ADHD / productivity-inducing playlist

I have ADHD. It's a big problem actually. 

I try to use music to drown out outside distractions so I can focus, but it's hard to find the right sounds to run in the background.

What are your favorite tracks to help you focus at work? I'm looking for recommendations.

I've been using instrumental music, such as: 

  • clozee - koto

  • clozee - secret place

  • Paul Oakenfold - ready , steady, go

  • Full Attack - epic aggressive hybrid music

  • brown noise

  • John Frusciante - away and anywhere

  • John Frusciante - murderers

19 Comments
 

Either classical like some Tchaikovsky or even the Star Wars soundtracks....or the complete other end of the spectrum like a Rennie Pilgrem or DJ Icey mix.

The poster formerly known as theAudiophile. Just turned up to 11, like the stereo.
 

Hey good to see you around here again!

I also have ADHD, I’ve found Ben Bohmer (or other similar artists that get suggested to me) work out best. I’ve tried a ton of stuff, any Star Wars music gets me thinking about Star Wars so it’s more distracting. Can’t have anything with lyrics. Cure Music on YouTube is good for finding no-lyric music that seems to be the right tempo for me.

https://youtube.com/@curemusic-

“The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates, and a monthly salary.” - Nassim Taleb
 
Pug

Hey good to see you around here again!

... any Star Wars music gets me thinking about Star Wars so it's more distracting. Can't have anything with lyrics.

I should've clarified, only Ep 4-6, Not the hot garbage known as the rest. John Williams was god hand level in those. And no, not the cantina song we all know...

The poster formerly known as theAudiophile. Just turned up to 11, like the stereo.
 

Yeah I can't listen to a podcast or audiobook if I'm doing anything that requires any advanced thinking. Perfect for folding laundry or driving though.

Quant (ˈkwänt) n: An expert, someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.
 

Seems to be in phases for me. If I want to sit down for a long time, I need something to “take the energy out of me”. I’ll put on an upbeat song // banger which has me internally singing whilst setting up (opening files, checking emails momentarily etc). Then after a few mins I usually put on LoFi HipHop or classical. Puts me in the zone for hours.

 
HardestOfHardos

LoFi HipHop or classical

Haven't listened to classical much for those kinds of things (despite having learned classical piano growing up), but LoFi anything is great. I like "float house" and West Coast jazz a lot too.

Quant (ˈkwänt) n: An expert, someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.
 

Not to sidetrack, but do you who have ADHD take medication? I think I have it, but want to be diagnosed and personally would rather not take medication, or something not psychoactive like Strattera, but I'm not a doctor so I'll defer to their opinion, as well as any of you who have more experience.

Quant (ˈkwänt) n: An expert, someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.
 

Search “lofi study/work music” it works for me

Tomato monkeys are strange mutations which have recently been spotted in the vast forests of Southeast Asia. It is believed the creatures spawned from a troop of local monkeys fed upon wild tomatoes which had grown in a contaminated area. They have all the usual mating, grooming, and social habits of normal monkeys, but tend to "spoil" as they get older.
 

Live Grateful Dead shows, preferably early or late 70s. I am a fan so it is easier, but if you generally enjoy rock it could be worth giving a listen to. I think it helps to put on a 4-5 hour show and put my phone away so I don’t think about it and can focus better. I have ADHD but my phone addiction is also a big productivity killer.

 

never thought to do those long sets they used to do, that's a great idea

Quant (ˈkwänt) n: An expert, someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.
 

Accusamus sequi nulla dolorum dolore dolor. Harum corporis aliquam aut blanditiis nam suscipit. Reiciendis qui fugiat qui.

Tempora impedit enim aut. Ab et voluptatum reiciendis enim. Ullam assumenda dolorem culpa. Quisquam velit asperiores et non dolores odit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”