How Rule 1 'Lead with the Next Action' Improves ADHD Coding Workflows

Rule I "Lead with the Next Action" boosts ADHD coding workflows by placing executable commands at the start of every response, eliminating working-memory bottlenecks and reducing the friction that typically stalls task initiation.

The ayghri/i-have-adhd repository defines a specialized skill framework designed to optimize AI-assisted coding for developers with ADHD. Defined in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md, Rule I mandates that every response must begin with a concrete, immediately executable step rather than background context or vague planning, transforming abstract instructions into physical keystrokes.

Why "Lead with the Next Action" Works for ADHD Developers

According to the source code in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md, this rule targets four specific cognitive barriers that disrupt ADHD workflows.

Minimizes Working-Memory Load

Placing the actionable command first allows the reader to see the required operation immediately, eliminating the need to hold earlier context in working memory. This design recognizes that ADHD cognitive profiles often feature limited working-memory capacity; by front-loading the command, the developer can act before the context decays.

Reduces Initiation Friction

The hardest part of any coding task for an ADHD brain is starting. Rule I addresses this by making the next move obvious and executable right now, such as presenting a command like npm install jsonwebtoken before explaining the rationale. This clarity cuts through analysis paralysis, transforming abstract requirements into physical keystrokes.

Creates Immediate Dopamine Feedback

Executing the first command yields a quick win, which reinforces motivation and keeps the reader engaged for subsequent steps. This immediate feedback loop provides the dopamine hit necessary to sustain focus through multi-step debugging or feature development sessions.

Prevents Lost Context

Since the answer's most important element appears at the top, the reader can skim the response, retain the core instruction, and return to it later without re-reading the entire reply. This structure accommodates the intermittent focus patterns common in ADHD workflows.

Implementing Rule I in Your Workflow

The repository's README.md and INSTALL.md files demonstrate this principle through concrete formatting requirements.

Single Command Format:

Run `npm install jsonwebtoken`, then edit `src/auth.ts:42`.

Why it works: The command appears as the very first line, enabling immediate copy-paste execution without parsing preamble text.

Numbered Action Format:

1. Open `src/auth.ts`  
2. Replace `verifyToken` (lines 42-58) with the snippet below  
3. Run `npm test -- auth.spec.ts`

Why it works: Each numbered step follows the "lead with the next action" rule by starting with a single, bounded command, making each micro-action clear and achievable.

Configuration and Source Files

The framework's core definitions reside in specific files that govern how ADHD-optimized instructions are structured:

• skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md: Defines Rule I and the full set of ADHD-focused output guidelines, including the requirement to front-load executable instructions.
• README.md: Provides the repository overview and explains how the skill integrates with AI assistants to maintain focus-friendly output.
• INSTALL.md: Contains installation steps formatted using the "lead with the next action" style, serving as a reference implementation for technical documentation.

Summary

• Rule I requires placing executable commands at the start of every response, as defined in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md.
• This approach minimizes working-memory load by presenting the required operation immediately.
• Clear, actionable first steps reduce initiation friction and combat analysis paralysis common in ADHD workflows.
• Immediate command execution creates dopamine feedback loops that sustain engagement through complex coding tasks.
• Front-loaded instructions prevent context loss when developers need to switch focus or return to partial work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does "Lead with the Next Action" mean in the i-have-adhd framework?

It means beginning every AI response with a concrete, immediately executable step—such as a terminal command or file edit—before providing background explanation. As specified in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md, this structure ensures the developer sees the required operation first, rather than having to parse through context to find the actionable instruction.

How does this rule specifically help with ADHD symptoms during coding?

The rule targets three ADHD-related challenges: limited working memory (by reducing cognitive load), task initiation difficulties (by making the first step obvious), and dopamine regulation (by providing immediate wins). By front-loading executable commands, the framework eliminates the "activation energy" barrier that often prevents developers from starting complex tasks.

Can I apply "Lead with the Next Action" to my own documentation or team workflows?

Yes. The principle is format-agnostic: simply place the command, code snippet, or specific file path at the beginning of any instructional text, followed by explanatory context. The repository's INSTALL.md demonstrates this pattern for technical documentation, while the SKILL.md defines specific constraints for AI assistant behavior.

Where is Rule I defined in the ayghri/i-have-adhd repository?

Rule I is formally defined in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md within the repository root. This file contains the complete specification for ADHD-optimized output, including the requirement to minimize working-memory load by presenting actionable steps first, along with examples of proper formatting for both single commands and multi-step procedures.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}