Experiencing ADDvantages

Adults with ADD: Doing Projects the Hard Way

You want to get your (actual) butt in shape? Try loading a wheelbarrow with 100 lbs and then pushing it up a steep hill. Then do it a few more times, and repeat the following day.

This is what I did over the weekend, as I tried to create a planting bed around my house. It turns out that I am an absolute expert when it comes to gardening the hard way.

The last time I worked on the landscape, I planted a few shrubs and thought that I could easily dig up the ground. WRONG. Digging up our compacted, rocky soil turned out to be a lot of hard work. I remember my arms and shoulders being sore for days afterward. I vowed to do it "the easy way" next time.

So when I read an article about making a "lazy bed," I was on board. The technique involves laying down newspaper and then covering it with soil, compost, and mulch. Then you wait a few months while the newspaper decomposes and the compost loosens up the ground below. By the end of the season, your bed is ready for planting. Sounds easy, right? Once again, WRONG.

Perhaps I should have considered:

• Trying this technique with a smaller bed
• The constant wind we get because we live on a big hill (keeping the newspapers from blowing away before I could cover them was harder than I thought)
• The hours and hours and hours that would be involved from start to finish
• Ten or so wheelbarrow trips would--literally--bust my butt! (I was so sore!!)

I did, eventually, complete my project. But it certainly wasn't the easy route.

As a fellow ADDer, you're probably all too familiar with situations like mine. You get a great idea, dive in, and then find that your idea will require more time, energy, and resources than you thought it would.

The options you're left with are 1) quit 2) burn yourself out to finish or 3) make a plan to finish over time. (The third option is often the hardest for adults with ADD.) And no matter which option you choose, the most important thing you can do is to learn from your mistakes.

It's tempting to get down on yourself after experiences like these. Despite your best intentions and careful planning, "the easy way" can turn out to be very difficult. And while this may feel like failure, it's really just a learning experience.

It doesn't matter how hard your project turns out to be. It doesn't matter how many ways you miscalculated your plans. If you're open to learning, then you can't fail.

Each mistake you make brings you one step closer to a solution. Sometimes, you have to make a lot of mistakes to get to where you want to go. But if you're willing to learn from your mistakes, then you'll always be moving forward.

So the next time your "easy" project turns out to be harder than you thought, DON'T beat yourself up about it. Just take a trial-and-error approach. I guarantee you'll be much more successful!

As for me and my landscaping projects, I now know that digging doesn't work, and lazy beds are anything but lazy. I think it's time to rent a rototiller.

What projects have you been doing the hard way?
Share your thoughts in the comments field!

3 Easy Steps for Time Management through Daily Planning

How many times have you started your day with thoughts of the many things you want to get accomplished, but feeling unsure of where to begin or how to prioritize it all? 

On days like this, you can find yourself succumbing to overwhelm before you ever leave the house. There is so much to do, and so little time and energy!

For adults with ADD, time management is one of the hardest skills to master. Time and task overwhelm can easily lead to stress and guilt, which can spiral into more bad feelings, and less action.

Daily planning is one of the best steps you can take to minimize overwhelm and take control of your time and tasks. And while many adults with ADD are resistant to the idea of daily planning, implementing a daily routine doesn't have to be difficult!

Here are 3 easy steps for time management through the use of daily planning:

1. Plan the Time to Plan

Decide on a time of day when you can consistently take 15 minutes to plan. The time of day isn't important. It can be a set time (8:00 AM) or simply "right before bed." Choose a time of day in which you typically feel alert, productive, and happy.

2. Review Your To-Do List

If you don't already use a to-do list, create one! To-do lists are a tool that help you keep track of what you need to do, and what you have accomplished. Review and re-write your to-do list during each planning session. Acknowledge the accomplishments you made during the day, and add any tasks or projects that came up. Move the most important and urgent tasks to the top of the list. Break large projects into 3-5 steps that all go on the list.

3. Review Your Calendar

Take a look at your daily planner (or calendar, PDA, or whatever you use to help manage your time) to become familiar with your schedule. See what appointments you have scheduled the next day. Block off the times in your planner. Then, begin to schedule in time for the tasks on your to-do list.

I'll be honest with you. Developing a habit of daily planning takes time and practice. It doesn't happen overnight. But with a solid commitment to the process, it will happen before you know it! You'll be effectively managing your time and to-dos, and keeping overwhelm at bay.

Have thoughts on this topic? Please post your comments below.

And if you'd like to learn more about how you can finally get a hold of your time and tasks, then join us for the Time Management Masters Seminar next month!

Find out more at http://www.ADDmanagement.com/coaching/timemanagement.html

Have a great weekend!

Upcoming ADHD Events

You can find me at the following upcoming events on ADD!

---> ADHD Coach Talk

 Wednesday April 29 at 12pm EST

Tara McGillicuddy of ADDclasses.com will be interviewing Jennifer Koretsky, author of "Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD," about Adult ADHD and Time Management.

This event is free to attend! Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ADD-ADHD-Coaching

---> Time Management Masters Seminar

Begins May 5th at 8pm EST and runs 4 consecutive weeks

Author and Senior Certified AD/HD Coach Jennifer Koretsky leads this 4-week, virtual seminar designed specifically for adults with ADD who are ready and willing to create a practical--and permanent--time management system.

Visit http://www.ADDmanagement.com

---> ADHD Family Summit

Wednesday May 20 at 9pm EST

Rory Stern will be interviewing Jennifer Koretsky about Self-care Strategies For ADHD Adults And Parents.

This event features a full lineup of AD/HD experts and is free to attend! Visit http://www.ADHDfamilyonline.com.

The Ultimate Time Management Tool for Adults with ADD

If you're finding yourself procrastinating today, then I've got a great tip that can help you ease into your tasks and manage your time more efficiently.Time management is one of the biggest challenges that adults with ADD face. A lack of time management skills causes significant stress, frustration, and overwhelm.

While different combinations of tools and strategies work for different people, one time management tool that I insist on for all my clients is a to-do list. When used properly, your to-do list is one of the most powerful tools in your ADD management toolbox.

Some adults with ADD resist using a to-do list because they view it as an enemy, rather than as a tool. The goal becomes to cross everything off the list and be done with it. But that’s not the best way to use a to-do list.

Think of your to-do list as your friend. Your list helps you keep track of what you need and want to get done, as well as what you have done.

Your to-do list as a living, breathing thing. You'll add things to it almost every day. And hopefully you'll cross things off it every day, too! Your to-do list will change constantly, and it will always be necessary.

To create your to-do list, use a pad of paper, an online program or document, or whatever feels comfortable for you. Then, at least once every day:

1. Cross off, highlight, or in some way acknowledge everything that you accomplished on your list.

2. Update your list with new projects and tasks.

3. Rewrite your list as necessary to clean it up and make it easy to read.

4. Use your to-do list in conjunction with any other time management tools that you use to help you plan for and schedule in your tasks.

Bonus Tip: You may want to keep a separate list for all those "great ideas" that pop into your head that you want to accomplish, but don't have the time for right now.

To-do lists are the ultimate time management tool for adults with ADD. Many of us will need additional tools to effectively manage our time, but using a to-do list is a great place to start!

Are YOU using a to-do list to help you effectively manage your time? Post your comments below.

And if you'd like to learn more about how you can finally get a hold of your time and tasks, then join us for the Time Management Masters Seminar next month!

Find out more at http://addmanagement.com/coaching/timemanagement.html.

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.

---

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'.

---

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.

---

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.

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.]

 

Ready To Take a Maverick Approach to Time Management?

When it comes to time management for adults with ADD, the maverick approach is more important than ever!

In the Time Management Masters Seminar that begins on Tuesday, I'll lead you step-by-step through the creation of your own personal time management system.

I'll give you the guidelines, and you'll customize them according to your own needs. In this Seminar, you'll:

• Custom-create a to-do list that works for you
• Discover the various time management tools that are available, and find out how to pick the right tools for you
• Determine your "pillars of structure" and plan around them
• Create a system for managing "all those great ideas" that you come up with, but never have time for
• Develop flexible structure based on your natural biorhythms and energy levels

This Seminar is NOT for everyone. Time management is a difficult skill to build, and not every adult with ADD is ready to (or wants to) take on the challenge.

This Seminar IS for adults with ADD who are ready and willing to:

• Be open to new ideas and strategies
• Spend time and energy developing and practicing new skills
• Create a practical--and permanent--time management system
• Embrace a maverick approach to time management!

"I just want to thank you for your Time Management System. It is fantastic to, for the first time, take a course about Time Management, made FOR ADDers BY an ADDer. It really makes all the difference in the world...

...this is something that recognizes and respects our ADD challenges, and utilizes our ADD strengths!"

Alan Blowstein
New Jersey

The Seminar begins this Tuesday, so don't wait to register!

If you're ready to embrace your inner maverick and break the rules of time management, then I hope you'll join us!

Register here.

5 Ways to Mismanage Your Time

It's no secret that time management is one of the biggest challenges for adults with ADD. And it's easy to see why! Our attention inconsistencies, distracted nature, and tendency towards stress and frustration can lead us into time-and-task-overwhelm on a daily basis!

But despite what you may have heard, there actually are ADD-friendly techniques for time management, and it is absolutely possible to have ADD and manage your time effectively!

It's important, however, to avoid some common time management pitfalls.

Here are the top 5 mistakes that I see ADDers making when it comes to time management:

1. Not using a to-do list. Your to-do list is your friend! This essential time management tool takes the pressure off by helping you keep track of your responsibilities and goals. Without it, you're forced to hold all your tasks and to-dos in your head, which can easily lead to mental overload.

Your to-do list can be contained in a notebook, a smartphone, a word processing document, or whatever works for you.

2. Refusing to plan ahead. ADDers can be really spontaneous. This quality can add a great deal of fun to a party, but it's not as appealing when it comes to time management. Trying to manage your time on the fly is sure to result in procrastination, missed deadlines, and even forgotten promises.

Planning ahead to manage your tasks and to-dos allows you to create structure and get things done.

3. Trying to do too much in the day (and week, month, year.) Adults with ADD often have unrealistic expectations about what they can accomplish in a given time period. Setting yourself up with unrealistic goals is setting yourself up for failure. (Not to mention guilt, low self-esteem, and burnout!)

Instead, spend some time observing how much time it actually takes you to do certain things.

4. Being a perfectionist. Contrary to what you might think, perfectionists leave many tasks and projects unfinished. When you're stuck in perfectionism, nothing gets done because it never seems good enough!

ADDers who lean towards perfectionism can determine in advance what will constitute a "good job" and stick to those guidelines.

5. Speeding up instead of slowing down. We often respond to stress by kicking into high gear and performing under intense pressure. But this is a sure-fire way to burn out.

In all aspects of life, we work much more efficiently and effectively when we are calm and centered--not frantic and stressed.

Are you making these time management mistakes and suffering the consequences? Tell us about it in the comments!

 

Rethinking Your Priorities (Lessons From a Really Smart Dog)

When we lived in the city (New York City), there was a little Bichon Frise in our building named Oreo.

Erin and I really liked Oreo's family. The mom, dad, son, and grandmother were all very pleasant neighbors and easy to talk to. We'd chat in the elevators or when we occasionally ran into them at the mailbox. But never on the street.

When we were out on the street, we always had our dogs with us...and Punky and Oreo hated each other. They would bark and claw and growl just looking at each other. They couldn't even be walked on the same side of the street. And because their apartment faced the street, Oreo would often sit in his window and growl at Punky from 6 floors above.

One winter afternoon it began snowing and Punky was psyched. It was the first snowfall of the year! She knew I wasn't above trying to beat the neighborhood kids to the fresh patches of snow for her to play in, but on this day the snow had started falling late in the day, which meant that we could go out in the evening and have the whole neighborhood to ourselves! No one would be shoveling snow or plowing roads at 10pm, and the kids wouldn't be out either. The neighborhood would be one giant patch of virgin snow. Being a very smart dog, Punky was well aware of this.

She cried at the door for hours and when the snow fall finally began to slow down, Erin and I bundled up and let Punky excitedly pull us to the street. But when we arrived, there was a problem...

Oreo.

He and his dad had the same idea. Fresh snow to play in is many a dog's dream come to true.

Punky and Oreo stood facing each other in the moonlight. Punky was kneedeep in snow, and little Oreo was nearly covered by it. We all held our breath at the unexpected meeting. But then something surprising happened: Punky and Oreo started playing together.

It was almost as if they had a conversation as they stared each other down. "Look, I don't like you and you don't like me. But we both like snow, and we both like playing in the snow. Whaddaya say we put the past behind us, just for tonight, and enjoy the snow together?"

They did just that, and enjoyed playing in the snow with each other for a very long time that night. And whenever it snowed, Punky and Oreo knew they'd be meeting each other for some play time during their evening walks.

How does all this relate to managing ADD? Sometimes it's worth it to rethink your priorities.