Todoist for ADHD: The To-Do List That Might Just Save Your Sanity

By Maya Brooks – Cognitive Science Nerd & Professional Chaos Wrangler

Todoist + ADHD = Worth the Hype?

Here’s the deal: ADHD and to-do lists have beef. Big beef.

Sometimes, you write down a task like “Do laundry,” and instead of getting it done, your brain spirals into a side quest about which socks you actually like wearing. (Just me? Cool.)

We’ve tried apps. Sticky notes. Bullet journals. Mental checklists that vanish mid-thought. Some tools are too rigid. Some are too vague. And some just quietly disappear behind 27 browser tabs.

But Todoist? It’s been making waves in the productivity world  and now ADHDers are wondering: can this thing actually help?

Let’s find out.

TL;DR: Is Todoist Good for ADHD?

Why Todoist Might Work for ADHD Brains

Let’s break it down. Literally.

ADHD is an executive function disorder which is science-speak for: your brain’s task manager is often running on fumes.

According to studies like Barkley’s EF model and the research from the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology (2006), ADHD brains often struggle with:

• Initiating tasks
• Sequencing steps
• Prioritizing what's important vs urgent

Todoist doesn’t magically fix that. But it does offer:

• Structure without chaos
• Reminders without shaming
• Clear task lists that are easy to sort, repeat, and reframe

Basically, it’s a productivity sandbox. You can build a system your way but it won’t fall apart when you forget about it for a day or five.

How to ADHD-Hack Your Todoist Setup:

Step 1: Set Up “Low Energy” & “High Energy” Labels

Because executive function doesn’t check the weather but your energy levels sure do.

Examples:

• 🧊 Low Energy: “Email prof back,” “Refill meds,” “Put laundry in”
• 🔥 High Energy: “Study for midterm,” “Clean desk,” “Batch meal prep”

Create custom filters like:

@LowEnergy & today

And boom — a to-do list you can handle when your brain is on 3% battery.

Step 2: Use Natural Language Input to Avoid Overthinking

Typing “Check-in with therapist every 2 weeks” sets a recurring task. Like, just like that.

You don’t need to click 20 menus. Just type how you think.

Step 3: Star Your Top 3 (Seriously. Just 3.)

Overwhelm = paralysis. Pick three priorities each day and use Todoist’s priority flags to mark them red.

Anything else? Bonus round.

Step 4: Theme Your Days

This is a game-changer for ADHD folks. Try something like:

• Monday: Admin & emails
• Tuesday: School & assignments
• Wednesday: Errands & chores

Then assign tasks accordingly. It makes planning feel easier, because it is.

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Example ADHD Setup in Todoist:

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ADHD Features You’ll Actually Use

Where Todoist Might Flop (Without a Backup System)

• It’s not visual. If you need drag-and-drop kanban or color-coded zones, you’ll need to link it with something like Trello or Notion.
• No built-in ADHD templates. You’ll have to DIY your systems (but hey, I’ve got some on the way.. stay tuned 👀).
• The dopamine hit is... mild. No fireworks when you check a task. But you can add emojis, and that’s something.

Pro Tips from an ADHD-Caffeinated Human (Me):

• Turn on “Next 7 Days” view. Keeps short-term memory supported.
• Use the “Inbox” for chaotic brain dumps. Don’t organize while you’re spiraling — just dump first.
• Turn off unnecessary notifications. ADHD brains are already noisy. Protect your focus.

Final Verdict: Is Todoist the Best ADHD Task Manager?

It’s clean. It’s flexible. It plays well with chaos.

Todoist isn’t magic. But with the right setup, it can help ADHD brains feel less like a browser with 19 tabs open.

If you need structure that adapts to you — not the other way around — Todoist is worth a try.

Pair it with your energy levels. Add emojis. Keep it simple.

And if you miss a day (or week)? Cool. Todoist will still be here. Not judging.

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Coming Soon: ADHD-friendly Todoist templates made by yours truly. Because your executive function needs a co-pilot.

Want one early? Subscribe to get first dibs.

Todoist paired with Notion could be a game changer, check out my article on Notion here.

Let’s ADHD-hack the heck out of this. 🧠⚡