{"id":14033,"date":"2019-06-25T11:23:31","date_gmt":"2019-06-25T11:23:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marlacummins.com\/stage2026\/?p=14033"},"modified":"2019-06-25T11:23:31","modified_gmt":"2019-06-25T11:23:31","slug":"adhd-adults-need-to-delegate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marlacummins.com\/stage2026\/adhd-adults-need-to-delegate\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Delegation Strategies You Need to be Productive When You Have ADHD"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow am I going to get all this work done?!\u201d If you are reading this article, I\u2019m sure that\u2019s a question you often ask yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, there is a better question <\/strong>you could be asking. And that is, \u201cHow is all the work I\u2019m responsible for completing going to get done?\u201d  Asking the question this way allows you to consider more options, including delegating, in thinking about how to close the loop on your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like many people, though, you may tend to only think of delegating as it relates to the workplace. That is, you think of people who manage other people having the authority and responsibility to delegate, right? And, if you manage other people, you may even want to upgrade your skills in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s helpful to think of delegating in broader terms, as well. Because really it is something most people can do when they think of it as \u201cassigning responsibility and authority to someone in order to complete a clearly defined and agreed upon task while retaining ultimate responsibility for its success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to this definition, when you delegate you are by no means abdicating responsibility for the task. On the contrary. Because you\u2019re still accountable for its successful completion. And, therefore, you still need to do the necessary follow-up to make sure it is on track to be finished on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, for many reasons, some of which I\u2019ll explore below, delegating can be a challenge for ADHD adults<\/strong>. Yet, if you are having a difficult time delegating now, it is probably a skill you want to consider upgrading. As it is impossible for you to do all the work that needs to get done in your personal and professional life by yourself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, let\u2019s explore the ins and outs of delegating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Delegating Is Essential to Being Productive For ADHD Adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of delegating, of course, is to get the \u201cstuff\u201d done that you want to get done \u2014 to be productive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, remember, being productive<\/strong> means doing what is essential to you \u2014 <\/em>engaging in activities that bring meaning to your life<\/a>. Not just doing random tasks. The 1st<\/sup> step<\/strong> you need to take to achieve this is to <\/em>decide what those activities are<\/a>. <\/em>Then you will know where to focus your time and energy. And, subsequently, minimize the ADHD tendency to pay attention to everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2nd step<\/strong> you\u2019ll need to take is to figure out the best way to execute<\/strong> on these essential projects\/tasks. This may entail thinking about what kind of help you need<\/strong>. Of course, this is where delegating<\/strong> comes in. You knew that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because doing what is essential does not mean doing every related task<\/strong>. That is impossible. I bet you\u2019ve had the experience of trying to do a task that you really should have delegated. Think of one of those instances. What happened? Maybe you hit a roadblock that prevented you from bringing your vision to fruition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delegating is one way you can remove those roadblocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Example of When Delegating Promotes Success in Executing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the obvious examples where delegating is helpful is in running a business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love being a coach and also enjoy dabbling in the various business-related activities. However, in order to have a successful business, I also need to rely on others to help me. As I can\u2019t do it all myself. So, I continually need to decide which task to delegate because I either lack competency and\/or interest. Making these decisions affords me the time and energy I need to focus on those areas where I choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, since this is a one-person shop, most of my time and energy is spent tending to my clients. In addition, I also carve out time to continue to develop my coaching skills, as well as stay abreast of current related topics that will help me help my clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To have the time to focus on my coaching I\u2019ve chosen to delegate<\/strong> most of the work related to my website<\/strong>. Specifically, the people at Solamar designed and created my website and continue to update it as needed. Marv Conn of MagicAngel<\/a> host my site and is my go-to technical person. He has gotten me out of many sticky situations, for sure. I recommend them both highly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast, though I\u2019ve had many offers from people who said they could \u201cimprove\u201d my blog, I\u2019ve chosen<\/strong> to do all my own writing<\/strong>. Because, while I may not be the \u201cbest\u201d writer, I really enjoy writing. And, moreover, I want my website to reflect my voice. So, I write, even though it takes up a great deal of my time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line when it comes to delegating is that it\u2019s important to make the choices that feel right to you. Even when those choices may not make sense to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Delegating May Be a Challenge for ADHD Adults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is the rub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While delegating<\/strong> can help you be more productive, you may shy away from doing so. In part, this may be because it can be hard to do in practice<\/strong>. As it requires you to utilize executive functioning skills that can be a challenge for you because of your ADHD, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n