Module 3: Decision Frameworks for ADHD

Concept

The ADHD Decision Paradox

Your brain can make brilliant split-second decisions and struggle with overthought ones. You might instantly recognize a wrong-fit client, then spend weeks analyzing simple software choices. You might impulsively start a successful business, then waffle for months on hiring help.

ADHD decision-making isn't broken—it's inconsistent. Without frameworks, you'll either jump too fast or freeze completely. As covered in Module 2: Revenue-First Tasks, prioritization becomes clearer when you have decision frameworks to guide you.

The Reversibility Filter

Instead of getting lost in long-term scenarios, filter decisions through three questions:

• What's the real cost of deciding wrong?
• What's the cost of not deciding?
• Can I change my mind later?

Many business decisions are reversible; when stakes and costs are low, decide quickly and move on. Reserve careful consideration for high-impact or truly irreversible choices.

Decision Fatigue Is Real and Costly

Every decision depletes cognitive resources. By noon, you've made hundreds of micro-decisions—what to wear, what to eat, which email to answer first. No wonder bigger decisions feel overwhelming by afternoon.

Reduce daily decisions through defaults. Same breakfast, same work routine, same response templates. Save decision energy for revenue-generating choices. This approach complements the client communication templates you'll learn in Module 4: Client Systems.

Quick Decisions vs Slow Decisions

Quick decisions (aim for under 10 minutes):

• Low-cost subscriptions that fit your current budget and team size
• Meeting times
• Small purchases
• Marketing experiments
• Daily priorities

Slow decisions (worth sleeping on):

• Partnerships
• Major investments
• Hiring decisions
• Business model pivots
• Long-term contracts

Most other decisions benefit from a middle ground—give them reasonable but bounded time.

Mini-scenario: Alex needs new project management software (reversible, $50/month). She sets a 10-minute timer, compares two options, and picks one to try for a month. Meanwhile, she's considering bringing on a business partner (irreversible, major impact). She schedules this for her weekly decision block, gathers input over several days, and sleeps on it before committing. The software can change anytime; the partnership deserves careful thought.

The "Hell Yes or No" Heuristic

"If it's not a clear Hell Yes, it's a no" works well as a heuristic for many opportunities and relationships. ADHD enthusiasm is typically obvious—when genuinely excited, you know immediately. When you're talking yourself into something, that's often your answer.

Note: This heuristic has limits. Complex, high-stakes decisions may require more nuanced evaluation even without immediate enthusiasm.

Action Framework

1. Step 1: Sort Today's Decisions

   Why: Categorizing prevents wasting premium brainpower on low-stakes choices.

   List pending decisions. Sort into:

   • Quick (reversible, low-stakes)
   • Slow (irreversible, high-stakes)
   • Delete (not actually important)

   Most belong in Quick or Delete.

2. Step 2: Create Decision Templates

   Why: Templates externalize criteria, reducing cognitive load.

   For recurring decisions:

   • Client fit: Three must-haves, three deal-breakers
   • Purchasing: Research time = price ÷ hourly rate
   • Opportunities: Does this strengthen core business?

3. Step 3: Set Decision Deadlines

   Why: Open loops drain mental energy continuously.

   Assign deadlines:

   • Quick decisions: Aim for 10 minutes
   • Medium decisions: 24 hours
   • Slow decisions: One week maximum

   After the deadline, choose or delete. Extensions are rare exceptions, not habits.

4. Step 4: Apply the Two-Choice Limit

   Why: Limiting options prevents overwhelming your decision circuits.

   Narrow to two choices maximum before comparing as a technique for reducing paralysis. Cut other options first. For complex or high-stakes choices, consider expanding to 3-5 options or scheduling a deeper analysis.

5. Step 5: Build Your Decision Compass

   Why: Pre-set criteria help when mood or energy fluctuates.

   When stuck, ask:

   • What would successful-me choose?
   • What would I advise a friend?
   • Which creates more future options?
   • What am I really deciding between?

6. Step 6: Schedule Decision Time

   Why: Peak energy produces better choices than depleted states.

   Schedule weekly 30-minute decision blocks when energy is typically higher. Batch accumulated choices. Decide or delete each one.

7. Step 7: Practice Decision Hygiene

   Why: Trusting decisions redirects energy from rumination to action.

   After deciding:

   • Write the decision down
   • Set implementation deadline
   • Close research tabs
   • Move forward without revisiting

   Second-guessing wastes execution energy.