Let’s talk about that always growing, never ending “to-do” list.

Genie Love • July 9, 2025

Share:

The lists you make. Sticky notes around your computer. Notebooks and apps intended to keep you organized.


I give you permission to let go of all feelings of failure with the failed organizational systems.


If you have an ADHD brain, you’re likely collecting thoughts and notes and to-dos everywhere. You’ve tried all kinds of systems and tools and hacks, and they haven’t worked.


I give you permission to be ok with and embrace your scattered systems.


Organization may never be your thing, no matter how hard you try to follow the “rules.”


You have all the tabs open because of all the small things you need to do:


  • read an article
  • save a doc (but you’re not sure where)
  • record notes from a meeting
  • follow up with someone...


Here’s what I suggest:


Make your piles. Sticky notes, random papers, tabs, notes from your phone, just gather them. Collect everything into one notebook. Keep the tabs open. Block an hour (or more) twice a week to deal with all of it.


During that time, sort through:


  • Emails sitting in various inboxes
  • Your sticky note piles
  • Your open tabs
  • Your notebook
  • Your ever-expanding to-do list


Move anything urgent into your calendar. Start your next to-do list with things that can wait. Revisit old notes and ask:


  • What still needs action?
  • What’s already handled?
  • What just resolved itself without me?


This works because ADHD brains love to move fast. One thing ends, and we’re off to the next. Pausing to close tabs and tidy up notes is not motivating.


So set aside the time. Turn on your favorite focus music. And deal with the piles.


And, if this is one of your colleagues...it may look crazy, but it doesn't mean it doesn't work.


Let me know how it goes.



P.S. Yup, I was on a Zoom without a pen and took notes with a highlighter. Yes, I'm 48 years old and this happened. The struggle is real. The note is now going in the pile to be dealt with later this week.




 Want to learn more about my work?


Website: https://neuroautonomy.com/


YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt_ciMlkbqElTXqRZLLWWGg


Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genielove_coaching/

Ready to LEARN MORE?


Set your yourself up for success.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Neurodiversity Unboxed: Insights and Strategies for Inclusive Workplaces

Sometimes My Brain Feels Like a Snow Globe

By Genie Love • August 27, 2025
My daughter used to say, "I just want to go home" when she was completely overwhelmed and felt out of control (even though she was home and safe). It's like inside her head felt too hard to be in, and she wanted to escape somewhere calm. Too much noise. Too loud. Too busy. Chaotic. These are words my clients use to describe what's happening in their brain when it's all just too much. Too overwhelming. To me, when it all feels out of control and I finally notice it and stop, it feels like a snow globe settling. The swirling slows down, the chaos quiets, and I can think again. The key is finally noticing that this is going on inside your brain. And, it's really hard to do. When Your Brain Feels Like a Snow Globe You're using too many words when talking. Going in circles, over-explaining, can't get to your point. If you notice you're spiraling when you talk, that's good. That's the first step. Too many things going on. Everything feels urgent and overwhelming. You're stuck or frozen but also frantic. Just notice that it's happening. Too many ideas. You're bouncing from one to another and can't seem to stick to any and see it through. Good, just start by noticing it. Spiraling negative self-talk. "Everyone else has it figured out. This is all about to fall apart." Just try to notice it when it's happening. Here's What You Can Do Just notice that it's happening. That's it. Try one of these (whatever feels doable right now): Turn your phone off. Turn your monitor off. Do nothing for a couple of minutes. Go for a short walk, even if it's just to the end of your driveway or hallway. Stare out the window. Just look. Circular breathing (breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth, like you're blowing out birthday candles). Rub your fingertips together and pay attention to all the sensations you feel. Breathe deeply into your belly. Take a sip of your drink and really notice the temperature, the taste, how it feels going down. Be Gentle With Yourself It's very hard to catch the chaotic brain when it's happening. Even if you only realize hours later..."Oh, that's what was happening this morning when I couldn't think straight"...that's still good. That's still building your awareness and noticing skills. You don't have to be perfect at this. Just start by noticing. The snow globe will settle when you give it time. Tell me, what does your busy brain feel like? P.S. A short Instagram video in the comments of Dr. Andrew Huberman demonstrating a breathing technique that's new to me. I'll be giving it a try.  Want to learn more about my work? Website: https://neuroautonomy.com/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt_ciMlkbqElTXqRZLLWWGg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genielove_coaching/

Energy Isn’t Always Consistent. And That’s Okay

By Genie Love • August 22, 2025
For some reason today, I’m thinking about Olympic runners. The sprinters, the marathoners, and the ones who specialize in that middle distance where you have to balance sprinting with maintaining a steady pace. Each event asks something different from the athletes. And the athletes are built differently. Their bodies are designed to do very specific things, at very specific intensities, for specific durations. The same is true in a lot of sports. I love the Tour de France, and even though everyone rides the same distance, each rider has a specialty. Climbers, sprinters, those who lead the pack...all with very different strengths and different builds. I think brains work this way too. Yet...We Expect Every Brain to Run the Same Race...The Same Way In work and life, we tend to expect everyone to maintain the same pace, hour after hour, day after day. Steady output. Consistent energy. Linear productivity. For neurodivergent people, this expectation can feel brutal. Some brains go all-in at 150% effort in hyperfocus mode for a distance, but need real recovery afterward. Some days they’re at 50% and beat themselves up because they can't maintain a steady speed like everyone else. A Tool for Checking In I once heard Brene Brown describe a system she uses with her husband to check in at the end of the day. They ask each other: How much emotional energy do you have left to give tonight? One might say, “I’ve got 40%.” The other might respond, “Okay, I can cover the other 60%.” Sometimes they both come in low, and they agree to lower the bar and make adjustments to the evening. What if we used this strategy more often, especially if you’re neurodivergent and experience emotional or sensory overwhelm? What If You Tried This? Start by checking in with yourself: How much energy do I realistically have? Can I communicate that to my partner, family, my team? Or, at the very least, communicate that to yourself so you are aware. If you’re at 20%, it’s okay to say so. If you’re at 80%, step up and give more. If you're at 150%, go all in. This isn’t about fairness, it’s about honesty. And it might help you respond with more compassion (for yourself and others) instead of snapping or shutting down. You’re not a machine. Your brain may not built for a steady pace all the time. Check in with your energy. Communicate if that's what's needed. Definitely give yourself permission to work differently. And adjust accordingly. Want to learn more about my work? Website: https://neuroautonomy.com/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt_ciMlkbqElTXqRZLLWWGg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genielove_coaching/
MORE POSTS