8 IDEAS FOR GETTING THINGS DONE WITHOUT BURNING OUT

What I learned from 100 people about getting stuff done without losing yourself

I’m recruiting for the Content Manager role here at The Autistic Culture Podcast and the process has been such a joy! I can’t wait for you all to meet our new team member – oh and me too! We have had an incredible pool of talent to choose from and there is one part of the process I wanted to share with you. I struggle with capitalism and the role of being the boss, the power dynamics, and the stress and trauma that seems to go along with work no matter who you are working for. It’s really important to me that I work with someone who isn’t relying on me to take care of identifying their support needs. I am happy to provide accommodations, but I am miserable at mind-reading - as are most Autistics!  

That’s why, as part of the application process, I posed the question: “Do you have a specific routine or strategy for staying focused and/or not getting burned out with work?” I asked about other accommodations and support needs, but the responses to this question in particular were just a treasure-trove of wisdom, practical advice, and fresh perspectives. I love our people! 

I put together a spreadsheet of these answers and categorized, ranks, and scored each of them, not so much for hiring purposes - everyone’s answers were so good they kind of canceled each other out as a question - but more as a research project to see if I could find themes in the data. 

And themes I did find. With about 100 answers to sort through (some candidates had multiple answers and I treated each separately in the research), I distilled the ideas into 8 key strategies. Each offers a unique take on staying productive without losing that precious balance. I’m sharing this because I think you’ll find some gems here too, and a sense that you aren’t alone.

1. Make Lists: The Foundation of Focus

The number one theme that came up in the responses was the power of making lists. But the creativity and variety of approaches people have with their lists was incredible. While almost everyone starts with a classic to-do list, the real magic comes from how they personalize the process to fit their unique needs.

Some people prefer to begin with a daily or weekly brain dump—jotting down every task and idea—before organizing them into manageable to-dos. “I like to write down or brain dump all the tasks I need to complete. I star the ones that are priority,” shared one respondent. For others, it’s about prioritizing and organizing: “I always work off of a to-do list in order of priority and am methodical about how I get my work done.”

Color-coding systems, multiple lists for different purposes, and hybrid methods that blend digital and handwritten tools are common. The most consistent message was that your system has to work for you, even if it might not make sense to anyone else. 

One person described how they “write everything down, color-code everything, and keep a planner,” while another leaned on a digital approach, saying, “A list of my tasks and Google Calendar are my go-tos.” Lists are the building blocks, but they rarely stand alone. Most people found that pairing lists with calendars, planners, and scheduling tools enhanced their effectiveness. As one participant put it: “I live and breathe schedules and lists.” More on those scheduling strategies next.

2. Turn To-Do Lists into Calendar Appointments

While to-do lists are a great starting point, many respondents shared a common frustration: other tasks inevitably pop up throughout the day, pushing planned tasks aside. The solution, according to several applicants, is simple but effective—take items from your to-do list and turn them into scheduled appointments. This way, each task gets dedicated time on a calendar, making it far more likely to get done.

It doesn’t matter if you use an online tool like Google Calendar, a physical planner, or a digital agenda app; the key is to find a system that works for you. One respondent shared their process: “I like to write down or brain dump all the tasks I need to complete... Next, I use Google Calendar to plan out when I should work on stuff. It’s basically time blocking but I think of it as a time guide to allow flexibility.”

Others echoed the importance of assigning specific times for tasks, whether digitally or on paper. “I have an agenda planner that is detail-oriented, which helps me!” one person explained, while another combined both approaches: “A list of my tasks and Google Calendar are my go-tos.”

What all these methods have in common is turning abstract to-dos into concrete plans. When a task has a start time, an end time, and a date, it’s no longer just an item on a list—it’s a commitment in your schedule. As one participant summed up, “I live and breathe schedules and lists.” By turning your tasks into appointments, you’re making time for them in your day, and ultimately, making them happen.

3. Software: Finding the Right Digital Tools

Software tools can be a game-changer for managing tasks and staying organized—but finding the right fit can be a challenge. Personally, I’ve tried platforms like Trello, Notion, and Basecamp. While they can be great for collaborative projects, I often find them too complex for my solo work—managing the software itself becomes yet another to-do. However, many of the candidates who responded to my question shared a deep appreciation for these digital tools, with a few clear favorites emerging.

For some, visual project management tools like Trello are indispensable. “I use Trello to keep track of the status of all the moving pieces and parts,” shared one person, while another noted how they integrate multiple methods: “Sometimes it's a paper planner, sometimes it's Trello or a similar tool. At the moment, it's a combination of sticky notes, my notes app, and my digital calendar.” This flexibility in mixing digital and physical tools allows them to adapt to whatever best suits their needs in the moment.

Notion was another popular choice among respondents, especially for breaking down complex projects into smaller, manageable tasks. One applicant explained, “I manage my time and tasks with timeline tools in Notion and visual reminders in my workspace. I prefer to break up projects into smaller 'deadlines' to keep myself on track.” Notion’s ability to organize tasks visually and set smaller benchmarks can be a huge asset for maintaining focus over longer projects.

Even those who favor more traditional paper planners often found themselves combining these with digital tools to stay on track. “What I find most helpful in working independently is to use a paper organizer or notebook, and project management websites like Trello or Monday,” one respondent mentioned. The key is finding the balance between digital and analog methods, so that software enhances, rather than complicates, their workflow.

Ultimately, while some of us may find these tools more cumbersome than helpful, others thrive using them as central hubs for all their work. It’s all about finding a system that doesn’t just organize your tasks, but actually helps you get things done.

4. Timers and Time Blocking: Structuring Your Day for Success

Using timers and time blocking is one of my favorite tools for productivity, and it’s how I’ve managed to write so many books. The idea is simple: decide in advance how long a task should take and stick to that time frame. For example, when I’m working on a book, I might allot 1 hour to outline a chapter, 2 hours to write it, 2 hours for each of three edits, and 1 hour for a proofread. In total, that’s about 10 hours per chapter. Multiply that by 10 chapters, and it’s 100 hours for a complete book. By planning out the time required for each step, I can complete those 100 hours of work in just a couple of weeks. Instead of letting work expand to fill the time available (as Betty Friedan once put it), I keep it contained.

Time blocking isn’t just about managing work tasks; it’s also about maintaining balance, especially for those of us with executive functioning challenges. Many autistic people experience time blindness, which can make it difficult to recognize how much time has passed or remember to take breaks. Setting alarms or timers can help keep those reminders in place. As one respondent shared, “I use alarms on my phones to monitor time because I can have time blindness.”

Timers can also be a great way to tackle tasks that feel overwhelming or unpleasant. For example, I really dislike making customer service calls—something you can’t always time block precisely because you never know how long they’ll take. In these cases, I set a timer and give myself a set amount of time to make the call. If it runs over, at least I know I’ve tried, and I can reassess whether to continue or take a break.

This strategy is also useful for maintaining focus on work itself. One applicant described using time blocking as a flexible “time guide” for planning their work sessions: “When I start to work on projects and tasks, I use a method called the pomodoro method to help me keep track of time, work on projects, and take breaks.” This technique can help break a big task into smaller chunks, making it more manageable and giving built-in opportunities to rest.

For many of us, these time management techniques are essential. They allow us to keep control of our day, avoid hyperfocus that leads to burnout, and ensure that we’re taking care of ourselves in the process. And when it comes to those extra challenging tasks, using timers can pair well with rewards—leading us right into the next strategy.

5. Rewards: Motivating Yourself Through Tough Tasks

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of crossing something off a to-do list—it’s a little hit of endorphins that can be its own reward. But for those harder, less enjoyable tasks, sometimes we need to up the ante. A cup of coffee after finishing that dreaded email? A 15-minute TikTok break after making a customer service call? (Though, let’s be real—15 minutes on TikTok can easily turn into 45, which is where those timers come in handy!)

Using rewards to get through difficult tasks is a strategy that many people swear by. “I set small goals for myself throughout the day and cross them off when they are complete,” one respondent shared. For others, the reward might be something more physical, like taking a break outside: “I have multiple calendar reminders, pomodoro method, reward systems, and make sure I walk in the sun at least 30 mins a day to get the anxiety jitters out.”

However, this approach can be a bit tricky, especially for autistic people. Rewards can feel like a form of self-manipulation, and that idea can remind us of behaviorism—a concept that many autistic advocates are deeply critical of. Behavioral techniques often rely on external motivators (think: rewards and punishments) to shape behavior. But autistic people know all too well that this approach tends to ignore internal needs and can push us out of emotional regulation. That’s why it’s important to be cautious with rewards, using them as a tool to support our own needs rather than forcing ourselves into a pace or pattern that doesn’t actually work.

The key, as with so many productivity strategies, is customization. Use rewards, but do it thoughtfully. Make sure you’re not overextending yourself just to earn that treat or risking burnout because you pushed too hard to get through a task. Instead, try to keep them as gentle nudges that can help you get through those tough moments, without compromising your overall well-being.

6. Boundaries: Protecting Your Energy and Your Time

What’s even better than tricking yourself into being productive—especially if deep down, you’re still wrestling with the idea that your worth is tied to productivity (thanks, capitalism)—is setting clear boundaries. It’s about committing to what feels good for you, creating space for your well-being, and being honest when something isn't working. Boundaries let you prioritize your needs and recognize that rest and downtime are just as important as getting things done.

For many of the applicants, setting boundaries was crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining balance. One person shared, “I maintain regular hours that are specifically designated for the work,” while another emphasized the importance of finding work that feels meaningful: “I also choose roles that I know feed my cup.” Being deliberate about where you put your time and energy can help keep your work sustainable.

Boundaries also mean accepting that productivity isn’t constant. Some days, you’ll be able to power through tasks, while other days might require more rest or a slower pace. As one respondent put it, “I manage my time the best I can, knowing that some days I can do more than others. I think that by increasing my awareness of this, I have actually stopped wasting as much time going in circles.” This awareness can be a powerful tool, allowing you to adjust your plans without guilt and focus on what matters most.

Another respondent shared the importance of recognizing their limits: “I have learned I can’t do everything all the time, so I strive to be intentional with the time I do have and have put in supports on how I balance that time to prevent burnout—which I have experienced a few times.” This honesty with oneself is key: recognizing when you’ve reached your limit and respecting that boundary, rather than pushing through.

Ultimately, boundaries are about being honest with yourself first, and then with anyone you’ve made a commitment to. It’s not always easy, but it’s an essential part of working in a way that respects your well-being, rather than constantly pushing yourself to meet unrealistic expectations. By setting these boundaries, you create the space to do what feels good and sustainable, both in work and in life.

7. Stimming: Finding Comfort and Focus in Movement

One of the most important ways to stay comfortable and productive in your work is by creating a space that allows you to stim freely. Stimming—engaging in repetitive movements or actions—isn’t just a way to self-soothe; it can be essential for staying focused and managing sensory or emotional overload. Setting up your workspace so you can move, rock, walk, or stim without fear of judgment or criticism can make a world of difference.

Before diving into a work session, it’s helpful to arrange your environment so that stimming is not just allowed but encouraged. For me, that means having a variety of stim toys nearby. As I look around my space right now, I’ve got a half-dozen rocks and gemstones of different shapes, weights, and textures, some magnetic balls for building, bubble poppers, and even a special ASAN fidget matchbox I got from a friend. Each of these items serves a different purpose, helping me manage whatever sensory or emotional need might come up during the day.

When that familiar sense of anxiety or emotional dysregulation starts to creep in, it’s time to stim it out. Movement and sensory engagement can help bring you back into balance, making it easier to focus on the task at hand. As one respondent shared, “I write to-do lists. I listen to music and sing to stim and keep myself focused.” Incorporating stimming into your routine, whether it’s through music, movement, or tactile objects, helps you feel more at ease in your own body—and that’s when you’re able to do your best work.

Remember, you’re going to be most productive when you’re comfortable. By embracing stimming as a tool for focus and regulation, you’re giving yourself the freedom to work in a way that respects your needs and supports your well-being. So go ahead—rock, hum, tap, and build as you work. You deserve a workspace that lets you be fully yourself.

8. Novelty: Embracing Change When Your Brain Needs It

When it comes to routines, I’m someone who likes to set a process and never, ever change it. But that’s just me—you’ve got to do what works for you. If your brain craves novelty, then sometimes the best way forward is to feed the beast. For some of us, mixing things up is essential to stay engaged and avoid burnout. And remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way—there’s just the way that helps you stay emotionally regulated and feeling good in this moment.

One respondent put it perfectly: “I stay organized and prioritized using whatever system is working for me that month. My ADHD requires me to mix it up, and my autism makes organization a necessity.” It’s all about finding that balance—honoring the part of your brain that needs variety while still meeting your need for structure. Switching from Google Calendar to a paper planner after a few months doesn’t make you inconsistent; it makes you someone who’s listening to what you need.

This flexibility is crucial, especially when it comes to staying in a healthy place with your work. Your job is to understand your own needs well enough to recognize when you’re moving toward burnout or emotional dysregulation—and then adjust before it’s too late. That means taking care of your body (yes, that includes eating, drinking water, and remembering those bathroom breaks) and addressing stress or anxiety as soon as it comes up. As one applicant shared, “I have a lot of tricks... whiteboards, calendars, alarms, notebooks, stickies, project management systems… and when I’m really struggling and there’s a deadline, I will work in a rhythm where I work 2-3 hours, rest or go walk or get coffee, do a few hours and repeat.”

If you find yourself needing to change strategies or take a different approach to maintain focus, don’t let shame get in the way. It’s okay to adapt and shift as needed. As one person mentioned, “I typically tend to focus on one task at a time but if I become overwhelmed or need a break I will start on another task. I do not let it go a long time without completing the first task I started.” Sometimes, a fresh perspective is exactly what you need to come back to a task with renewed energy.

So, embrace the changes if that’s what helps you. Novelty can be a powerful tool when it comes to keeping your work sustainable and maintaining your well-being. The key is to stay attuned to what helps you feel balanced and to know when it’s time to mix things up. After all, you’re the expert on what your brain needs.

Finding Your Own Path to Balance

One of the amazing things about monotropic focus is how much you can accomplish when you’re locked in. But, like so many aspects of the Autistic experience, it comes with a flip side: the struggle to set boundaries and avoid overextending ourselves. It’s easy to go all in—until suddenly, you’ve pushed too far and find yourself in burnout. This double-edged sword is all too familiar to many of us.Ultimately, the best way to get things done without burning out is to find the strategies that fit your unique needs. Whether it’s making lists, scheduling your tasks, using digital tools, or embracing a little bit of chaos when your brain craves novelty, the key is knowing yourself well enough to adapt. It’s not about rigidly sticking to one method or constantly pushing yourself to be productive—it’s about creating space for what works right now and letting that be enough.

Remember, your worth isn’t tied to how much you accomplish in a day. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is set a boundary, take a break, or allow yourself to move your body in ways that feel good. The strategies shared by the candidates at The Autistic Culture Podcast reflect a deep understanding of how to balance focus and rest, how to work with your brain instead of against it, and most importantly, how to prioritize your well-being. Here’s hoping you can find a few ideas that help you do the same.

So, whether you’re a fan of rigid routines or thrive on mixing it up, embrace what keeps you engaged, stay honest with yourself, and keep adjusting as needed. You’re in charge of writing your own playbook—make it one that’s sustainable, kind, and true to you.