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Part 2 – How to Craft an Effective Task List When You Have ADHD

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Tools & Strategies, Blog

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…

Part 1 – How to Tame Your To-Do List When You Have ADHD
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Part 1 – How to Tame Your To-Do List When You Have ADHD

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Tools & Strategies, Blog

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…

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ADHD and 5 Proven Ways to Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Emotional Regulation, Blog

Do adults with ADHD need more self-confidence and self-esteem or self-compassion? In a previous post I claimed that ADHD adults need more self-compassion. I still stand by that. But having a good sense of self is also important to be able to feel good, as well as “do good.” And I know from the questions I receive, such as the ones below, you might be interested in strategies for improving your sense of self, too. How can I salvage self-esteem by leveraging personal strengths (both related and non-related to ADD)? What are methods of confidence boosting and self-image improvement? These are definitely important questions to answer. Because, as Dr. David Burns, author of Feeling Good, noted, “a poor self-image is the magnifying glass that can…

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ADHD Adults Who Want to Be Productive and Not Stressed Use These Calendar Tips

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Tools & Strategies, Blog

Transcript (00:01): Are you spending your time in ways that allow you to do what is important to you? When you use a calendar effectively, it can help you remember to follow through on your time and date sensitive commitments, do what is important to you, as well as provide a record of how you are using your time, so then you can have a better sense of whether you are using it in alignment with your values and goals. However, right now, you may not be using your calendar as effectively as you could to help you do this. Rather, it might look like this. That is you put task on there like calling, emailing people or maybe things you need to do after…

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Do You Struggle to Explain Your ADHD at Work?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD in the Workplace, Blog

 Are you frustrated at work because you’re not operating at your best, and you know in part it is because of your ADHD? And maybe you are thinking if only you could explain your ADHD challenges to your coworkers, boss or employees maybe things would be better. Because then they would get it and be more understanding. Like the writer of the comment below, you may also be wondering how to have a conversation about your ADHD with your boss or co-workers. I would like to know your thoughts on discussing add/adhd with your boss or coworkers and how to do so without making it sound like you’re giving excuses or requesting special treatment if you want/need accommodations to be productive. If you are a…

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3 Ways You Can Use Planning to Prevent ADHD Overwhelm

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Planning & Prioritizing, Blog

You know planning is a good thing. But, if you’re like most adults with ADHD, when you think of planning the first thing that comes to mind might be, “Yeah, I know I should do more. But I don’t. It’s too hard.” You might also think of the adage, “If you fail to plan you are planning to fail.” And I imagine the combination of these thoughts doesn’t motivate you to want to learn how to do better. So, you may be alternating between too much planning and not enough right now. Because you’re just not sure how to do it any other way. The good news is there is a way to get out of this stuck place. Because it really is possible to…

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Here Are the 4 Steps ADHD Adults Use to Deal with Boredom

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Symptoms & Diagnosis, Blog

  I’m sure as an adult with ADHD you’re all too familiar with the feeling of boredom. That restless feeling, sometimes intense, when you’re just not really engaged in something interesting. And, sure, everyone experiences boredom at times. But, as an adult with ADHD, your boredom can feel incredibly excruciating, maybe even intolerable. Of course, sometimes you feel bored because the activity is, well, boring. Make sense. But the feeling of boredom for adults with ADHD can be magnified. One of the reasons is the understimulation in the prefrontal cortex of your brain because of lack of sufficient neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. It is common to think of lack of follow-through as a consequence of boredom. And, no doubt, the fallout from not closing the loop…

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The 4 Reasons You Need Exercise to Treat Your ADHD

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Treatment Options, Blog

How often do you read or hear about the importance of exercise? A lot I bet. Just turn on the TV, surf the net or read a magazine. And you’ll see that “you just need to do it!” At least that’s what the Nike mentality of exercise would have you believe, right? Yet, all those messages about the benefits of exercise may not be working their magic. No surprise. After all, if you have a lot going on right now, it might be hard to fit in one more thing. Even if it’s “good for you.” And, even if you really want to exercise, it’s not going to cut it to tell an ADHD adult to “just do it.” Because, if it were that easy,…

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Do You Know These 5 Secrets of Thriving ADHD Entrepreneurs?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD in the Workplace, Blog

I’ve worked with ADHD small business owners in a broad range of industries and business types from solo entrepreneurs to small businesses with multiple employees. And I’ve also run my own coaching practice for over 10 years. So, I get what it takes to run a business. In addition to my own successful business, I’ve also been fortunate to witness my clients thrive in their’s. So, I know firsthand that this is possible for adults with ADHD. Though, I also know, if you are struggling in your business now, you may question whether this is possible for you. I get it. As you read the suggestions below notice where you are already doing well. Of course, you should keep on doing this! Also, pay attention…

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Do Adults with ADHD Really Not Care About Others?

ByMarla Cummins ADHD Symptoms & Diagnosis, Blog

Are adults with ADHD really selfish? You and your colleagues decide how to divide up a project and agree on the deadlines. As the first deadline is fast approaching you’re feeling the pressure. Yet, you still haven’t started on it. At the meeting to discuss the project you tell them you’re not going to be able to deliver on time. They’re clearly frustrated. You make plans with your friend to meet up for lunch. And it’s on your calendar. But you get so involved in a project at work you don’t stop on time. And you’re late getting to the restaurant, again. Your significant other starts telling you about what happened at work that day. She seems clearly distressed. But you interrupt her with a…