The 80% Solution: How to Work with ADHD by Letting Go of Perfectionism

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress, especially for individuals with ADHD. We wait for the "perfect system," the "perfect app," or the "perfect moment," and in doing so, we miss out on what’s possible.

But here’s a secret: no system will ever be perfect, and that’s okay. Research shows that ADHD brains thrive on systems that are flexible, forgiving, and iterative.

As an academic with ADHD and dyslexia myself, I've experienced this in my own life. I've also worked with students and young professionals to break free from some of these perfectionist impulses.

That’s why the 80% solution—where "good enough" is good enough—is so powerful. This is sometimes referred to as satisficing. You don’t need to capture every single detail or perfect your process before starting. You just need a simple system to capture information, set reminders, and come back to it regularly.

Progress happens when we stop chasing perfectionism and start building systems that adapt to our needs. With ADHD, you don’t need perfection—you need a system that works most of the time. That’s more than enough to move forward.

The Power of Satisficing:

This is where the concept of "satisficing" comes in. Dr Eva M. Krockow explains, "It’s the inventive word fusion of ‘satisfy’ and ‘suffice,’ and describes a decision-making approach that involves choosing options that are good enough" (Krockow, 2021). This philosophy embraces the idea that choosing something that works most of the time is preferable to endlessly chasing the perfect solution, which may never come.

We can worry about finding the best gym or Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy in our city. I've been caught in that loop before myself. Or we can use the 80% solution and decide to try one closest to our home or work.

We can complain about Evernote, MS OneNote, or Notion. I know I have. But using any one of them—or even a collection of old-school note cards—will improve our chances of remembering important things compared with not attempting to capture, manage, or refer to critical information in our projects and lives.

The point is that no system will be flawless, but using what you have will serve you better than not using anything at all.

Letting Go of Perfectionism:

Russell Barkley, a renowned expert in ADHD, states, "ADHD is not a disorder of knowing what to do; it is a disorder of doing what one knows" (Barkley, 2013). This idea aligns perfectly with the 80% solution: it’s not about waiting for the right time or the perfect system—it’s about implementing what you already know works.

Barkley also highlights that "structure fosters success, but flexibility prevents frustration" (Barkley, 2013). Creating adaptable systems helps you stay on track without succumbing to the paralysis that perfectionism brings.

Similarly, Peg Dawson and Richard Guare, authors of Smart but Scattered, reinforce this approach by stating, "Executive skills aren’t just about learning; they’re about doing" (Dawson & Guare, 2010). For those with ADHD, building practical, workable systems is crucial for turning knowledge into action.

Building Flexible Systems:

We can search for the best app or tool for managing tasks, but the truth is that no single tool will be perfect. The key is to find something that works most of the time and to adapt it when necessary. Instead of waiting for perfection, consider tools and systems as evolving processes that improve incrementally.

In a study by Solms et al. (2022), it was found that solution-focused questions and actions create more positive emotions and higher goal attainment than problem-focused approaches. When we stop focusing on what isn’t working and start focusing on what’s working "well enough," we create forward momentum. And who couldn't use more forward momentum?

Moving Forward with the 80% Solution:

Whether you’re managing your ADHD at home, at work, or in your personal life, letting go of perfectionism is crucial. Perfectionism leads to stagnation, whereas flexible, adaptable systems keep you moving.

When you embrace the 80% solution, you’re focusing on what’s good enough to make progress. As Dawson and Guare (2010) suggest, ADHD management is about putting theory into practice—it’s about doing, not waiting.

Progress for individuals with ADHD doesn’t come from chasing the perfect solution. It comes from using systems that work most of the time, adapting when necessary, and letting go of the need for perfection. The 80% solution is powerful because it frees you to act now, rather than waiting for the impossible "perfect" moment.

By embracing flexibility and satisficing, you can work with ADHD, not against it, and find sustainable success.

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#Perfectionism #ADHDCoaching #Satisficing #80PercentSolution?

References:

Barkley, R. A. (2013). Taking charge of ADHD: The complete, authoritative guide for parents. The Guilford Press.

Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2010). Smart but scattered: The revolutionary "executive skills" approach to helping kids reach their potential. Guilford Press.

Krockow, E. M. (2021). What’s great about "good enough"? Psychology Today.

Solms, L., Koen, J., van Vianen, A. E. M., Theeboom, T., Beersma, B., de Pagter, A. D., & de Hoog, M. (2022). Simply effective? The differential effects of solution-focused and problem-focused coaching questions in a self-coaching writing exercise. Frontiers in Psychology, 13.

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