Creating an ADHD Life Management System in n8n

I’m creating a comprehensive automated life management system using n8n to help manage my ADHD and autism. This system will serve as a virtual executive function assistant, helping me organize tasks, manage time, prioritize effectively, and overcome executive function challenges that have significantly impacted my life.

Core Problem I’m Addressing

As an adult with ADHD and autism, I struggle with:

• Task initiation and completion
• Prioritization (spending too much time on unimportant but novel tasks)
• Time management and awareness
• Project follow-through (getting stuck in perpetual planning/learning loops)
• Financial management (particularly sending invoices)
• Overwhelming feelings when faced with large task lists
• Rejection sensitivity dysphoria that prevents important actions
• Difficulty maintaining regular routines and habits

Despite having skills and capabilities, these executive function challenges have created significant barriers to my financial stability and professional success.

The Workflow Solution

I’m building an n8n workflow that functions as a 24/7 life coach by:

1. Centralized Task Management

• Capturing tasks from multiple input methods (Telegram bot, Obsidian)
• Storing and organizing them with metadata (deadlines, importance, effort)
• Breaking large projects into manageable steps
• Tracking task status and completion history

2. Intelligent Prioritization System

• Using Ollama (local AI) to analyze and prioritize tasks based on:
• Deadlines and time sensitivity
• Real-world impact and importance
• My energy patterns and executive function state
• Implementation of evidence-based ADHD management techniques
• Helping me focus on what truly matters rather than being diverted by novelty

3. Dynamic Scheduling and Time Management

• Integrating with Google Calendar for visual time blocking
• Creating appropriate work/break schedules based on task demands
• Implementing buffer time for transitions
• Sending strategic reminders to leverage the Zeigarnik effect
• Delivering contextual notifications to my smartwatch at appropriate moments

4. Behavioral Pattern Analysis

• Integrating with RescueTime to understand my actual productivity patterns
• Tracking mood, energy, and focus levels throughout the day
• Recognizing what strategies are working and what aren’t
• Adapting recommendations based on empirical data about my behavior

5. Specialized Workflow Components

• Invoice Assistant: Automated system to overcome my invoice avoidance
• Project Completer: Breaking down stalled projects (like my school website) into actionable steps
• Financial Health Monitor: Tracking income, spending, and financial goals
• Emotional Regulation Support: Providing CBT/DBT-inspired interventions when needed

Technical Implementation

The system utilizes:

• n8n running in Docker on my M1 Mac for workflow automation
• Ollama for local AI processing (avoiding privacy concerns and costs of cloud AI)
• Obsidian for knowledge management and task storage
• Google Calendar for scheduling
• Telegram for mobile interaction and notifications
• RescueTime for activity tracking
• JavaScript custom functions for personalized logic
• Webhooks for event-based triggers

Why This Approach Is Essential

Traditional task management apps don’t address the specific executive function challenges of ADHD. This custom system:

1. Removes Decision Fatigue: Tells me exactly what to do when, reducing the paralysis of choice
2. Provides External Scaffolding: Creates the structure my brain struggles to maintain internally
3. Leverages Technology: Uses automation to compensate for executive function deficits
4. Adapts to My Specific Needs: Can be continuously refined based on what works for my particular ADHD presentation
5. Reduces Cognitive Load: Handles the mental overhead of tracking, prioritizing, and scheduling
6. Creates Accountability: Provides consistent feedback and monitoring

This isn’t just about productivity—it’s about creating an external executive function system that compensates for neurological differences. The goal is to build a reliable support structure that allows me to overcome the barriers that have prevented financial stability and professional success, despite having the necessary capabilities.

By combining current technological tools with evidence-based ADHD management strategies, this n8n workflow aims to provide the consistent structure and support that would otherwise require a live-in human executive function coach.

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