Tools and systems for planning ahead, setting priorities, and adapting your plans when life gets messy — ADHD-style.
One of the executive functions necessary to accomplish any goal is task initiation or, in other words, getting started. And since this is one of the common hurdles for many adults with ADHD, I often hear some version of the following when working with clients. “I know what I needed to do. I even…
You have managed to follow through on your plans. You are doing work related tasks, spending time with your family, socializing with friends or… And in the middle of whatever you are doing, you have a thought: When these thoughts are going through your head, of course, you are not present to what you are…
After writing for a while about David Allen’s GTD and how to adapt it for Adults with ADHD, I thought I had covered some parts sufficiently. But judging by the questions I have been receiving, this is just not so. And I’m not surprised. Creators of many tools and systems assume you are proficient in…
Which of the following are projects? All of them. Yes, even buying paint, really. If there is more than one step, it is useful to consider the task a project for planning purposes. And when faced with a project you may feel intimidated by all of the seemingly moving parts. You may procrastinate out…
How are you going to decide what you need to do today? When you have ADHD, this process can be challenging. If you sat down at your desk right now, could you see all of your tasks? If you are like most of us, your answer is likely, “not really.” But you would probably like…
“How do I respond to this situation?” “How can I feel less overwhelmed?” “Where do I want to focus my mental energy/thoughts?” These are some of the questions that Adults with ADHD ask themselves on a regular basis. Having strategies that will allow you to slow down and center yourself are helpful in answering these…
As far as goals go, looking for a job is a common one for most, if not all, of us. Remember when you have looked for jobs in the past? Perhaps you are looking for one now. There are so many moving parts: resumes, cover letters, job sites, networking, books, etc. Arghhh!! When faced with…
Ok, are you ready for a brain dump? I wouldn’t answer either – until I knew what it was. I am referring to unloading all of the big and little to dos that you are carrying around in your head. You know, those things that pop up at random times. Like when you pass the…
New Year’s resolutions do not work for most people; they especially do not work for those of us with AD/HD. It can set us up for failure, rather than success, when it is just wishful thinking, like: I’m going to exercise. I’m going to lose weight. I’m going to get a better job. If you…