About this app
What First Step does
First Step is the offline ADHD task-initiation app. It exists because the moment you most need help starting a task is also the moment your brain refuses — and the most-recommended tool on r/ADHD (Goblin Tools) requires a cloud LLM, breaks on planes, in airplane mode, and leaks your private task text to a server. First Step doesn't use AI. It uses a curated on-device library of physical-first-action primitives. Type 'finish the dissertation chapter' and the app suggests not 'outline section 3' but 'sit at the desk and open the document.' That's the move that breaks the freeze. What First Step does: — On-device decomposer. Tap voice-to-text (Speech framework) or type a task. The app suggests one physically-smallest next action from a curated library tied to common ADHD-task patterns. — 90-second start timer. The only goal is to begin. Tap Start. When you've made the physical first move, tap Done. The timer ends. — Win log. Every Done tap is recorded in SwiftData. Scroll back through the week. Evidence the brain takes seriously. — Stuck-pattern surfacing. After 10 logged tasks, the app surfaces your common stuck-points and which physical first actions worked. — Zero cloud. Zero account. Zero AI subscription. Works in airplane mode, on a plane, on the subway. For the 15.5 million US adults with diagnosed ADHD and the millions of self-identified procrastinators — the tool that doesn't break when your wifi does.
Features
Built to be useful, not noisy.
Task in
Voice (Speech framework) or text input of an ambiguous task
Decomposer
On-device library suggests one physically-smallest first action
90-second start
Big countdown ring + audible chime; tap Done when moving
Win log
SwiftData of every completed Done tap, scrollable timeline
Stuck patterns
After 10 logged tasks, surface your common categories + what worked
Why it exists
The problem
ADHD adults can't initiate tasks because their brain registers the whole task as overwhelming; they need a decomposer that suggests one physically-smallest next action — but every existing tool requires a cloud LLM (Goblin Tools), breaks offline, and leaks task content to a server.
What's different
How First Step stands out
First Step is the only ADHD task-initiator that decomposes tasks 100% on-device using a curated library of physical-first-action primitives (no LLM, no network, no hallucinations) and pairs each suggestion with a 90-second start timer — Goblin Tools requires server-side LLM, Llama Life only times without decomposing,…
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FAQ
Questions about First Step
How much does First Step cost?▾
First Step is free. All features are included from day one — no subscription, no in-app purchases, no paid tiers. Everything you see in this listing works the moment you install it.
Where does First Step store my data?▾
On your device. First Step is built privacy-first: no account is required, no analytics SDKs, no third-party trackers. Nothing is uploaded to a server we control — the app works without one.
What platforms does First Step support?▾
iOS, on iPhone and iPad. You can find the latest availability on this page.
How do I get support for First Step?▾
Use the Support link on this page, or email support@allthingsn.com. We answer every message and keep responses on the same thread.
The story
Meet First Step — One physical move. Ninety seconds
Read the full write-up · 4 min →
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