ADHD Tools & Strategies

Productivity is doing what is essential to you — engaging in activities that bring meaning to your life. You also know inconsistency is one of the hallmarks of ADHD. So, it can be difficult to do this. But having accountability partnerships for ADHD adults can make it easier to follow through. As Pearson’s Law notes: “What is measured, improves. That which is measured and reported improves exponentially.” I also know that when you think about accountability, you might think of it as the result of failing to deliver, whether in your personal or professional life. That is, you’re held accountable by others when you screw up. And this often leaves you filled with shame. So, “friendly accountability” may seem like an oxymoron. If this is…

Thinking flexibly, also called cognitive flexibility, is the ability to shift gears, see things in more than one way. And can be a challenge for ADHD adults, no doubt. Yet, learning how to do this — avoid stuck thinking — is a critical skill for ADHD adults to be successful in both their personal and work spheres. Because you often need this skill to adapt and respond quickly to changing situations — shift gears. These situations might include tasks, responses, perspectives, and strategies. So, if cognitive flexibility is one of your challenges, you’ll want to upgrade your skills, for sure. Because your ability to reach your goals may depend on this. The good news is, with support and practice, you can learn how to think…

  Depending on which type of ADHD you have you may or may not struggle with thinking and/or acting too fast. If you have the inattentive type, going fast may not be one of your challenges. Generally, those with the combined type or predominately hyperactive – impulsive type may struggle with this. If you do, this article is for you. If you don’t have this challenge, because you have predominately inattentive type ADHD, please read on anyway. You will still find some helpful tips. Because most people have some area in their life where slowing down and being more present can be useful You may even find you are more productive. Remember, being productive is doing what is essential to you — engaging activities that…

You want to get stuff done. I know. If you’ve followed the suggestions from the last post, How to Tame Your To-Do List When You Have ADHD, you’ve decided on your active tasks/projects. Now it’s time to craft the tasks so you can use your to-do list effectively. Ready? Maybe you are currently alternating between avoidance and overworking. While not the only answer, a master task list can potentially help you accomplish your most important work. But, if it is not well-crafted it can just add to your stress and overwhelm. Maybe you’ve had this experience? As I pointed out in my previous post, one of the reasons your current to-do list may be getting in your way is it is too long. Check out that…

Many ADHD adults I work with have a task list that is impossibly long. That is, it is just not feasible to accomplish what they think they “should” do. If you are in a similar situation, I know it’s probably frustrating and overwhelming for you. It can feel like a never-ending trip on a hamster wheel. And when you’re in this place it seems like there is no end in sight, right? So, you may alternate between avoidance and overworking. As your task list gets longer and longer you just try to keep the hamster wheel spinning. But it doesn’t feel like you’re getting anywhere. And you may often be in a reactive mode. It’s possible to escape this cycle. I know because I’ve helped…