Experiencing ADDvantages

1 Week Left to Register for ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup! (Plus Some Other Spring Cleaning Solutions)

I did a little dance when I noticed the first patch of green grass poking through on the lawn this week. Spring is finally here!

And with Spring comes 'Spring Cleaning.' I used to dread Spring cleaning. De-cluttering the house and getting everything organized was just one big stressor waiting to overwhelm this ADDer.

But now I actually look forward to Spring Cleaning. It no longer seems like an impossible feat. That's because I've learned that Spring Cleaning, de-cluttering, and organizing doesn't have to be difficult. I just have to have a solid, ADD-friendly plan to achieve my goals.

De-cluttering and organizing are topics that I've been coaching ADDers on for over 6 years, so trust me when I tell you that you CAN learn how to overcome these challenges, and even look forward to Spring Cleaning. All you need is a plan, and a willingness to try some new strategies.

Here at the ADD Management Group, we offer a few different solutions to help you de-clutter and get organized, no matter what your budget.

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Option 1: Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD

Chapter 4 of my book is called "Take Control of Your Space and Time." In it, I share my coaching secrets about how to manage your time and space, along with 4 other essential skills for managing adult ADD. This option is perfect for the budget-conscious. $19.95 (includes shipping in the US)

Order or read more about 'Odd One Out'.

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Option 2: Kiss Your Clutter Good-bye Coaching Toolkit

This coaching toolkit contains an audio CD and instructional booklet. You get in-depth information and resources as the toolkit leads you step-by-step through the de-cluttering and organizing process. $47

Order or read more about the Kiss Your Clutter Good-bye Coaching Toolkit.

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Option 3: ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup

This program is for those of you who are really serious about getting rid of your clutter and organizing your space. It contains all the information available in the toolkit, and much more.

This highly structured, virtual workgroup is designed to support you every step of the way in learning not just how to get rid of clutter, but how to keep it away for good!

You'll:

• Participate virtually, from your own home or office
• Attend live teleseminars on each step of the process
• Get additional notes, worksheets, and resources on a members-only website
• Have the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback directly from me
• Connect with and support other adults with ADD as you achieve your goals together

Begins Tuesday April 7, and will not be offered again in 2009! $147

Register or read more about the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup.

ADD Management Video Blog: What You Can't Do

When I debuted the ADD Management Video Blog a few weeks ago, I got overwhelmingly positive feedback from ADD Management Guide readers. Many of you said that you felt the personal message reached you in a way that written words cannot. So I guess I'll just have to keep doing them! :-)

The latest video explores the concept of "what you can't do." Once again, it features a special appearance by Trixie the Puppy - and this time she stays in the shot for the whole video!

Watch the video here:

NOTE: If you can't see the video on your screen, click here to watch it on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6ArULOYui0!

I'd love to know what you think about this video, and to hear about the topics you'd like me to explore in future videos! Please post your feedbackin the comments field below.

Video Interview: Overcoming Chronic ADD Overwhelm

Have you heard of ADHD.tv? It's a video podcast for all things ADD and ADHD, and it's run by my friend and colleague Dr. Kenny Handelman.

I ran into Dr. Kenny at the ADDA conference last year, where he interviewed me about the my conference presentation on "Overcoming the Chronic Overwhelm Associated with Adult ADD."

The interview is loaded with valuable information and practical tips, taken directly from my standing-room-only presentation at the conference.

Check out the video interview here. And don't forget to subscribe to the ADHD.tv video podcast while you're there!

STOP: Mindfulness Meditation for Adult ADD

Mindfulness meditation is a powerful tool for managing adult ADD. Mindfulness is all about being (and staying) calm, centered, and in the present moment. This practice can go a long way towards fighting stress and overwhelm.

Unlike other forms of meditation, mindfulness doesn't require sitting still for long periods of time, although it certainly is ONE way to practice. Because mindfulness is about being aware in the present moment, mindfulness can be formally practiced while walking, eating, cleaning, or even working.

It's also very helpful to craft an informal mindfulness practice that you use as a tool during times of stress. Mindfulness can be cultivated any time and anywhere by simply bringing awareness to your breath, your body, and your thoughts...without judgment.

When cultivating a mindfulness practice, simply STOP:   

        Slow down.
        Take a few deep breaths.
        Observe yourself without judgment.
        Proceed in the present moment.

Mindfulness meditation has been an invaluable tool for me and for many of my clients, and I highly encourage all adults with ADD to give it a try! Thirty minutes, fifteen minutes, or even five minutes of daily mindfulness will have a positive and calming ripple effect on the rest of your day.

And if you'd like to read more about mindfulness, then I highly recommend the books The Miracle of Mindfulness and Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Adult ADD Coaching Programs: Clutter Busting & Time Management

Our 2009 program schedule has been announced! Our most popular coaching programs are being offered this spring.

Bundle Up To Save!
Register by March 17th and save $97! 

ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup

This 3-week Workgroup takes you step-by-step through an ADD-friendly decluttering and organizing process.

This highly structured workgroup is designed to support you every step of the way in learning not just how to get rid of clutter, but how to keep it away for good!

In this program, you'll:

• Overcome the procrastination that you experience when you try to get organized
• Create organizational systems that will work for you
• Develop the structure you need to keep the clutter from coming back!

Begins April 7, 2009.
Will not be offered again in 2009!

Time Management Masters Seminar

This 4-week, virtual seminar has been designed specifically for adults with ADD who are ready and willing to create a practical--and permanent--time management system.

This is an intermediate-to-advanced seminar designed to guide you through the steps for creating and utilizing a personalized, ADD-friendly time management system.

In this program, you'll:

• Learn practical time management techniques that are proven to work for adults with ADD
• Sculpt a time management system that will work specifically for you
• Decrease stress and overwhelm
• Finally get a handle on your time and tasks

Begins May 5, 2009.
Will not be offered again in 2009!

Adults with ADD: Do You Waste Time at Work?

My clients often tell me that they waste too much time at work.

There seems to be a common belief among ADDers that they spend too much time screwing around, while everyone else focuses intently and works productively all day long. I've always asserted that this simply isn't true! Everyone slacks off at work sometimes--ADD or not. And now I have proof to back up my claims!

My good friend Paul Copcutt sent me a link to a survey conducted by Salary.com and AOL that reports "Americans waste more than 2 hours a day" at work.

Here are some of the survey highlights:

• Personal Internet use was cited by 44.7% of respondents as their primary time-wasting activity at work.
• Socializing with co-workers was the second most popular form of wasting time at work (23.4% of respondents).
• Conducting personal business, "spacing out," [<-- SPACING OUT! See, non-ADDers do it, too!] running errands, and making personal phone calls were other popular time-wasting activities in the workplace.
• Employers actually expect the average employee to waste about an hour per day, in addition to the worker's lunch hour. [They EXPECT it!]
• Men and women waste about the same amount of time per day (approximately 2.1 hours). This, despite the fact that most HR managers surveyed suspected that women waste more time at work than men. [<-- Sexist bastards.]
• The older you are, the less time you waste at work.

So if you ever thought it was just you, you'll be happy to find out that you're wrong!

Now, if you're an adult with ADD and you still think that you waste too much time at work, here are a few tips for managing your time and attention during the workday:

1. Allow yourself a half hour or so to ease into your day. Have a cup of coffee, chat with a coworker, read your email or RSS feeds. Your day will be much less stressful and harried if you allow yourself a transition period. 
2. Take a REAL lunch break! Step away from your desk and recharge your battery.
3. Work with your natural energy flow. Don't try to work on heavy projects when you're not at your best. DO try to clear your schedule so that you can be productive during those times of day when you are most alert, energized, and focused.

Now get back to work, slacker! [Kidding.]