ADHD-FRIENDLY GUIDE
How to Break Down Writing a Thesis | ADHD-Friendly Guide
Writing a thesis can paralyze ADHD thinkers — too big, too vague, too lonely. This structured plan breaks it into manageable, motivating milestones.
✓ Track your progress ✓ Check off micro-steps ✓ Celebrate small wins
Why This Breakdown Works for ADHD Brains
No Overwhelming Tasks
Every step takes 2-5 minutes max. Nothing here will make your brain shut down.
Dopamine Hits
Check off micro-steps frequently for constant motivation and progress visibility.
Clear Next Action
No guessing what to do. Every micro-step tells you exactly what to do right now.
Complete Step-by-Step Breakdown
Phase 1: Clarify and Plan
Define your topic
Write your main question
Explain it in 2 sentences
Share with advisor
Get feedback
Lock scope early
Create outline
List chapters
Add 2-3 subtopics per chapter
Mark estimated word counts
Save in doc
Print copy for desk
Set writing calendar
Open calendar
Assign 2 writing blocks weekly
Add reminders
Plan one rest day
Color-code chapters
Phase 2: Research and Note
Gather sources
Open citation manager
Import 5 papers
Highlight key quotes
Tag by theme
Save backups
Summarize readings
For each paper, write 3-sentence summary
Note how it supports your topic
Store in 'Summaries' doc
Review weekly
Highlight gaps
Organize notes visually
Use mind map tool
Group similar ideas
Draw arrows between linked points
Export image
Set as desktop background
Phase 3: Write and Edit
Draft messy version
Set 30-min timer
Type freely, no backspacing
Stop after 300 words
Take 10-min break
Mark what feels easy
Edit later
Reopen after rest
Fix grammar
Trim repetition
Bold key arguments
Save as new version
Final review
Read aloud
Check citations
Confirm formatting
Run plagiarism check
Submit confidently
ADHD Pro Tips
✍️ Write badly first
Perfection kills progress — messy drafts are gold for ADHD flow.
🗂️ Visual structure
Outlines, mind maps, and color coding keep you oriented.
🏆 Gamify chapters
Treat each section like a level — small wins build momentum.
📅 Consistent slots
Same writing time weekly forms rhythm and reduces resistance.
Track These Steps in Scramblie
Import this entire breakdown into the app, check off steps as you go, and celebrate every tiny win. Built specifically for ADHD brains.
Download Free on App Store✓ Pre-loaded task templates ✓ AI task breakdown ✓ Progress tracking
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