Organizing Your Day When Focus Is Hard

By Lindsay Metternich

Let’s be honest—some days, getting through your to-do list feels like trying to hold water in your hands. You sit down with the best of intentions, and suddenly it’s noon, you’ve done three “urgent” side quests, and your coffee is cold.

If you’ve got ADHD, anxiety, mom brain, or just a lot going on, staying focused isn’t about willpower—it’s about systems that work with your brain, not against it.

Here’s how I organize my day when focus is a struggle—and how you can, too.

🧠 First: Ditch the All-Or-Nothing Thinking

Productivity isn’t perfection. You don’t need to crush every goal or check every box to call it a good day.

Instead of asking, “How do I do it all?”Ask: “What matters most today?”

🧭 Step 1: Pick Your “Big Three”

Each morning, I choose 3 realistic priorities—not 17.

• One must-do (deadline, appointment, etc.)

• One should-do (cleaning, admin, prep)

• One want-to-do (joyful, creative, restorative)

✨ These are my compass for the day. Anything else is a bonus.

🗂️ Step 2: Time-Block (The Flexible Way)

Rigid schedules don’t work when focus is hard.Instead, I use gentle time blocks:

• Morning Block (7–11am): Deep work, errands, or focused tasks

• Midday Block (11–2pm): Meals, movement, lighter tasks

• Afternoon Block (2–5pm): Admin, cleaning, catch-up

• Evening Block (5–9pm): Dinner, rest, reset

I give each block 1–2 focus goals.No pressure to “stay on the minute”—just a rhythm I can return to when I drift.

⏰ Step 3: Use Visible Time

When time feels slippery, tools help me stay anchored:

• Time timer or hourglass → Makes time visible

• Pomodoro Method (25/5) → Great for starting tasks I resist

• Phone alarm with context → Ex: “Wrap up & reset desk,” “Start dinner prep,” “School pickup now!”

💡 Step 4: Create “Launchpads” for Transitions

Transitions are hard—especially when attention is scattered.So I build launchpads: mini routines that help me shift gears.

Examples:

• After coffee → review calendar + choose my Big Three

• After lunch → 10-minute tidy + walk outside

• Before dinner → close laptop + brain dump for tomorrow

These anchors help me move through the fog instead of getting stuck.

🔁 Step 5: Let Your Day Reset—As Often As Needed

If I derail in the morning, I start again at lunch.If I freeze at 3pm, I reset with a walk and a 10-minute task.If I scroll for an hour, I forgive myself and move on.

Every moment is a new entry point. You don’t need a perfect day. You just need to keep returning.

🧘 Bonus Tips for Foggy Days

• Start with motion: Even 5 minutes of movement helps clear mental clutter

• Keep a “later list”: For distractions that pop up while you’re working

• Body double: Work alongside someone in-person or virtually to stay on task

• Pre-load your tools: Keep your planner, water, charger, and notebook within arm’s reach

• Use themed days: Example—Monday = admin, Tuesday = errands, Friday = reset

💬 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be hyper-productive to be proud of your day.You just need tools that meet you where you are—and guide you gently forward.

Focus is a skill. Routines are scaffolding.And you? You’re not broken—you’re just building something that works for your brain.

Want a Printable Daily Focus Planner or ADHD-Friendly Time Block Template?I can send you my Canva designs (that I actually use) to help you structure your day without the overwhelm.