s how I use AI to break down my goals:
- Share Your Context: Tell the AI about your:
- Values
- Strengths
- Needs
- Current situation
- Specific goal
- Ask for Detailed Plans: Request week-by-week breakdowns, including:
- Specific tasks
- Time estimates
- Required resources
- Progress tracking methods
Real-Life Example: How I Use AI for Planning
Let me show you how this works in practice. Say I want to deepen my yoga and meditation practice in 2025. Here’s what I tell the AI:
“My values are meaningful work, inner peace, health, and growth. My strengths include love of learning and hope. I need to feel accomplished and aligned in my work. My goal is to practice yoga four times weekly and develop a consistent meditation practice.”
The AI then helps create:
- Weekly practice schedules
- Reading recommendations
- Nutrition suggestions
- Progress tracking methods
- Quarterly milestones
Key Point: The first draft from AI might be basic – that’s okay! Keep refining and asking for more specificity.
Making It Stick: From AI Plans to Real Action
Here’s where most people drop the ball – they get a great plan but never implement it. Here’s my system for actually following through:
- Transfer to Your Planning System: I use this template, but use whatever works for you.
- Block Realistic Time: Include prep and cool-down time for activities, not just the activity itself.
- Make it Non-Negotiable: Schedule your most important tasks when you know you’ll actually do them.
The Secret to ADHD-Friendly Planning
Want to know what really makes this system work? It’s not about willpower or forcing yourself to follow through. It’s about:
- Creating Background Systems: Like how I maintained my 80-pound weight loss through habits, not constant goal-chasing.
- Checking Alignment: Ask yourself:
- Does this align with my values?
- Does it meet my actual needs?
- Am I using my natural strengths?
- Regular Check-ins: Use AI as your accountability partner by reporting progress weekly.
Your Next Steps for 2025 ADHD Planning Strategy
Ready to make 2025 your breakthrough year? Here’s what to do:
- Reflect: Take 15 minutes to jot down your 2024 highs, lows, and gains.
- Vision: What would feel amazing (not just impressive) to achieve in 2025?
- Choose Your Approach: Do you need:
- Specific goals?
- General intentions?
- Systems and routines?
- Use AI: Start with one goal and let Perplexity AI help you break it down into manageable steps.
- Transfer and Track: Move your plan into your preferred planning system.
Remember, the goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress. As someone who’s had five failed businesses before finding success, I can tell you that each “failure” was actually a stepping stone to where I am now.
Final Takeaway: Your “weird” way of doing things might be exactly what you need to succeed. Trust your instincts and use AI to help you create a plan that works for your unique brain.
Want more support? Let me send some tools to help you identify your values, strengths, and needs. Click here to request it.
Let me know if this was helpful!
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