Don’t Focus on One Project—Women with ADHD Need to Juggle Multiple Projects to Get them Done
For women with ADHD, conventional advice like “stick to one thing and see it through” just doesn’t work. Here’s why juggling multiple projects is key to keeping you engaged and productive, without burnout.
Productivity experts often advise sticking to one project at a time and seeing it through before moving on. While that sounds efficient, for those of us with ADHD, it’s the quickest route to burnout or, worse, abandoned projects. Our brains need variety and novelty to stay engaged. Instead of focusing solely on one big project, we work best with multiple projects on the go, switching between them to maintain interest and drive.
Here’s where the distinction comes in: We still tackle one task at a time (to avoid overwhelming ourselves) but benefit from the structure of multiple projects. Each project acts as a “focus refresh” for the others.
Why Having Multiple Projects Works for ADHD
- Prevents Boredom-Driven Abandonment
Sticking to one project can get boring quickly. That’s a sure way to lose interest, which often means tasks linger unfinished. With several projects on rotation, you’re able to switch your focus just as your interest dips, keeping energy levels high without needing to push through boredom. - Provides Structure and Small Wins
When we work on multiple projects, we get more chances for those little “wins” that ADHD brains love. Each task you check off, however small, releases a bit of dopamine—the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation. By switching between projects, you create a steady flow of these small accomplishments. - Offers Mental Refreshes
Let’s say you’re working on Project A but feel mentally fatigued. Switching to Project B isn’t multitasking; it’s strategically moving between tasks to keep your mind engaged. This works like a “refresh” button, and when you return to Project A, you’re more likely to be re-energized.
ADHD Productivity: Think of it Like Circuit Training
Picture ADHD productivity as a circuit training routine at the gym. You wouldn’t do 50 reps of one exercise nonstop—you’d rotate exercises in short bursts for a well-rounded workout. It’s the same with ADHD brains: by rotating through projects, we stay interested and avoid the mental fatigue that comes with prolonged focus on a single thing.
How to Juggle Multiple Projects without Multitasking
- Set Up a Rotation
Select two to three active projects at a time. Make them different enough that each project feels like a mental break from the others. For example, if Project A involves creativity (writing, designing), let Project B be more analytical (planning, budgeting). - Work in Focused Time Blocks
Give each project your full attention during timed blocks, say 25-30 minutes each. When time’s up, move to the next one. This way, you get a fresh start with each switch and avoid getting bogged down. - Switch When Your Interest Dips
Rather than forcing yourself to push through, have a list of go-to tasks from other projects that you can shift to if your attention wavers. This keeps you moving forward without the dread of an overwhelming to-do list. - Track Your Small Wins
Juggling projects is rewarding when you see progress in each one. Use a progress tracker or a checklist to celebrate small steps forward in each project. It’s motivating, and it helps you visualize your progress over time.
The Trade-Off: Progress vs. Perfection
If you’re juggling multiple projects, it’s true—each one will take longer to complete compared to focusing on just one. But here’s the crucial point: for ADHD brains, juggling projects is often the only way to get anything done at all. When forced to focus on a single project, many of us quickly lose interest, making it far more likely that we’ll abandon the work entirely.
Instead, by rotating through projects, you keep your energy high and motivation steady, even if it means slower progress. The alternative is often worse: feeling stuck, getting bored, and leaving projects unfinished. So yes, juggling may add a little more time to each project’s timeline, but it’s the most effective way to ensure that all your projects actually reach the finish line.
The Bottom Line: Embrace Project Juggling
For women with ADHD, working on multiple projects isn’t a productivity flaw; it’s an advantage. As long as we focus on one task at a time within each project, we can avoid burnout, keep our brains engaged, and get things done. Embrace the juggle—it’s our ADHD-friendly path to success.