Goblin.Tools Review: A Smart, Science-Backed To-Do List for ADHD Brains

By Elise Morgan – Founder of ClarityStack, ADHD Researcher & Advocate

When “Do the Thing” Is Too Much

If you have ADHD, you know this feeling: a task that seems simple to others, like “do the laundry” or “schedule a dentist appointment”, turns into an overwhelming mental block.

This isn’t laziness. It’s executive dysfunction. And it’s one of the core challenges of ADHD.

Enter Goblin.Tools, a free, minimalist web app designed specifically to break down vague tasks into clear, actionable steps. Built with neurodivergent users in mind, it offers AI-powered tools that reduce cognitive load and provide instant clarity.

In this review, we’ll explore what makes Goblin.Tools so helpful for ADHD brains, where it shines, and where it might need backup from other systems.

Quick Look: Goblin.Tools for ADHD Users

What Is Goblin.Tools, Exactly?

Goblin.Tools is a suite of small, focused productivity tools designed for neurodivergent folks, especially people with ADHD and autism. It includes:

• Magic ToDo: The core feature, input a vague task like “clean the house,” and it breaks it into manageable steps.
• Formalizer: Converts your message into different tones (e.g., professional, kind, assertive).
• Judge: Gives feedback on how a message might be interpreted.
• Estimator: Guesses how long a task might take.
• Chef: Generates meal ideas based on your input.
• Compiler: Organizes steps for more complex tasks.

The design is clean, intuitive, and importantly, doesn’t require a login or signup. You can use it straight out of the box.

The Science Behind Why It Works

ADHD is linked to impairments in executive function, including task initiation, sequencing, time estimation, and goal-directed planning. According to Barkley’s executive function model (1997), individuals with ADHD often struggle to visualize steps or outcomes, which can make even starting a task difficult (source: Barkley, R. A. (1997). Behavioral inhibition, sustained attention, and executive functions).

This is where task decomposition comes in.

Breaking tasks into smaller chunks has been shown to reduce overwhelm, improve initiation, and boost perceived control over work (source: Seli et al., 2016, Journal of Experimental Psychology).

Goblin.Tools leverages this exact principle, using AI to externalize and simplify tasks your brain might otherwise reject.

Real-World Use Case: “Do My Taxes”

Let’s say you type “do my taxes” into Magic ToDo. Here’s what it gives you:

1. Gather all income documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
2. Log into tax filing software
3. Enter personal info
4. Upload income documents
5. Double-check deductions
6. Submit return
7. Save a copy for records

This breakdown may seem basic, but for someone with ADHD, it transforms a looming cloud of “ugh” into a visible, achievable roadmap.

Highlights: What ADHD Users Love:

Instant Cognitive Relief

The moment you use Magic ToDo, your brain relaxes. It’s a way to bypass paralysis and get momentum, a key missing element in ADHD productivity.

No Account, No Noise

There’s no sign-up screen. No ads. No data tracking. Just tools. This reduces decision fatigue and resistance to even opening the app.

Built with Neurodivergent Input

The developers of Goblin.Tools regularly update the app based on feedback from ADHD and autistic users. This shows in the tone, the simplicity, and the genuinely helpful outputs.

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Where Goblin.Tools Might Fall Short:

No Scheduling or Reminders

Goblin.Tools doesn't connect with Google Calendar, iCal, or Notion. You’ll need a secondary planner to assign these broken-down steps a time or deadline.

Elise’s Tip: Pair Goblin.Tools with a Notion dashboard or Motion planner to turn ideas into scheduled actions.

Time Estimator Is... Aspirational

The Estimator tool is great in theory, but ADHD brains often misjudge time, something known as time blindness. While this tool is a fun guide, don’t rely on it for precision.

Minimal Customization

You can’t assign due dates, priorities, or add subtasks within the tool itself. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it means Goblin.Tools is a companion, not a complete system.

Suggested Workflow for ADHD Students

Here’s how to integrate Goblin.Tools into a broader productivity routine:

1. Brain Dump: Use Goblin.Tools to break down tasks you’re avoiding
2. Assign Time Blocks: Transfer to a digital planner like Motion or Notion
3. Set Timers: Use a Pomodoro app to tackle each step
4. Reflect Weekly: Check what worked, what needs adjusting

Is Goblin.Tools Right for You?

Final Thoughts

If you have ADHD, none of this is your fault but you can build systems that work for you.

Goblin.Tools doesn’t replace your planner. It complements it. Think of it like an executive function sidekick: breaking down mental barriers, giving clarity, and helping you start.

It’s free, it’s brilliant, and it was clearly made by someone who gets what it’s like to feel paralyzed by vague overwhelm.

So the next time you’re staring at a task and thinking, “Where do I even start?”, Goblin.Tools is a pretty great place.

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