By: Heather Haase
Let’s be real: having ADHD can make organization feel like a never-ending obstacle course. But the good news? With a little strategy and a whole lot of grace, you can set yourself up for a year of success. This isn’t about becoming a perfectly organized person overnight; it’s about finding what works for YOU and leaning into tools and habits that play to your strengths. Let’s dive into how you can harness your creative, quick-thinking ADHD brain while taming the chaos—and growing your business in the process.
1.Time to Brain Dump
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of things you want to accomplish, breaking them into bite-sized pieces is your best friend. I love using a GPS method:
- Set 3 Goals for the Year: Think big but manageable. These should excite you and align with your core values (for me, it’s about creativity, connection, and making an impact). For agents, this could include increasing your sales volume, expanding your client base, or mastering a new marketing strategy.
- Prioritize Mini Goals: Under each goal, outline smaller objectives that feed into the big picture. For example, if your goal is to close 30 transactions, mini goals could include ramping up lead generation efforts, hosting community events, or creating engaging content for social media.
- Systems Are Your Superpower: Systems can feel like a lifesaver when you’re juggling a million ideas. Apps like Trello, Notion, or good old-fashioned planners can help you track tasks. ADHD brains thrive on visual cues, so use colorful sticky notes or charts to keep things exciting and ensure you’re consistently nurturing leads and following up.
2. Compartmentalize Your Life
When your mind is racing at 100 mph, breaking your life into clear categories can bring a sense of calm. For me, I’ve created buckets for key areas of my life: speaking, real estate, Conference planning, health and personal growth. Each bucket gets its own dedicated time, so I’m not trying to conquer everything at once.
For agents, compartmentalizing can help you focus on different aspects of your business. Create categories like lead generation, client management, continuing education, and marketing. Dedicating specific time to each ensures that nothing gets overlooked, and your business keeps moving forward. You can even do this on a micro-level. For example, client events…I helped one of my agents last quarter by writing her goals down for these events, and then what type of events, and how many. Then we broke them down by quarter depending on the event. Then we made a plan for each month. A study from Psychological Science shows that focusing on one task at a time improves performance and reduces overwhelm—critical for staying on top of a fast-paced real estate career.
3. Embrace Routines (But Keep Them Flexible!)
I’ll admit—the word “routine” used to feel like a creativity killer. But here’s the trick: create routines that work for YOU. My bedtime routine, for example, has been a game-changer. I set a lights-off time, limit electronics, and play calming music to create a sleep-friendly environment.
For agents, routines can anchor your day, ensuring you’re consistently productive. Start with a morning routine that includes reviewing your daily priorities, checking your CRM, and following up with clients. Evening routines can include preparing for the next day by organizing showings or drafting follow-up emails. James Clear, in Atomic Habits, emphasizes that “small habits compound into big changes,” and these routines can help you build the consistency needed to grow your business.
4. Use Tools to Your Advantage
Technology can be a blessing for ADHD organizations. Some tools I swear by include:
- Google Calendar: Block time for tasks—and color-code it!
- Notes: Keep track of ideas, to-dos, and brainstorming sessions.
- Alarms and Reminders: Timers can nudge you to start (or stop) a task.
For agents, these tools can streamline your workflow and ensure no lead or task falls through the cracks. Use your CRM to automate follow-ups, track client preferences, and schedule reminders for important dates like contract deadlines. A study from ADDitude Magazine found that using apps and digital tools significantly boosts productivity for adults with ADHD, especially when paired with visual organization methods—a major win for staying ahead in a competitive market.
5. Build in Accountability (With Fun!)
ADHD brains thrive on connection and novelty, so find ways to keep yourself accountable that don’t feel like a chore. I’ve partnered with friends for daily challenges and video content—because when something’s fun, it’s easier to stick to.
For agents, consider creating accountability partnerships with colleagues or joining mastermind groups. Share your weekly goals, track progress together, and celebrate wins. You can also gamify your business growth by setting rewards for hitting milestones, like completing a challenging transaction or securing a new client. Studies from Journal of Attention Disorders highlight the effectiveness of rewards and social accountability in maintaining focus—a strategy that can help you stay consistent and motivated.
6. Show Yourself Grace
This might be the most important tip of all. There will be days when the planner stays closed, the sticky notes lose their stick, and the to-do list seems endless. That’s okay. ADHD brains are wired differently, and your path to success might not look like anyone else’s.
For agents, this means recognizing that every client, transaction, and marketing strategy won’t go perfectly. When things don’t go as planned, focus on what you’ve learned and how you can improve. Lean into the things that make you unique—your creativity, your big-picture thinking, your ability to find magic in the chaos. And if all else fails, take a deep breath and start fresh tomorrow.
You’ve Got This!
Organizing your life when you have ADHD isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. By leaning into your strengths, using the right tools, and giving yourself permission to be human, you can set the stage for an incredible year. And as you get organized, you’ll not only create a smoother workflow but also build a thriving business. Here’s to a year of joy, growth, and, yes, a little bit of organized chaos—because that’s where the magic happens.
Heather Haase, affectionately known as “Sunshine,” is a dynamic speaker and REALTOR® with over 8 years of experience in real estate and 5 years lighting up national stages. She specializes in working with first-time homebuyers, military families and fostering agent-to-agent referrals, while her passion for education and innovation keeps her at the forefront of the industry.
Heather also proudly serves her real estate community through roles with Dayton REALTORS®, Ohio REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®. At home, she’s a mom to her amazing teenage daughter Charlie, a karaoke queen, and a devoted explorer of local hidden gems.