It is the middle of January. Be honest with me. How is that “New Year, New Me” vibe going?
If you are anything like me, you might already feel like you are behind. You are not alone. There are an estimated 15.5 million U.S. adults navigating life with ADHD right now, and less than 20% of us are getting the support we need. We set massive goals, buy the fancy planners, and then… life happens. The shame spiral starts. We feel broken.
But what if the problem isn’t your brain? What if the problem is that you are trying to force a neurodivergent brain into a neurotypical box?
This year, I decided to try something different. No bootcamps. No guilt trips. Just a simple, permission-based reset using a new tool called Indy.
My Chaotic Start to 2026
Let me set the scene for you. The first fifteen days of my 2026 have been, for lack of a better word, explosive.
I am currently performing the role of Bobby in the musical Company at The Ritz Theatre Co. At the same time, I have started casting for A Bronx Tale, which I am directing at The Broadway Theatre of Pitman this April. Oh, and I also had to fly to Dallas for a client meeting.
That is a recipe for burnout. In the past, I would have shut down. My executive dysfunction would have kicked in, and I would be doom-scrolling on my couch while the laundry piled up.
But this time, I had a secret weapon. The team at Shimmer approached me about beta-testing their new app, Indy. Since I have had multiple Shimmer team members on my podcast and love their mission, the answer was an immediate yes.
Why We Need More Than Just a To-Do List
We all know the struggle. You write a to-do list. You lose the to-do list. You find the list three weeks later and hate yourself.
Traditional planners fail us because they don’t account for how our brains work. We don’t need just a list; we need dopamine. We need connection. We need something that bridges the gap between “knowing what to do” and “actually doing it.”
This is where adhd and executive functioning support comes in. We need tools that act as a scaffold, not a cage.
The Power of Body Doubling
One of the core concepts behind Shimmer’s approach is “body doubling.” It sounds weird, but it works. It is the idea that simply having someone else present—even virtually—can help you get things done.
Studies have shown that 95.7% of participants reported improved focus during body doubling sessions. It quiets the isolation that makes tasks feel impossible. Indy integrates this feeling of support directly into your pocket. You aren’t just logging tasks into a void; you are interacting with a system designed to high-five you back.
Coaching vs. Therapy: What is the Difference?
A common question I get is, “Ky, do I need a coach or a therapist?”
Here is the breakdown. Therapy digs into the “why” of your emotions and past trauma. It is vital. Coaching, on the other hand, focuses on the “how.” It tackles the practical side of life. ADHD coaching helps you build the systems to handle laundry, emails, and that one phone call you have been dreading for three months.
Indy bridges this gap. It gives you that coaching-style reflection (“What went well today?”) without the $150/hour price tag.
Why Indy is the Best Free ADHD App Right Now
There are a million apps out there. Why this one?
- It is Anti-Hustle: It doesn’t yell at you for missing a day. It asks you how you are feeling.
- It is Accessible: Research shows that Black and Hispanic adults are historically undertreated for ADHD. Tools that are free and accessible are essential for closing that gap.
- It Validates the “Late Bloomer”: If you were diagnosed late in life, you might carry a lot of grief. Indy helps you rewrite that narrative by focusing on your wins, no matter how small.
Q&A: Common Questions About ADHD Apps
Q: Will this app cure my ADHD? A: No. ADHD is a biological difference, not a disease to be cured. This app is a tool to help you manage it, like glasses for your eyes.
Q: Is body doubling adhd specific? A: While it helps everyone, it is uniquely effective for neurodivergent brains because it provides the external motivation we often lack internally.
Q: Is Indy really free? A: Yes. You can download it right now without hitting a paywall. This makes it one of the best free adhd apps on the market.
Final Thoughts
2026 does not have to be another year of “trying harder” and failing. It can be the year you stop fighting your brain and start working with it.
If you are ready to ditch the guilt and start racking up some wins, come join me on Indy. It has been a massive help during my crazy start to the year, and I think it will help you too.
Much love. Good vibes. – Ky
