The Mirror Moment That Changed Everything
Not long ago, I caught myself looking into one of those brightly lit, magnifying mirrors that reveal all your secrets—laugh lines, sunspots, and wrinkles. I am not sure when it happened, but I realized that my face had changed, and in the busyness of life or the dim light of my bathroom, I hadn’t noticed.
I realized that perhaps the skincare routine that had worked for me in my 30s and 40s wasn’t doing me any favors in my late 50s. Some things remained unchanged, like the oily skin my mom swore would keep me looking youthful, which was now mingling with fine lines, stubborn dark circles, and rogue chin hairs. Time had moved on, but my routine hadn’t. It was a wake-up call—time to refresh.
And that got me thinking…
What Do Outdated Beauty Routines Have to Do With ADHD Routines?
Turns out, quite a bit.
Just like my skin type, ADHD doesn’t go away. We learn how to manage it and reduce its symptoms over time. My realization that my current makeup and skincare routine no longer works or provides the results I want is similar to how the ways we handle our ADHD can become stuck in a rut. For example, a strategy, system, or tool that worked wonders years ago to help you stay organized might need an honest update.
About my routine, I learned that using toner and makeup primer isn’t just for models; it actually helps keep my makeup in place on my naturally oily skin… well, at least until lunchtime! I also remembered that even people with oily skin should use moisturizer. I know; it sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true.
Just as our skin’s needs evolve and change over time, so do our brains, our lives, our responsibilities, and indeed, what our ADHD brain requires to perform at its best. The ADHD routine that once worked wonders when you were a student, a new parent, or just starting your business might no longer be effective. Still, we hold on to old systems, outdated tools, and fading habits because they once made us feel like we had it together.
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Yup, I still use the same planner system from 2014 and it’s held together with duct tape,” you’re not alone. ADHD routines are like makeup—meant to enhance your natural brilliance, not dull it with old tools that no longer serve you.
Time to Take Inventory
Ask yourself: What routines are actually working? Which ones are held together by habit, not helpfulness?
If you are like me, taking the time to look and consider what is working and what is not is a rare, sometimes only every other decade, event. Now is never a better time to reflect on your ADHD routines for managing your ADHD symptoms.
Perhaps you once started every morning with a solid 10-minute planning session, but lately, mornings are a chaotic blur, and your planner is collecting dust.
Or maybe you’ve been using the same app for reminders, but now it’s too cluttered, too noisy, and no longer feels interesting, new, and attention-catching.
Just like discovering the life-changing magic of a makeup primer (where has this been all my life?!), updating your ADHD routine might be as simple as adding one new tool—or letting go of several that are no longer effective and replacing them with updated versions.
From Tired to Inspired—Upgrading Your ADHD Routine
A vital point to remember is that the challenges and routine solutions will differ from person to person with ADHD.
ADHD routines aren’t one-size-fits-all. What works for your friend, your favorite productivity guru, or even your past self might not work for you now. And that’s okay. Maybe you need:
- A new alarm clock that doesn’t let you snooze 17 times.
- A better nighttime routine with calming cues and no screens.
- Softer sheets that help you sleep better (yes, sensory comfort is a legit game-changer).
- A fun, ADHD-friendly planner that doesn’t make you feel like a failure when you miss a day.
- An app that plays soothing sounds to help you focus while you work.
The key is to stop tolerating what kind of work, and instead ask: What would really support me right now?
Start with an ADHD Routine Recon
When was the last time you googled “ADHD resources” or “executive function tools”? Have you tried an ADHD podcast, support group, or even a webinar or summit lately?
When I realized my skincare routine needed a reboot, I delved in—literally, I’m talking YouTube tutorials, online reviews, visits to the makeup counter, and a brief Amazon addiction. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for, but I trusted that I’d know it when I found it.
You can do the same with your ADHD routine. Explore. Experiment. Be Curious. (And yes, be prepared to buy a few tools that won’t work — until you invest in one that changes everything. It’s all part of the process.)
Progress, Not Perfection
Through trial and error, along with an awareness of my individual needs, I was able to determine what exactly worked for me and what didn’t. And now, I have a glass biscuit goofy jar full of “once tried but didn’t work” skincare products and brushes that I hope will be a holy grail for my girls, or my daughter-in-law, or anyone. I like to think of it as paying it forward.
Now, when I look in the mirror, I still like what I see, including the increased signs of aging. It doesn’t bother me. It’s part of the process, and it shows I am moving forward in my life. The difference is that I am confident I am doing what’s best for who I am now. Some routines remain the same, while a few will be lovingly retired, leaving space for adding a few new tricks. The goal isn’t a perfect routine—it’s a routine that reflects who you are right now.
And here’s what matters most: You’re worth the update.
What’s Your Next ADHD Routine Refresh?
Our ADHD routines are valuable because they help us manage our ADHD challenges more effectively. However, we can get stuck in a rut, so it’s helpful to reflect periodically on whether they are still working for us. If not, we should consider adding new routines that better meet our current needs.
What’s calling for an upgrade in your ADHD world?
- Morning mayhem? Try prepping the night before.
- Reminder chaos? Explore new apps.
- Lack of motivation? Make your routine more fun (stickers count, even when we think we’ve outgrown them!).
Take a moment today to look in the “mirror” of your life. Are your ADHD routines reflecting the current you? Are they helping you feel focused, supported, and empowered? Or are they relics of a distant past? Adding value at the time, but needing to be updated and evolve with your current life.
Everything doesn’t have to be overhauled. Even a slight shift, such as using a new planning system, investing in a course, or finally ditching the broken timer, can have significant ripple effects.
If you’re ready to create ADHD routines that actually work and reflect the person you are today—not the version of you from five (or fifteen!) years ago—we’d love to help.
If you are interested in becoming an ADHD life coach yourself:
- Take the “Do You Have What It Takes to Become an ADHD Life Coach” online quiz.
- Explore the Certified ADHD Life Coach (CALC) program and learn how to create routines that serve you and your clients.
- Take the online quiz “Discover Your IDEAL iACTcenter Coach Training Path”.
P.S. Still accepting makeup tips for oily skin. 😉
