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When your to-do list is a mile long, figuring out what to work on first can feel more exhausting than doing the work itself
The MeltzerSeltzer Team
When your to-do list is a mile long, figuring out what to work on first can feel more exhausting than doing the work itself.
As a freelancer with ADHD, I’ve tested a lot of prioritization strategies. Some were too rigid. Others worked great for a week—then fell apart when real life got messy.
Over time, I’ve landed on three methods I rotate between depending on the context: one for focused workdays, one for chaotic life stuff, and one for when I just need to go with the flow.
Here’s how each one works—and how you can adapt them to your own rhythms.
3 Ways to Prioritize (Without Burning Out)
1️⃣ Labels: My Workday Priority System
I use my Notion-based Freelancer's Dashboard to stay on top of client work, content, and admin tasks. My favorite feature? Labels.
I’ve added three simple priority labels:
- High Priority
- Medium Priority
- Low Priority
Then, I sort my “TODAY” tab by these labels so I can instantly see what needs my attention first.
🆓 Want to try this? You can grab my Notion Dashboard Template for free – no gatekeeping.
2️⃣ Matrix: How I Prioritize Personal Life Tasks
If work feels relatively under control but life stuff is chaos, I use a prioritization matrix. It’s a 2x2 grid that helps you sort tasks by:
- Urgency (Is this time-sensitive?)
- Importance (Does this align with my values or goals?)
This makes it easier to spot what’s actually worth your time and what can wait—or be dropped entirely.
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3️⃣ Holistically: The “Go With the Flow” Method
This one’s for my fellow ADHDers or anyone who thrives on energy-based work.
Some days, the best way to get things done is to ride the wave of whatever you’re most excited about. That might mean:
- 💡 Writing and scheduling a LinkedIn post the moment inspiration hits
- 🏎️ Blasting through a website tutorial for your Freelance Resource Library
- 📄 Knocking out next week’s client draft because you’re in the zone
Even if this means doing things out of order or rebalancing your schedule later, it works—and often saves energy in the long run.
I’ve learned that listening to my body and intuition is way more sustainable than fighting for “perfect” productivity.
FAQ: Prioritization for Freelancers with ADHD (Or Just a Lot Going On)
What’s the best prioritization system for ADHD brains?
There’s no one-size-fits-all—but flexible, visual systems like Notion dashboards or task matrices tend to work well. They reduce decision fatigue and help you quickly see what matters most.
How do I deal with “everything feels urgent”?
Try the prioritization matrix. It helps you differentiate between what’s urgent vs. what’s actually important—so you can stop spinning your wheels.
What if I fall off my system?
That’s normal! All systems need to evolve. Pick it back up when you’re ready or switch methods depending on your energy and season of life.
Is it okay to follow inspiration instead of sticking to a strict schedule?
Absolutely. Especially if it helps you get more done with less friction. Just build in check-ins to make sure the essentials are still getting done.
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