I know the stress of having a plate that is overflowing, especially when you have ADHD. Sometimes, when this happens, our instinct is to go faster and do more. Alternatively, we can become so overwhelmed that we just give up, as we become involved in activities that distract us from working toward our goals.
While we know that doing nothing is not productive (unless we really need a rest- that is another story), we don’t always recognize that trying to do more and go faster, without planning, can also be counter-productive. If you are going so fast that you do not have a complete list of what needs to be done in order of priority with deadlines, how do you know that you will reach your goals?
Planning
Whether your m.o. is stopping or going faster when you become overwhelmed, when you become aware that you are doing this, it is time to plan. I know that this is not an easy task when your mind is swirling with: “I have to do this and that. Oh, and how about that?!”
In fact, often times when I first mention “to do list” and planning to my clients, their first reaction is: “I’m too busy to make to do lists.” Eventually, they come around when they recognize that it is far more productive than “winging it.”
The time that you take to plan will be time well spent. You will reduce your stress and be more effective and efficient with your time because:
- you will lay out everything and not have it in your head.
- you will create a road map so that you know where you are going and when you are going to get there.
- you will be intentional about doing those things that are important to you, not just urgent tasks.
- you will have fewer surprises that take you off course because, with planning, you can anticipate more.
ADDed Perspectives Bottom Line
What is the value for you of stopping and assessing your priorities and what is on your plate?
If you do not have a road map, how do you know where you will end up?
Maybe it is time to get out your own version of a GPS…