Writing papers has always been a central part of my academic journey, but it wasn’t until later in life that I discovered the underlying reasons why it often felt so overwhelming. As someone with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree, I’ve written more papers than I can count—especially during my Master’s and Doctoral programs. It was through this process that I not only refined my writing strategies but also uncovered key aspects of how my ADHD shaped my approach.
In this blog post, I’ll share how I navigated the challenges of academic writing, the strategies I developed to succeed, and how I later discovered these techniques align perfectly with ADHD-friendly approaches. For a deeper dive, check out my accompanying YouTube video.
The Overwhelm of Writing
During my Master’s program, I faced assignments requiring 35-40 pages of writing—and my doctoral dissertation was hundreds of pages long. The process was daunting. Like many, I was advised to simply “sit at the computer, put my hands on the keyboard, and let the words flow.”
So, I tried. I sat at the computer, ready to let the ideas pour out of me.
And … nothing happened.
I couldn’t get the thoughts in my head onto the page. It wasn’t for lack of knowledge—I knew what I wanted to say—but the sheer scope of the task left me completely stuck.
Discovering My Writing Process
Feeling frustrated, I began exploring strategies to break through the overwhelm. That’s when I stumbled upon the power of chunking and outlining. I didn’t realize it at the time, but these were the first steps in tailoring my writing process to work with my ADHD, not against it.
Here’s how I made it work:
Chunking the Task
I broke my paper into smaller sections, focusing on one part at a time—introduction, body paragraphs, or specific subtopics. By working on just one section at a time, I avoided the crushing weight of trying to tackle the entire paper at once.
Creating an Outline
I started each project with a detailed outline. This allowed me to visualize the structure of my paper, giving my brain a roadmap to follow. Each section of the outline became a manageable goal.
Setting Time Limits
I scheduled specific blocks of time for writing. Whether it was 30 minutes or an hour, I committed to focusing only on one section during that time. Afterward, I’d step away, take a break, and reset my mind.
Editing Later
My initial drafts were messy, and that was okay! I focused on getting my ideas out first, even if they were in the wrong section. Later, I reorganized and polished the text.
Innovations in Writing – Speaking to Write
In addition to chunking and outlining, I explored tools like voice-to-text software. Programs like Dragon NaturallySpeaking and features in Google Docs allowed me to “speak” my thoughts, which were then transcribed into text. While helpful, I still found that breaking the process into chunks was essential, even with these modern tools.
A New Lens – Recognizing ADHD Strategies
Years later, after being diagnosed with ADHD Combination, I realized that my brain had been seeking solutions all along. My preference for structure, chunking, and step-by-step processes were not just random habits—they were strategies tailored to how my ADHD brain works.
This realization brought a profound sense of validation. I wasn’t “failing” at writing; I was simply approaching it in a way that worked best for me.
Takeaways for ADHD Writers
If you find yourself struggling with writing, here are some tips that worked for me:
- Break large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.
- Use outlines to create a roadmap for your writing.
- Set specific, timed sessions to focus on one part of the task.
- Allow yourself breaks to reset and recharge.
- Remember, messy drafts are part of the process—editing comes later!
Watch My YouTube Video for More
👉 My ADHD Discovery Journey and Writing Papers for School
Through these strategies, I was able to complete my Master’s and Doctorate degrees—proof that with the right tools and mindset, any challenge can be overcome. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone trying to write more effectively, I hope my story inspires you to find what works best for your unique brain.
What strategies have you used to make writing easier? Share your experiences in the comment section on the YouTube Channel.
