I bet you said to yourself more often than you can count “I know what I need to do, I just need to do it!” and you’re probably frustrated that you have to wait until it feels urgent before you get into action. After all it seems as though everyone else around you can get their stuff done easily right? You might even tell yourself, I should just do it! But trying to force yourself… Continue reading…
How to Let Go of Perfectionism When You Have ADHD
In the previous post, I wrote about what it means to be a perfectionist and how it can affect you. If you haven’t yet read that post, go ahead and check it out. Then if you decide you’re a perfectionist or just curious about perfectionism Read on to learn what you can do to change it. Ready? Weighing the Costs and Benefits When thinking about the cost and benefits of being a perfectionist you may… Continue reading…
The Cost of Perfectionism When You Have ADHD
A perfectionist is someone who is unyielding in their pursuit of unrealistically high standards. So, you may wonder what is an unrealistically high standard. Good question. Whether a standard is unrealistically high depends on your capacity and the context. Here are a couple of examples. You might think it doesn’t make sense to strive for such unrealistic goals. However, a perfectionist does not think the goals are unrealistic. ADHD and Perfectionism If you are… Continue reading…
ADHD & Finding Your Motivation When You’re Not Interested
For ADHD adults you know it’s easier to follow through on tasks that interest you. But what about tasks that don’t interest you? If you can delegate in some way or drop tasks that don’t interest you, you should do that. But what if this isn’t possible? It’s going to take a little bit of extra work to follow through on these tasks. The following strategies can help you do this. What About The Task… Continue reading…
How To Make Getting Started Easier When You Have ADHD
(Originally published February 23, 2017, Updated July 8, 2022) In the previous post, I explored why it is hard for ADHD adults to start tasks and suggested that because of this challenge you may over-rely on urgency for motivation. So now, if it is your go-to strategy, it is likely because you do not have other tools in your toolbox to help you get started when it is hard. It has become a habit. Whereas neurotypical adults… Continue reading…
ADHD Adults Need These 5 Mindsets to Be Successful
(originally published July 26, 2013, updated April 14, 2022) When you think about whether you can learn and maintain changes to feel more in control and less overwhelmed you may wonder if it’s possible. After all, you’ve been trying to make these changes for a long time. And you’ve had varying degrees of success. Maybe not enough, yet. So, can an old dog learn new tricks? Yes, definitely! And you can, too.😉 Sure, you might need additional knowledge to make these changes…. Continue reading…
Part 2: Effective ADHD Adults Know How to Use These Self-Talk Skills
(originally published August 3, 2016, updated December 15, 2021) As I noted in Part 1, self-talk either helps you reach your goals or gets in the way. I explored how you can develop a habit of using more positive and helpful self-talk to take effective action. I also shared how to use self-talk to develop more self-compassion and diffuse negative thoughts and feelings. In this post, Part 2, I’ll share with you how your current… Continue reading…
Part 2: For ADHD Adults Who Want to Find a Way to Put Their Worry to Work
(Originally published September 3, 2018, Updated October 11, 2021) ADHD and worry go together like peanut butter and jelly. In part, this can be because worry gives your ADHD brain the stimulation it craves. So, you may find yourself worrying about something one day and then the next day the worry just disappears. Was the worry just “candy” for your brain or was it something you want to address? In fact, as I noted in… Continue reading…
Part 1: For ADHD Adults Who Are Tired of Being Hooked by Their Worry
(Originally published August 17, 2018, Updated September 30, 2021) When it comes to worrying there is an upside for ADHD adults. That is, it can motivate you. But, if you’re reading this article, I know you’re more interested in doing less worrying, as it comes with a cost. I get it. Worrying causes stress and takes up your time and energy. Time and energy you’d like to spend in other ways. The key to managing… Continue reading…
The 3 Reasons ADHD Adults Need Downtime to Be Productive
ADHD adults need downtime if they want to be productive. Really. But I also know this may seem counterintuitive to you, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to do. I get it. You’re wondering how you can take downtime when you’re so far behind in both your professional and personal life. You may even think you don’t deserve downtime. Not true. While everyone deserves downtime, I know it won’t be enough for… Continue reading…
