How Neurodivergent-Friendly Tools Like Notion, Sunsama, and Goblin Tools Can Transform Chaos into Order

For individuals with ADHD, staying organised often feels like an uphill battle. Traditional productivity tools rarely account for the unique ways neurodivergent (ND) brains process information, prioritise tasks, or manage time. Fortunately, apps like Notion, Sunsama, and Goblin Tools are designed to meet these challenges head-on. This article explores how these platforms cater to ADHD-friendly workflows, offering practical strategies to turn overwhelm into actionable structure.

Understanding the ADHD Brain and Organisation Challenges

ADHD brains thrive on novelty, struggle with prioritisation, and often grapple with time blindness—a difficulty in estimating how long tasks will take. Conventional planners or to-do lists, which rely on linear thinking and rigid schedules, can feel stifling or irrelevant. Instead, ND individuals benefit from tools that offer flexibility, visual clarity, and adaptive structures. The key lies in systems that accommodate shifting focus while gently guiding users back to their priorities.

Why Traditional Productivity Tools Fall Short

Most productivity apps assume a neurotypical approach: set a goal, break it into steps, and execute sequentially. For ADHD users, this model ignores common hurdles like task paralysis, hyperfocus distractions, or emotional dysregulation. Tools that demand excessive upfront planning or lack sensory engagement (colour coding, interactive elements) often end up abandoned. Effective ND-friendly tools must balance structure with creativity, providing enough scaffolding without feeling restrictive.

Notion: The All-in-One Workspace for Flexible Thinking

Notion’s strength lies in its customisability. Users can build everything from simple checklists to intricate databases, tailoring layouts to suit their cognitive style. For ADHD brains, features like:

• Drag-and-drop interfaces to reorganise tasks intuitively
• Template galleries for instant project frameworks
• Embedded reminders paired with visual progress trackers

create a dynamic environment where planning feels engaging rather than tedious. Its ability to centralise notes, tasks, and calendars reduces the mental load of juggling multiple apps.

Sunsama: Guided Daily Planning for Intentional Focus

Where Notion excels in long-term planning, Sunsama shines in daily execution. This app combines time-blocking with mindfulness prompts, addressing ADHD tendencies to overcommit or lose track of priorities. Key features include:

• Automatic calendar syncing to visualise realistic time slots
• Daily reflection prompts to assess what worked (and what didn’t)
• Task limits that prevent overwhelming to-do lists

By encouraging users to start each day with a “planning ritual,” Sunsama builds routine without rigidity, making it easier to transition between tasks.

Goblin Tools: Taming Overwhelm with Micro-Tasks

Goblin Tools addresses a critical ADHD pain point: breaking nebulous tasks into manageable steps. Its Magic To-Do feature uses AI to dissect vague prompts like “clean the house” into concrete actions (e.g., “pick up clothes from the floor”). For ND users prone to procrastination or decision fatigue, this tool:

• Reduces cognitive load by automating task decomposition
• Offers tone adjustments (gentle vs. direct instructions) to match emotional needs
• Includes a “Judge” tool to assess appropriateness of messages or emails

It’s particularly useful for navigating tasks that feel abstract or emotionally charged.

Building a Personalised ADHD-Friendly System

While each tool has standalone benefits, combining them creates a robust ecosystem. For instance:

• Use Goblin Tools to deconstruct a project into steps
• Import those steps into Notion for high-level tracking
• Schedule daily actions in Sunsama to maintain momentum

Experiment with integrations, such as embedding Sunsama’s daily agenda into Notion, or setting Goblin Tools’ micro-tasks as subtasks in either app. The goal is to create a fluid workflow that adapts to fluctuating energy levels and attention spans.

Conclusion: Embracing Tools That Work With Your Brain

ADHD-friendly tools like Notion, Sunsama, and Goblin Tools succeed by aligning with neurodivergent strengths—creativity, problem-solving, and hyperfocus—while mitigating challenges like distractibility or overwhelm. By prioritising flexibility, sensory engagement, and mindful scaffolding, these apps transform chaos into manageable systems. The key is to personalise your toolkit, experiment without self-judgment, and remember that productivity isn’t about fitting into a mould but designing one that fits you.