Finally, Apps That Build Productive Habits

A good checklist is your new best friend — and Listastic (iOS; $2.99) is an app no adult with ADHD should be without. From a grocery list to the day's tasks at work, Listastic organizes your information into one of three sections: active, later, and completed. You can color-code your lists, hide them, or call them up at a designated date. If you need to share your list with others, just tap the "share button" from within any list and select the contact you'd like to send it to.

Like a sticker chart for adults, Coach.me (iOS, Android; free) (formerly Lift) is a free app that helps you build habits. The app combines social networking and a daily chart to help you track when and how often you're doing an action. The ability to tap into a supportive community to give or receive "props" (similar to a Facebook "like") increases the chance that you will take action. Available habits range from "Floss Teeth" or "Clear Clutter" to the more difficult "Wake Up on Time." You also get daily tips and pats on the back for completing tasks.

[Free Handout: How to Manage Your Time at Work]

When adding a task to Finish (iOS; free), you select a due date: "Short Term," "Mid Term," or "Long Term." You decide how many days each of those phrases means. Instead of telling you the day something is due, Finish tells you how long you have to complete it. The app will alert you whenever something gets closer to its due date and move it from one time category to another. Focus Mode, ideal for people with ADHD, shows only the most important tasks in your list and hides the rest.

The 2Do app (iOS; $49.99; Android; $2.99) can be used to manage simple reminders and checklists, as well as larger projects. It features a clear tab system that allows you to not only create lists, but to color-code them by context or project—an important feature for visually oriented people with ADHD. Each task is sortable by priority, due date, note, an embedded audio note, and/or photo. The app also lets you defer tasks to a later date, a handy feature for adults with ADHD.

30/30 (iOS; free) allows you to set sequential countdown timers to walk you through your day's tasks. The app's gesture-based controls make it a snap to use, so just a few minutes each morning setting up your schedule will take the guesswork out of what you need to do next, all day long. 30/30 will make you keenly aware of how you underestimate how long it will take to do things.

TeuxDeux (iOS; free) is a clear and simple task manager. The app gives you a view of five days at a time, where you can assign tasks completion dates. There's room at the bottom of the screen to list tasks by project. You can sync your TeuxDeux account on your phone and Web browser, so you'll always have your updated tasks whether at your desk or on the go.

[“My Favorite ADHD App Is…”]

EpicWin (iOS; $1.99; Android; free) is a cross between a digital organizer and a role-playing video game. You choose an avatar that appeals to you, then select a task that you want to accomplish. As tasks are completed, players pick up points, "treasures," and loot. The video-game elements appeal to the ADHD brain and motivate you to keep going.

Evernote (iOS, Android; free) allows you to store text, photos, and audio notes on your device of choice, eliminating the need for paper clutter. Create "notebooks" and categorize notes for recipes, an upcoming vacation, product research, to-do lists, and so on. Notes are tagged with geo-location for mapping or search. All your information is in one location, organized, and available through a simple search.

Priority Matrix (iOS; free) is a powerful, yet easy-to-use task-management tool that's ideal for individuals with ADHD who need to see their tasks. Sort tasks into one of four quadrants: Critical and Immediate, Critical but not Immediate, Not Critical but Immediate, and Uncategorized. Manipulate the size/colors of each section, add icons, and select the percentage completed. You can indicate due dates, start dates, and repeat dates with push notifications.

[Siri, What Apps Can Help Me Get More Done?]

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