By Dr Jaspreet Saini. Published . Updated .
Last reviewed 2026-10-16
Many adults who come to an ADHD assessment have spent years being told to work differently: use a planner, start earlier, stop leaving things to the last minute. Some of that advice helps. Much of it assumes there is one right way to get things done.
The short answer
Often, yes. The strategies people develop on their own, such as working to deadlines, body doubling or moving between tasks, frequently make sense for how they think. Good care helps people pursue their own goals, rather than expecting them to adopt methods that do not suit them.
What we know
The Australian ADHD guideline encourages care that recognises strengths and differences, respects individual preferences and includes people in decisions about their support. That applies to daily strategies as much as to treatment.
Environment matters. A role, routine or workspace that fits a person can change how much effort everyday tasks require.
What we don't know
There is no single strategy that works for everyone with ADHD. What helps one person may feel unworkable to another, and preferences can change over time.
What else matters
When the only measure of progress is conformity to a standard routine, people can come to see their own approaches as failures. A more useful question is what the person wants to be different, and what already works for them.
What you can do next
It can help to notice when things go well and why. Bring those observations to your GP or psychologist, along with what you would like to change, so support can build on what already works.
Progress should be measured against what matters to you.
Sources
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Speak with your own doctor about your situation.