Goblin Tools: 8 Secret Weapons for Overcoming ADHD Task Avoidance

Game-changing tools tailored for ADHD brains to conquer task avoidance with ease

These tools are designed to tackle task avoidance head-on, offering practical solutions for ADHD challenges

If you have ADHD, you regularly experience task avoidance. You might be overwhelmed and don’t know how to start a complex task or can’t send an important email because you don’t know how to word it in the “just right” manner. In this blog post, I am thrilled to share a game-changing set of tools that can make your entrepreneurial journey smoother. 

I’m referring to Goblin.Tools, developed by the ingenious Bram de Buyser. These tools are designed to tackle task avoidance head-on, and I can personally attest to their efficacy and usefulness. So, sit back, relax, and let's explore how these tools can transform our daily routines.

First off, let me introduce you to the Magic To-Do. This tool has become an absolute lifesaver for me. As many of you know, the daily life of a female entrepreneur can be overwhelmingly busy. We juggle numerous roles and responsibilities, often feeling swamped by our to-do lists. For those of us with ADHD, this can be doubly taxing due to executive functioning deficits. 

Magic To-Do breaks down any chaotic, complex task into manageable, bite-sized chunks, putting them in an order that makes perfect sense. This alone can work wonders by nudging you to start the intimidating tasks you've been dodging. Have you ever been stuck in the messy middle of a project with no clear way forward? Magic To-Do is like a reboot button for your brain, keeping you on track and moving forward.

Another incredible tool is the Formalizer. Admittedly, I have often found myself delaying important communications because I couldn't find the perfect words. With the Formalizer, you can instantly transform your text into various tones, including professional, accessible, passionate, or even snarky. Customizable with a spice level of up to three chili peppers, this tool can add the necessary flair to suit your needs. It is not just about getting the words right—it’s also about saving time and reducing the stress that comes with crafting the perfect email or message.

Now, let's talk about the Judge tool. Have you ever second-guessed the tone of a text or an email you received? Misinterpretations can be a roadblock in our daily communications and decision-making processes. The Judge tool is a fantastic aid for clarifying ambiguities in received messages, helping you to interpret what the sender probably meant before you react impulsively. For those of us with ADHD, who may lean towards impulsive reactions or face rejection sensitivity, this tool can be incredibly supportive in maintaining professional relationships.

Speaking of decision-making, the Consultant tool is like having a business advisor available 24/7. It assists in considering the pros and cons of any decision you need to make. As female entrepreneurs, it's all too easy to either rush into decisions impulsively or to overthink everything. This tool has been indispensable in helping me make informed and confident decisions, effectively balancing the scales between swift action and thoughtful consideration.

One aspect that hits particularly close to home for me is time blindness, a common challenge for those with ADHD. Enter the Estimator—a tool designed to gauge how much time a task will realistically take. Integrated into the Magic To-Do, it helps ensure you allocate appropriate time for each task. However, because it only estimates time and not energy, I suggest combining it with the Energy Accounting Method I introduced in a previous post for a more comprehensive approach. Estimating both time and energy has been crucial in efficiently planning my day and avoiding burnout.

Let’s not forget Compiler. Have you been advised to do a brain dump to clear your mind before bed? Often, we’re so exhausted that we forget or can't muster the energy to do it. Compiler takes all those racing thoughts and organizes them into a coherent list, easing anxiety and helping you sleep better, knowing you won't wake up to a tangled mess of tasks in your mind.

Lastly, there’s the Chef tool, perfect for those who struggle with meal planning amidst a busy schedule. By entering your available ingredients, time, and even dietary restrictions, the Chef tool creates a meal plan for you, making it simpler to put together a nutritious meal without the hassle and temptation of resorting to takeout.

Goblin.Tools is a stellar suite of tools built with neurodivergent brains in mind, offering a unique support system that most tools don't. While no tool is a magic pill that will solve all your problems, Goblin.Tools comes remarkably close, especially when used in the spirit of experimentation and fun. Remember, it’s about finding what works for you through trial and error. I genuinely believe that at least a couple of these tools will make your life as a entrepreneur much more manageable.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.