ADDed Perspective Blog

As a “Fellow ADDer,” I know the stress of having a plate that is overflowing. Sometimes, when this happens, our instinct is to go faster and do more. Alternatively, we can become so overwhelmed that we just give up, as we become involved in activities that distract us from working toward our goals.

While we know that doing nothing is not productive (unless we really need a rest- that is another story), we don’t always recognize that trying to do more and go faster, without planning, can also be counter-productive. If you are going so fast that you do not have a complete list of what needs to be done in order of priority with deadlines, how do you know that you will reach your goals?

Whether your MO is stopping or going faster when you become overwhelmed, when you become aware that you are doing this, it is time to plan. I know that this is not an easy task when your mind is swirling with: “I have to do this and that. Oh, and how about that?!”

In fact, often times when I first mention “to do list” and planning to my clients, their first reaction is: “I’m too busy to make to do lists.” Eventually, Read More

What is ADD Coaching? I hear this question all the time.

As the field of ADD Coaching is relatively new, many people, understandably, do not know about it. When I was a teacher no one ever asked: “Marla, what is teaching?” Like most of us, they assumed that they knew what the work of a teacher entails. Whether that is accurate or not would make for an interesting conversation. I won’t digress here, though.

So, now, as an ADD Coach, I welcome these conversations about my work. It is an opportunity to share my perspective of ADD Coaching, and how this perspective informs my practice. Just like teachers, ADD Coaches describe the service that they provide in different ways.

Here is how I have come to define ADD Coaching:

1. I work with people who have ADD, either professionally diagnosed (my preference) or self diagnosed. They share the concern that they are not satisfied with some aspect of their life. Typically, they have tried many other avenues to address their concerns, but have not been able to make what they consider sufficient progress.

2. I bring my expertise in coaching and knowledge of ADD to the table. I assist my Read More