Can You Be Good at Problem-Solving but Bad at Planning?

PostedOctober 10, 2025

UpdatedOctober 13, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

It’s possible to be excellent at problem-solving but struggle with planning, especially if you have ADHD planning difficulties. People with ADHD often show strong problem-solving skills, particularly in situations that require creative thinking or immediate action. However, they may find it challenging to break tasks down into smaller steps or plan ahead effectively, which can hinder their ability to complete long-term projects or stay organised.

The reason behind these ADHD planning difficulties lies in the brain’s executive function, which governs skills like organisation, time management, and goal setting. While individuals with ADHD may excel at finding solutions in the moment, the process of planning ahead requires sustained attention and the ability to foresee and organise multiple steps, which can be difficult for them.

How It Helps

Here are some reasons why people with ADHD can excel in problem-solving but face planning difficulties:

Executive Function Challenges

Executive function is often impaired in people with ADHD, affecting their ability to plan and organise tasks in a structured way. This leads to difficulties in planning out steps for long-term projects or activities.

Organisation Struggles

People with ADHD frequently experience organisation struggles, making it hard to maintain a clear structure for daily tasks or future goals, even though they may handle immediate problems well.

Understanding these differences helps to recognise why ADHD planning difficulties can exist alongside strong problem-solving skills, and offers insight into how to manage both effectively.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.   

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Myths about ADHD and intelligence.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.