Reddit's best solutions for task initiation, planning paralysis, and working memory problems. When you know what to do but your brain won't cooperate.
Last updated: January 2025. Based on discussions from r/ADHD, r/productivity, r/getdisciplined, r/ExecutiveDysfunction.
"I have a very clear picture of what I need to do. I've planned it perfectly. I just... can't make myself start. I've been staring at my laptop for 2 hours. This isn't laziness. This is something broken."
This experience is universal among those with executive dysfunction. The gap between "knowing" and "doing" feels impossible to bridge. Here's what actually helps.
Executive functions are cognitive processes that enable goal-directed behavior. Research by Barkley (1997) and Diamond (2013) identifies core components: working memory (holding info while using it), cognitive flexibility (switching between tasks), and inhibitory control (stopping impulses). These functions are managed by the prefrontal cortex - and they can be impaired by ADHD, depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, or trauma.
Starting tasks without procrastinating. The "just do it" that isn't just willpower - it's a brain function that can malfunction.
Holding information in mind while using it. "I walked into this room for... something?"
Breaking down projects into steps, creating systems. Seeing the path from A to Z.
Estimating how long things take, managing deadlines, arriving on time.
Managing frustration, anxiety, and boredom without derailing. Not rage-quitting.
Sustaining focus, filtering distractions, shifting attention when needed.
Thinking about thinking. Self-monitoring, reflecting on strategies, knowing when you're off-track.
Traditional todo apps assume you can: (1) break tasks into steps, (2) estimate time accurately, (3) remember to check the app, (4) initiate tasks from a list. Each of these requires executive function. When executive function is impaired, todo apps become graveyards of good intentions - adding guilt without adding capability.
| App | Task Initiation | Working Memory | Time Awareness | Emotional Support | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funtasking | Visual timeline + rewards | 8 life areas reduce load | Timeline shows time passing | Non-punitive design | Free / $2.99 Pro |
| Focusmate | Body doubling sessions | Session-based only | Scheduled sessions | Accountability partner | Free (3/week) / $9/mo |
| Structured | Visual day blocks | Simple interface | Timeline view | Neutral design | Free / $29.99 lifetime |
| Tiimo | ADHD-designed | Visual + audio cues | Countdown timers | Gentle reminders | $49.99/year |
| Todoist | Text list only | Can become overwhelming | No time visualization | Karma is punishing | Free / $4/mo |
| Notion | Infinite customization paralysis | Very high complexity | Manual setup required | Neutral/overwhelming | Free / $10/mo |
Having another person present - even virtually - dramatically improves task initiation. Studies on social facilitation (Zajonc, 1965) show that the mere presence of others activates arousal systems. For executive dysfunction, this external regulation compensates for internal regulation deficits.
Options: Focusmate (video sessions), Flow Club, Discord study groups, or simply calling a friend while you work.
Reddit's most successful strategy: reduce friction until the task is embarrassingly small.
Once you start, momentum often carries you. The initiation is the hardest part.
Research by Gollwitzer shows that forming "implementation intentions" dramatically increases follow-through. Instead of "I will exercise," use: "When I finish lunch, I will walk around the block." The specific trigger + action format reduces the executive load of deciding when and how to act. Studies show this increases goal attainment by 2-3x.
Interest-based nervous system. ADHD brains are motivated by interest, challenge, novelty, and urgency - not importance. It's not laziness; it's a neurological difference in what activates your prefrontal cortex. Apps that add gamification or urgency can help bridge this gap.
Common pattern: trying many systems briefly, deciding they "don't work," moving on. But executive dysfunction means systems need MORE time to become automatic, not less. Pick one approach and commit to 30+ days before evaluating. Also: medication evaluation may be worthwhile if you haven't explored it.
Yes. Executive function can be supported externally (apps, systems, people) and improved over time. Research on cognitive training (Klingberg et al., 2005) shows working memory can be strengthened. The key is finding your specific bottlenecks and addressing them specifically - not trying to force yourself into neurotypical productivity systems.
"Imagine your brain has a 'start' button that sometimes doesn't respond to pressing. You can see the task, you want to do the task, your finger is on the button - but nothing happens. It's not about wanting or knowing; it's about the connection between intention and action being inconsistent."
Try: Focusmate (body doubling), Funtasking (visual timeline + rewards), or Tiimo (gentle prompts)
Try: Structured (always-visible schedule), Due (aggressive reminders), or paper next to your computer
Try: Funtasking (visual timeline), Toggl Track (learn how long things actually take), Time Timer (visual countdown)
Try: Funtasking (8 fixed categories), Structured (simple daily view), or paper with just 3 items
Having fixed categories (like Funtasking's 8 life areas: Work, Body, Mind, Connection, Learning, Impact, Play, Space) reduces decision fatigue. Instead of facing an empty todo list and deciding "what should I do?", you ask "what does Work need? What does Body need?" Research on decision fatigue (Baumeister et al., 2008) shows that limiting choices preserves cognitive resources for actual task execution.
Visual timeline shows time passing. 8 life areas reduce decision load. Coins reward completing any task, not just "productive" ones. No punishment for off days.
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