Digital Organization: Building a Brain-Friendly System for You

My brains "default settings" are off the beating path.

For years, I tried to forcibly adopt countless methods and techniques that just didn’t check all the boxes. What’s worse is that by doing this I have boxes of abandoned tools, landed in burnout.

Journals, Planners and Calendars were too one dimensional and I’d lose interest. Complex apps? Overwhelming. Advice was everywhere, but the "right" way just didn’t feel right.

Then, I had a revelation that changed everything: There is no right or wrong, only personal.

Digital organization isn't about compliance; it's about creating an external scaffolding for your unique mind. For the neurodivergent community — whose brains might excel in pattern recognition, deep focus, or creative leaps, but can struggle with executive function, memory, or sensory overload — this isn't a productivity hack. It's a fundamental tool for sustainability, reducing cognitive load, and creating space for your brilliance to shine.

I went through years of trial and error because I missed one key piece of information to factor in: I have the ability to create my own or repurpose existing methods and techniques to fit my needs. Mixing and matching is not just allowed — it’s absolutely recommended.

I encountered a mixed bag of wisdom influenced by mentors and colleagues and well-meaning but derailing advice throughout my career.

They taught me one crucial skill: Discernment

Discernment is going to play a huge part in you finding the system for YOU. There will always be copious amounts of advice, methods, and styles. Trust your gut... you're building it for you to understand and only you. Seeking out advice is a tool, not the answer.

Here’s some food for thought based on my hard-earned wisdom:

• Don’t force yourself to adopt a method that makes you feel lost or overwhelmed. This will be counter productive. If a system causes dread, it's the wrong system.

• Pay attention to how you think: Do you group things in order, by category? Do you remember by dates, colors, or fun names? Your brain will give you the blueprint.

• Start small and it doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to make sense to you.

  
  

My own research led me to a hugely motivating discovery: I had naturally curated a hybrid system all along. I just needed to recognize and refine it.

The core principles I lean on come from:

1. PARA Method: For its brilliant, action-oriented simplicity (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives).

2. Johnny.Decimal Method: For its logical, nested numbering that gives everything one—and only one—clear home.

3. Date-Based Method: For my time-centric memory, where "Q2 2023 Planning" just clicks.

I think they all have core principles that work. Together, they form a personalized logic that my ADHD brain loves and my autistic appreciation for structure craves.

I'll be diving into the hybrid system I've personalized using these three methods on my social channels. It’s a living, breathing setup that respects how my mind actually operates.

If you're interested, check out my Linktree to connect.

You can always reach out via my website or email, too.

No prescriptive advice, just sharing what works in one neurodivergent brain, in case it sparks an idea for yours.

Remember, you are not organizing for a guru, a productivity blog, or societal approval.

You are organizing for you!

Happy Planning!