Playing Games is a Good Thing - ADHD & Get Stuff Done
Playing Games is a Good Thing
ADHD Gamify & Get Stuff Done
Playing games can be a good thing.
Gamification is a powerful strategy to get things done, especially for
Neurodivergent brains that thrive on stimulation and clear feedback.
When you turn tasks and routines into games, you create a sense of fun, challenge and reward that makes everyday jobs less boring.
Why Gamify?
1) Boosts motivation (even though I'm not a big motivation believer) - Games naturally trigger dopamine release, which ADHD brains crave for focus and pleasure.
2) Creates clear goals and feedback - Levels, points and rewards provide immediate feedback and a sense of progress.
3) Reduces overwhelm - Breaking tasks into smaller, game-like challenges makes them feel manageable.
4) Builds momentum (I do believe in momentum) - Winning small battles daily creates a positive cycle of accomplishment.
How to Gamify Your Life?
🌻Set clear, achievable goals (in the moment, do not dwell)
Define what “winning” looks like for each task but don't spend too much time on this because that's what we do GET TRAPPED IN PLANNING….
🌻Use points or rewards
Assign small rewards after. A song, a coffee. If you are completing a big project. Break it down into your steps and them pat yourself on the back accordingly.
🌻Create challenges
Turn chores or work into timed challenges or competitions with yourself.
🌻Track progress visually
Many people use apps, charts, or journals to see their achievements. HOWEVER, this may also get you stuck in the planning phase. A simple tracker can do the trick, you can increase habit maintenance by 42% by tracking them. Another game…
Grab a FREE habit tracker here (change it as it suits you).
🌻Involve others
Sometimes I can get a project completed to 95% and then just can't get it across the line. IT IS SO FRUSTRATING! Then I call in the big guns, well my husband. Sometimes it's as simple as him sitting in the same room as me until the task is complete. A task that I have put off for THREE MONTHS and it takes 7 MINS AND 30 SECONDS to finish.
Make it social by competing or collaborating with friends or family.
Simple Examples
Turn your morning routine into a 10-minute reset game.
Challenge yourself to complete a work task before a timer goes off. I hate timers but sometimes they serve a purpose.
Use habit-tracking that gamifies streaks and consistency. As I said, we are 42% more likely to maintain habits when we track them.
No shame when you miss a day. Half the battle with a neurodivergent brain is almost always feeling like a failure. Letting go of the guilt and shame when you don't get things done in the timeframe you thought!
Gamifying your life isn’t about adding pressure, it’s about making productivity joyful and somewhat sustainable.
It’s a way to work with your brain’s natural wiring, not against it.
You can build habits that stick through play and positive reinforcement.
It is as simple as trying to alleviate some of the boredom, which can be half the battle for NDs.
Do you think gaming will help you?
