Let me start with a confession…
I don’t use Trello. Or Notion. Or any of the “life-changing” productivity apps people rave about.
I like pen and paper. Scribbles. Highlighters. A mess of post-it notes on my fridge.
I’m not ashamed of it — it works for me. But here’s the punchline:
I’m also one of the founders of an ADHD app.
Yes, really. A tech-phobe is building an app.
Why?
Because I don’t think the problem is you. I think the problem is most apps were never built for brains like ours.
ADHD brains don’t need more tools
They need tools that feel different.
Most productivity tools feel like this:
Another inbox to ignore
Another task list to fall behind on
Another reminder that you’re “not doing it right”
They create more guilt, more friction, more overwhelm.
ADHD brains don’t need “smart” apps.
They need support that feels human, responsive, and safe — the way a notebook can.
The way a post-it on your mirror can.
The way someone saying, “Want to just do it together?” can.
I don’t want to build the kind of app I wouldn’t use
When we started Pair Thinking, I was clear on one thing:
If it doesn’t work alongside my scribbly paper brain, I’m out.
Chris (my co-founder) loves Trello. He thrives with that kind of system. I… forget to open it. It’s not how my brain works. And that’s the point: ADHD brains are wired differently.
So we designed Pair Thinking as a Wingman — not a system you need to follow, but someone you can lean on.
A supportive presence that:
Helps you break things down (instead of just listing them)
Encourages action, not just more planning
Doesn’t expect consistency or motivation to be the default
Respects that you might prefer to jot notes on the back of an envelope
Low-tech brains need high-compassion tools
I used to feel weird about not using the apps I recommended to clients.
But I’ve come to realise: that’s why people trust me.
I get how overwhelming they can feel — even the “simple” ones.
Sometimes what you need isn’t an app. It’s:
A blank notebook and a 10-minute chat
A voice note from someone who gets it
A gentle “What if we just start with one thing?”
That’s what Pair Thinking aims to be.
An app that gets why you might hate apps.
A Wingman that works with your weird, wonderful brain — not against it.
In Summary
I hate most productivity apps
I still believe in the power of the right kind of support
Pair Thinking was built for people like me — and maybe you too
If you've ever downloaded an app, used it twice, and then ignored the 87 notifications telling you to come back... You’re not lazy. You’re not broken.
You just haven’t been supported in a way that fits how your brain actually works.
Let’s change that.
