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Succeeding With Adult ADHD: Daily Strategies to Help You Achieve Your Goals and Manage Your Life

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If you've been diagnosed with adult ADHD, you are well-acquainted with the procrastination, lack of motivation, and muddled time management that can thwart your best efforts to achieve. You may find yourself constantly distracted, or fear you're about to forget something important. Or you may firmly set a goal for yourself, only to abandon it later in frustration. This book will help you overcome the challenges of adult ADHD and find fulfillment in taking the practical steps needed to achieve your goals. In easy-to-master lessons, ADHD specialists Abigail Levrini and Frances Prevatt offer realistic, proven, and unique daily strategies to help you succeed with adult ADHD. Each chapter contains checklists, worksheets, and Start Reading/Stop Reading reminders to help you break down large jobs, such as organizing your space, studying effectively, or listening to your partner, into manageable tasks. You'll learn how to identify the right treatments and support for your lifestyle and find strategies for handling emotional roadblocks such as stress, anxiety, depression, and fear of failure. This dynamic and interactive text will become an indispensable aid in helping you translate your goals into realities to succeed with adult ADHD.

299 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2023

244 people are currently reading
964 people want to read

About the author

Abigail Levrini

2 books2 followers

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5 stars
94 (25%)
4 stars
145 (39%)
3 stars
102 (27%)
2 stars
16 (4%)
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9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Cathy Craig.
132 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2017
This book tries to micromanage you in the worst way. It gave me anxiety. This is the worst possible way for me to deal with ADHD. No thanks.
Profile Image for Susan Z.
86 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2014
Excellent resource for Adult ADHD. Checklists are beautiful things. This book introduced me to the idea of turning over the dinner table, the way that wait staff turn over a table for new diners. Maybe it's because of my past restaurant work, but this was an aha! moment for me. I'm getting more consistent with taking a few minutes to put things away before bedtime, and I've got my kids set up with their own launch pad area -- when they finish homework, the last thing they do is put everything away and set up their backpacks, lunchboxes, and any other needed items on the sideboard. So simple, but it makes mornings go SO much easier.
Profile Image for Emily.
744 reviews
October 16, 2023
This book had some interesting ideas, but rather than being presented as possible solutions, it felt like they were saying, "Because you have no executive functioning skills and are incapable, here is the only way that will work for you." It felt patronizing.
Profile Image for Amy ☾.
92 reviews23 followers
January 17, 2024
The book is very organized. I love that the author begins each chapter with an overview, and a summary of key points. Definitely helpful for us ADHDers who are notorious for randomly spacing out at times 😹 also had some really great tips and information of options on how to deal with ADHD. I did take a couple of ideas away to try out :)
Profile Image for Markie.
474 reviews34 followers
July 11, 2023
"Succeeding With Adult ADHD" by Abigail L. Levrini is a comprehensive and practical guide designed to support individuals with adult ADHD in achieving their goals and effectively managing their lives. Levrini provides valuable strategies, insights, and tools to help readers navigate the challenges associated with ADHD and unlock their full potential.

One of the strengths of this book is its focus on daily strategies. Levrini recognizes that managing ADHD requires consistent effort and offers practical advice on how to incorporate helpful habits into everyday life. From time management techniques and organizational strategies to self-care practices and stress reduction methods, the book provides a wealth of resources to support readers in their daily routines.

The author's writing style is accessible and engaging. Levrini combines professional expertise with personal anecdotes, creating a relatable and empathetic tone throughout the book. Her deep understanding of adult ADHD shines through her words, offering reassurance and guidance to readers who may feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the challenges they face.

The book covers a wide range of topics relevant to adult ADHD, including executive functioning, emotional regulation, relationships, and career management. Levrini provides evidence-based insights and practical advice tailored to the unique needs and experiences of adults with ADHD. The inclusion of real-life examples and case studies further enhances the book's relevance and applicability.

One of the standout features of "Succeeding With Adult ADHD" is the emphasis on self-acceptance and self-compassion. Levrini encourages readers to recognize their strengths and value, challenging societal stigmas associated with ADHD. By fostering a positive mindset and cultivating self-compassion, readers are empowered to embrace their differences and develop effective strategies for managing their symptoms.

While the book covers a wide range of topics, some readers may find that certain sections could benefit from additional depth and detail. Given the complexity of adult ADHD, individuals seeking a more comprehensive exploration of specific issues may need to supplement their reading with additional resources.

In conclusion, "Succeeding With Adult ADHD: Daily Strategies to Help You Achieve Your Goals and Manage Your Life" by Abigail L. Levrini is a valuable resource for adults with ADHD seeking practical guidance and support. Levrini's expertise, relatable writing style, and emphasis on daily strategies make this book an essential tool for individuals looking to manage their symptoms, achieve their goals, and lead fulfilling lives. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing ADHD for years, this book offers valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed.
2 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2025
I'm one chapter in, but thinking of DNF. Will update if I continue reading.

Like others have criticized about the first edition, chapter one starts off with a bold paragraph about how people with ADHD simply experience "learned helplessness."

This was an immediate put-off for me.

The author suggests that the problems that adults with ADHD face are their own fault through lack of effort and lack of persistence.

The author argues that this behaviour can be unlearned through changing one's thoughts -- basically positive pop psychology.

And yes, positive thinking can indeed show meaningful change, but ignoring the context from which cognitive distortions occur shows a total lack of compassion and understanding.

People with ADHD often have many co-morbidities, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, substance use, eating disorders, autism, etc. Growing up in a family, community, and school environment that doesn't accommodate neurodivergence leads to complex trauma, or C-PTSD.

Even more, given that ADHD is usually genetic, and diagnosis is only recently becoming more widely available, it's also fair to say that adults with ADHD grew up in an environment with parents who were themselves disabled, likely with some of the above comorbidities. People with ADHD are more likely to end up in abusive relationships. The list goes on...

Cognitive distortions simply don't occur in a vacuum, and the author doesn't acknowledge the bio-psycho-social factors and intergenerational trauma that contribute to negative thought patterns.

Overall, the author's use of the term "learned helplessness" is reductive and pathologizing, placing the blame on the individual rather than addressing the systemic, relational, and structural barriers that shape our experiences. It frames ADHD-related struggles as personal failings rather than as responses to chronic invalidation, ableism, and trauma. It also reinforces harmful narratives that we are broken and in need of fixing—when in reality, the world around us often refuses to make space for the ways our brains work.
Profile Image for Jordan Lombard.
Author 1 book58 followers
June 3, 2021
I’ve been around awhile, and while I didn’t know I had ADHD until recently, I’ve already created “coping mechanisms” that work well for me on my own. For example, I’ve been using Todoist for over five years and would be nowhere without this amazing todo list app/website. I’ve also recently discovered the app Alarmed, and am working on time management with it by having alarms go off when I need to walk and feed the dog among other things.

So, this book is great for folks who don’t have coping mechanisms in place yet, but I’m already there, so this wasn’t all that helpful for me.

But boy, do I identify with Winnie the Pooh, or what?! LOL. Silly ol’ bear! It’s probably ironic that I’ve started calling my brain “my silly brain” recently. But also, Homer Simpson’s procrastination style makes sense to me too. Hmmm..
Profile Image for A Bonus.
27 reviews
September 9, 2024
Overall good. I'd pair some strategies I learned here with the Executive Functioning book I read as well. I read and reread chapter 9 on Job Satisfaction; lots of key takeaways and nodding yes and feeling valid from that chapter!
Profile Image for Tess.
34 reviews8 followers
February 18, 2023
Thanks to Net Galley for an advanced copy of the updated version of this book.

There is lots of useful information and techniques available in this book. I read it without stopping to practice the strategies offered mostly because I was reading an ebook. My ADHD brain requires hard copy and pencil in order to stop and practice. Lots of the strategies are realistic and practical. Some of the strategies seemed overwhelming to me, but again, that's my ADHD brain.

The book is American-centric, which is always annoying to me as a non-American, but those sections are easily skipped. (But seriously, America, get your shit together regarding medical care).
Profile Image for Julia Fisher.
25 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2023
*I don’t have adhd*
But I love reading books about the subject because I always gain helpful tools for organizing, focus, and productivity 🙂

I also think it’s important to educate yourself about conditions other people manage. The more we know about each other, the more we can understand and empathize.
Profile Image for Sonica.
65 reviews12 followers
February 11, 2024
Micro-managing, would appeal to my inner manager but backfire when my adhd kicks in
Profile Image for Erin.
219 reviews11 followers
February 20, 2024
You can also read my review of this book and others on my blog.

I have been on a quest to find good books about adult ADHD, particularly as it manifests in women, since I received my own diagnosis at the end of 2022. So many of the ADHD books I have read thus far have either been blatantly condescending and off-putting (I’m looking at you Russell Barkley), have focused on a stereotypical, adolescent white boy manifestation of ADHD that I find completely unrelatable in my own lived experience, or have offered so little information that I have found them thoroughly unhelpful.

Succeeding with Adult ADHD is the first I have come across that I would actually recommend to other adult-diagnosed women without reservation. While a lot of the information and tips in it might feel familiar to a late-diagnosed person who has been doing their own research for a while and has already learned how to cope with their symptoms just through living and figuring out what works for them, I do think the book offers a solid understanding of ADHD, how it can manifest, and some of the tools that can be helpful for people who have it.
Profile Image for Tope.
208 reviews65 followers
Read
May 2, 2022
A good overview of ADHD from symptoms/examples of how symptoms show up to practical advice on breaking patterns. Folks who already know the hallmarks of their own ADHD can skim a lot of the content to focus on the useful tips and exercises.
Profile Image for Jill.
1,201 reviews9 followers
September 28, 2022
As an adult with ADHD, there is no new information here. I know and practice these ideas.
Profile Image for Johanna DeBiase.
Author 6 books33 followers
April 15, 2024
How could I possibly be expected to do all of this with my adhd?
Profile Image for Ety.
24 reviews
April 23, 2025
DNF around 60% - condescending and frustrating. Most of the suggestions boil down to "have you tried *trying harder*?"

House is a mess? You're just not motivated enough. Try imagining how nice it will be to have a clean house! If you can't keep your house clean you just don't want it enough.
Difficulty processing what you're reading? Don't let yourself move on in a book if you're stuck on a sentence - just keep reading it over and over, no matter how long it takes or how many times you have to read the same sentence. (Highlight that section and move on, come back to it after a break, ask a friend to rephrase the sentence for you, ask for clarification? Nope, just keep trying to read that one sentence until you get it!)
Difficulties with concentration? Just train yourself to concentrate on stuff you don't find engaging!

Even stuff that's a good (if obvious) idea (designate a home for your keys and wallet) is presented and argued in some pretty ridiculous ways ("you don't lose your toothbrush because you always put it back in the same place, so you can do the same with your wallet!" ah yes, my wallet, which, like my toothbrush, obviously never leaves a 50 square foot room).

Some of the suggestions are actively detrimental to a lot of us - e.g. the author repeatedly suggested selling items you declutter, which is almost always going to be FAR more time and effort than it's worth, and adds a whole 'nother pile of tasks to manage (and stress about). If you struggle with hoarding or chronic disorganization, you are probably already well aware of the "I need to do the Correct Action with this item and absolutely cannot just throw it away or haul it to the thrift store" trap.
Profile Image for Lovely Lloyd .
101 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2023
Book Review AND Lovely Lloyd Living by Life-changing Literature Post (still working on that title 😅)

Firstly, thank you to @dr.abigaillevriniforsjc @americanpsychologicalassoc and @netgalley for an eARC of this book releasing tomorrow!

I was diagnosed with adult ADHD in November last year and had very little background to the disorder. This book was a brilliant starting place for me as a newbie.

The examples used are extremely helpful, the tips and suggestions are specific and the book is very nicely formatted with cute little reminders to make sure you are actually paying attention.

The discussion of comorbidities with anxiety and depression was extremely useful. Particularly, in piecing together how a significant part of my own life fell apart in 2022 for me to end up with this diagnosis and proper treatment.

I have obtained all my organisation tools, timers, cute pens and beautiful stickers in preparation of living by this book for the next four weeks. This book is very much focused on setting and achieving long term goals so I can't think of a better place to start this journey.

This is the second edition of Succeeding with Adult ADHD and I believe that for what it is, a general introduction overview and guide, it is perfect.

Wish me luck 🥰
Profile Image for Kianna.
575 reviews5 followers
February 1, 2023
A huge thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for me giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Where has this book been all my life? I was only recently diagnosed with ADHD and finally getting that diagnosis was life changing. It actively impacts my day to day life and is one of the reasons I dropped out of college after 5 years. If I had had even half of the tips in this book I’m certain I would have had a much more pleasant experience. Getting to this point without this book? Was miserable. I learned so much while reading it I was literally taking notes as I went. What a gift! Thank you for taking the time to help me and my fellow adults with ADHD because this is truly life changing work.

This book was easy to read and specifically designed for ADHD brains to focus and comprehend. It was structured beautifully and had genuinely helpful and applicable tips every single chapter.

Excuse me while I go gift this book to every single person in my family lol.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
797 reviews11 followers
December 30, 2022
This book seemed a bit basic, but it does touch on some solid and well-researched ideas. The medication chapter was particularly interesting as it does a good job explaining what the various options do. Throughout there are concrete examples of people who were able to improve themselves and their ADHD challenges through various techniques (mentoring, support groups, etc). Some of the most telling were that many people can cope when their situation is helped by parents or peers who give them the supports they need, and it is when they enter college/a new job/a crisis that their neurodivergence proves a significant challenge. This is not a perfect textbook, and not all applicable to everyone, but it is a great starter guide for people wondering if they have an overlooked diagnosis, or have a new diagnosis and need a place to start.
Profile Image for MookNana.
847 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2023
This is a good practical resource for adults living with ADHD who would like to manage symptoms and work around executive function issues in order to make their lives smoother. This book covers general organization, motivation, work/study habits, and strategies to manage issues that are common in social relationships for people with ADHD. The chapters all have a consistent style which present information in varied formats including lists, questions, and personal anecdotes. Each section ends with a brief summary to reinforce key ideas.

The tone is positive and encouraging. No shaming or judgment is offered and readers are encouraged to consider their strengths and the upsides of an ADHD brain. This would definitely be a worthwhile read for anyone looking to avoid some of the pitfalls and frustrations that can come from ADHD.
Profile Image for Anna.
916 reviews2 followers
April 18, 2023
Out of the past few self-help mental health books I've read lately, this has been the best one. This is a wonderfully written book full of great advice, easy-to-follow tasks and suggestions, "check your focus" sections to ensure you are on task, and lots of other goodies.

I picked this up because I am not diagnosed, but have always wondered if I have ADHD or even without it if methods made specifically for those with ADHD may be of help to me to keep organized. The suggestions in this book are great for all to use, and the specific chapters break down every aspect of how to live a relatively organized life, even with all the chaos that can be an ADHD brain.

Definitely recommend this one myself, but be sure to read other reviews from those who are diagnosed first to see if this is a proper fit for you.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Megan.
211 reviews
October 16, 2025
This is a pretty practical guide, and while I might not implement everything in it, it's a good starting point. The overall gist is: ADHDers will need lots of tools to stay on track. Make a list of longterm goals, then break goals down into smaller manageable parts. The author encourages you to find rewards and penalties for achieving the week's goals or not. I hate the idea of penalties, but it does make me think of ways I can give myself little rewards. She also says that you shouldn't feel ashamed when a tool stops working; be grateful for the time it did work and move on. As someone who comes up with a new method every few weeks/months for getting my shit together, I'd started to suspect I was chasing the wind and just doomed, but this is a more positive way to look at it. We need to mix it up sometimes!
Profile Image for Lauren.
92 reviews9 followers
December 9, 2022
Some really good content here. I enjoyed this immensely.
Considering the fact this book is about ADHD, I would think the book would fair better with more eye catching photos and fonts. The current layout leaves a lot to be desired.
Informative read, and very uplifting.

Afterthought- My review reminds me of the part in ‘As Good As It Gets’ when Melvin (played by Jack Nicholson) says ‘Doc, how can you as an Obsessive Compulsive and then act like I had some choice in barging in here.’
Not sure if I made my point (or am I spiraling) but to sum up: if you write a book about ADHD, make it more palatable to the intended audience (or we won’t read it) (oh squirrel!)

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy.
Profile Image for Dan  Ray.
780 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2025
At first this book didn't really work for me, it's a bit too broad and assumes the reader hasn't done any other readings or research.
To be fair, though, an author should make those assumptions when setting the base of their guidebook.
Abigail Levrini covers a lot of the issues and concerns a person having ADHD would cope with and then spells out some solutions and best practices. A lot of the laws and resources she quotes are American and therefore not applicable to me. I have to think we have better resources up here in Canada because we have a gov't that actually gives a damn about it's citizens and their health.

A solid conclusion and decent checklists throughout make this a good self-analytical tool.
49 reviews
October 9, 2023
I do not in regards to ADHD but this is an excellent book if you want to be more organized in life. The last 2 chapters are particular to ADHD as it is about medication and counseling but the rest of the book goes step by step on different practices which can be adapted to have more control over your life. The book says itself and I want to mention that it is not a tool for self-diagnosis and if at any point you start questioning then get professional help. It is a good book to have quick access for implementation whenever things get unorganized.
Profile Image for Ian Dyer.
1 review
July 4, 2023
This book seems to expect alot of executive function of the reader. The beginning is about setting all types of little and big goals. If you struggle in that area the book offers very little help.

This book might work if you have someone to check in with. However if you are reading this on your own, anyone with ADHD will have a hard time applying the principles by themselves. It seems to require a hero amount of discipline to do what this book says
Profile Image for Matthew Picardat.
351 reviews5 followers
January 3, 2023
I received an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.

I have ADHD and I found several elements of this book to be very helpful. Although I did find that overall it felt pretty basic. I would recommend this book to someone that just found out the have ADHD.
107 reviews
March 1, 2023
Interesting book with some good tips. This would be a good. book for anyone who just recently got a diagnosis. It has a good overview and good tips to get someone started on a journey to learning more about their ADHD.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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