Experiencing ADDvantages

Emergency ADD Management

What a crazy 5 days I've had! The snowstorms here in the Northeast really did me in and put my ADD management skills to the test! I'll tell you all about it in just a minute, but first I need to tell you that...

Because our offices were closed for the last few days due to power outages, we had to extend the Early Bird Discount deadline on the Odd One Out Coaching Program.

This means that you can still take advantage of the $100 savings when you register by 5pm EST tomorrow, Wednesday March 3rd!

Register or get more info at http://www.ADDmanagement.com/coaching/oddoneoutprogram.html

Now back to our story...

Last week the Northeast region of the US experienced a couple of major snowstorms that were even worse than expected. In less than 2 days, we got about 2 feet of snow. And that was in addition to the 9 inches we had from a previous storm!

Here in the Hudson Valley of New York State, it started snowing on Wednesday and we lost our power on Thursday night. I'll spare you all the boring details and just give you the important pieces:

• We were without power, heat, and running water for about 4 days.
• Only one nearby family member had power, and his house was packed with the rest of the power-less family, and all our dogs--some of whom don't get along. Come to think of it, some of the family members don't really get along, either!
• We had to stay at a hotel--with our dogs--for a couple of nights. This in and of itself was extremely stressful. Trixie is mostly blind and doesn't do well in new environments, while Rascal barks (and I mean BARKS) at everything!
• We had no choice but to close down the ADD Management Group while we were without power, which means that our personal income for the month took a hit.

(The above picture is Rascal [left] and Trixie [right] experiencing their first hotel stay!)

While communicating with clients on my BlackBerry, one client smartly asked, "What are you doing to maintain self-care throughout this experience?" How did she know I was secretly planning to write a newsletter on that very topic?

It's true--I'm always talking about how important it is for adults with ADD to make self-care a priority. That's because stress management is ADD management. The more stressed out you are, the more your ADD will challenge you.

And I fully admit that the stress and anxiety had me feeling close to the edge. I'm pretty good in emergency situations, but when the emergency situation becomes a prolonged event, I start to lose it.

For people with ADD, situations like these are extremely difficult to deal with. The main stressor, I think, is that we simply have no control over what is happening around us. It feels like chaos.

Despite my best efforts, I found myself feeling angry, unable to sleep at night, fighting with a family member, and stressing out about everything.

Here's what I did, to the best of my ability, to maintain self-care. This is also what I suggest you do the next time you find yourself dealing with an emergency:

1. Make self-care a top-of-the-list priority.

Make sure you get a good night's sleep. This is probably the most important thing during times of stress, as your body and brain get repaired and reset during sleep.

Eat only high-quality fuel. You need good, healthy food to keep you going when times are tough.

2. Let go of the stress.

Brainstorm an action plan to get clear about what you can control in the situation. But don't stress or worry about the things you have no control over because it won't do any good whatsoever.

Remember to practice mindfulness by staying in the present moment. Thoughts about the past and the future are often stressful, but the present moment rarely is.

3. Keep your brain busy.

This one won't apply to every emergency situation, but it certainly applied to mine! Boredom is like torture to the ADD brain, and there were many times over the last 5 days where I found myself freezing cold and bored out of my mind.

Challenge your brain to focus on something interesting and useful, instead of brooding on the problem. For me, this meant bundling up and digging in to some organizing projects, reading, and playing with my dogs.

I'm happy to tell you that we got our power back yesterday, and got our Internet connection back just this morning. I couldn't be happier to be back to my normal structure and routines. There's nothing like structure to comfort the ADD brain!

Now that the storms have passed, things are almost back to normal. And my loss is your gain!

As I mentioned before, we were forced to extend the Early Bird Discount deadline on the Odd One Out Coaching Program because we had no way to access the shopping cart and change the prices!

So...

Don't Miss Your Absolute Last Chance to Save $100 on the Odd One Out Coaching Program!

You have one last (and unexpected) chance to join us and save some money! Register by 5pm EST tomorrow, March 3rd, and save $100 on your enrollment. http://www.ADDmanagement.com/coaching/oddoneoutprogram.html

I also wanted to note that there are just a few spaces left in the Advanced Program, so don't delay on registering if you're wanting to join the program option that includes personalized coaching with me.

For those of you who aren't familiar, the Odd One Out Coaching Program begins on March 17th. This is a special program--based on my book Odd One Out, but much richer and more personal--that I host no more than once a year. In it, I work with a small group of ADDers who are ready to unleash their inner maverick. Maybe you're one of them?

In this interactive, 6-week coaching program that begins on the 17th, I'll teach you how to:

   1. Stop trying to fit in and start being true to yourself
   2. Break the cycle of overwhelm
   3. Work with your ADD
   4. Adjust your attitude for success
   5. Take control of your space and time
   6. Live out loud
   7. Unleash Your Inner Maverick, Embrace Your ADD as a Gift, and Enjoy Your Life!

Everyone in the program gets:

• Six, 90-minute, interactive teleclasses
• Access to the members-only website with downloadable notes, worksheets, and resources
• Personal study guides for each program module
• Downloadable recordings of all the teleclasses
• And if you register for the Advanced Program option, you'll also get weekly, personal email coaching with me, and private 1-on-1 coaching time with me (which is in short supply these days!)

==> *Take Advantage of the Early Bird Discount: Save $100 when you register before 5pm EST on Wednesday March 3rd.

http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/oddoneoutprogram.html

I'm really looking forward to working with a small group of ADDers who are ready to unleash their inner mavericks! Let's just hope there are no more snowstorms to get in the way! ;-)

Have a great week, and stay warm!

P.S. How do you manage your ADD in emergency situations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

And don't miss the Early Bird Discount extension for the Odd One Out Coaching Program! You can save $100 if you register before 5pm EST tomorrow, March 3rd!
http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/oddoneoutprogram.html

The Maverick Approach to ADD Management: BREAK the Rules

I love this image, take a quick look...

I think this is a great representation of how a lot of adults with ADD feel: tired, downtrodden, and hopeless. And for many of us, the basis of these negative feelings is an overwhelming desire to fit in, follow "the rules," and be just like everyone else.

Bleh! Just thinking about that makes me want to go back to bed. So let me tell you a brief story...

Before my book was published in 2007, I brainstormed titles and subtitles with my Mastermind Group of coaches. The title Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD was born out of that meeting.

A week later, I came up with the subtitle: How to Be Happy and Successful by Breaking the Rules. I loved it! It was a fantastic summary of my personal coaching philosophy. I sent it around to some close friends and colleagues and asked for feedback.

A few people liked it a lot, but a couple of people emailed me with the same concern: they suggested I use the subtitle "How to Be Happy and Successful by Making Your Own Rules," instead of "...by Breaking the Rules."

Breaking the rules seemed a little too strong, they said. And really it means the same thing in the end, doesn't it?

I thanked everyone for their feedback, and chose NOT to change the subtitle. Here's why: Mavericks aren't content to just make new rules. Mavericks don't even like rules. And we tend to not like the people who make the rules much, either.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not encouraging anyone to indulge in a crime spree. What I am suggesting, however, is that there are a number of social rules and constraints that many ADDers struggle to adhere to, and that these rules do, in fact, need to be broken.

Think about all the rules that you feel pressured to follow, like:

• You must put money before happiness when it comes to your job or career
• You must sit perfectly still in a meeting or classroom so as not to disrupt others
• You must have a super-clean houses if you have guests over
• You must put everything away in a neat and tidy place if you want to be organized
• You must put the needs of your family and friends before your own needs
• You must be productive throughout the entire day
• And worst of all - you must do everything in your power to hide your ADD from everyone around you

I call BS on all these rules, and the others like them!

Maverick ADDers actually function better with guidelines instead of rules. When we create structure for ourselves, it needs to flexible, not rigid.

The maverick approach to ADD management requires that you take a good, hard look at the rules you're pressuring yourself to follow, and decide which ones need to be broken.

When you embrace the maverick within and make a conscious decision to break the rules that have been holding you back, you give yourself permission to be happy and successful according to your own guidelines. You move beyond your challenges, and into your authentic self.

In this regard, the maverick approach to ADD management is easier than you might think. Following the rules can be painful... but breaking them can set you free.

Adults with ADD: Join Me for a Free Teleclass on Unleashing Your Inner Maverick!

About two and a half years ago, my book Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD debuted. I think the title nicely communicates who I'm specifically speaking to in that book: people who feel like outsiders because of their differences.

But I think that the subtitle of my book is the thing that best sums up my ADD coaching philosophy: How to Be Happy and Successful by Breaking the Rules. When it comes down to it, this is the sentiment behind everything I do--whether I'm coaching, producing events, or just living my life.

You see, I'm a rule breaker. But I wasn't always. And when I woke up and realized how much easier my life was when I ignored "the rules," everything changed. Not only did I become much happier, but my ADD wasn't nearly as much of a problem as it used to be!

Now let me be clear. When I talk about "breaking the rules," I don't mean breaking the law. I'm talking about breaking the unwritten personal and social rules that we hold ourselves to, and that hold us back in life.

In theory, it's pretty simple. In practice, it's a whole lot more difficult. Think about this...

• If you were feeling antsy in a meeting at work, would you be afraid to stand up and move around...even if everyone else was seated? "The rules" say that you have to sit still and be quiet, just like everyone else.


• When you're under a lot of stress and a family member calls you up and asks you for a favor, are you afraid to say 'no'? Even if you feel like one more straw will break your back?? "The rules" dictate that you always say 'yes' to family.


• Do you share your opinions and speak your mind, even when everyone else in the room appears to disagree with you? "The rules" say that if everyone else disagrees, you must be wrong. And that little voice in the back of your head tells you to just shut up before you embarrass yourself.

In general, do you beat yourself up because your home isn't clean enough, your desk isn't neat enough, your work isn't fast enough, your body isn't buff enough, and your best isn't good enough? The crazy thing is that so many adults with ADD make themselves miserable trying to desperately adhere to "the rules."

But I'm here to tell you that the single biggest mistake I see adults with ADD make is that they cling to these unwritten "rules." I've seen it crush the life out of the most good-hearted ADDer. I've seen some really great people lose their drive, their passion, and their motivation because they can't keep up with all the rules they push themselves to follow. They feel like they're going crazy. And the real kicker is that no one even knows who came up with these rules we all feel compelled to follow, anyway!

Oh, and yes, I did say "crazy" in the last two paragraphs. I might take some heat for that, because someone somewhere will be offended that I equated having ADD with feeling crazy. But I really do think that we drive ourselves crazy sometimes! And I'm including myself in there, too.

In fact, if you feel like you're going crazy sometimes because you can't seem to keep it all together despite your best efforts, then you're one of the people I had in mind when I created the agenda for this free teleclass.

Because I've also seen people who have gotten a hold of their ADD challenges and turned their lives around by embracing their inner maverick and letting go of those oppressive rules.

Let me say, however, that the Unleash Your Inner Maverick teleclass is not for everyone. If you've been reading this letter and it hasn't really moved you at all, then let me be the first one to tell you that you can skip this teleclass. And I won't be offended. One thing I've learned in my many years as a coach is that not every coach will click with every person. There are some people my words really resonate with and, if you're one of them, then you'll want to attend. (And if not, then no worries.)

Another thing I've learned in my many years as a coach is that there are a lot of people out there who will invite you to a teleclass and then spend 60 minutes trying to sell you a product. If you know me, then you know that's not my style.

In the spirit of transparency, I will tell you up front that I'm launching a new coaching program on this topic next month, and I'll be spending a few minutes at the end of the class to share some details about it. If you don't care about that, you can just hang up early.

However, the new coaching program will not be the focus of the teleclass. A frank discussion about what it takes to be an ADD maverick will be the focus of our 60 minutes together. I'll be walking you through:

1. Why your health, happiness, and success DEPEND on your being a rule breaker and maverick ADDer.


2. Why it's so important to break the cycle of overwhelm, work with your ADD, adjust your attitude, take control of your space and time, and live out loud. <-- These are the action-oriented chapters of my book.


3. How you can turn your ADD around so that it becomes a GIFT, and not a curse.

Okay, enough talking! I have a teleclass to prepare for so I won't keep you any longer! If you'd like to join us, then here are the details:

Unleash Your Inner Maverick: Learn How to Be Happy and Successful by Breaking the Rules

This is a FREE coaching teleclass!

Date: Wednesday February 17, 2010
Time: 8pm-9pm EST (Not on EST? Get your local time here.)
Note: Don't worry if you can't attend live. Everyone who is registered will receive an email with the teleclass recording.

To Register: Visit http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/mavericks.html

Or, just send a blank email to: jennifer18-498226@autocontactor.com

You'll receive an email in return with everything you need to attend the class by phone or by webcast.

If you're looking forward to this teleclass and want to share your thoughts, or if you have something specific that you'd like to request I cover on the call, then I want to hear from you in the comments section of this post!

I'm tired of this life-with-ADD-sucks attitude that I see so often. Let's start a maverick revolution--together!

"See" you next week at the Unleash Your Inner Maverick free teleclass!

Video: Adult ADD (and me) On NBC's TODAY Show!

If you didn't catch me talking about Adult ADD on NBC's TODAY Show yesterday, here's the clip!

Just click the image below, or visit http://www.ADDmanagement.com/todayshow.html to view the clip.

So many of you have emailed me offering your congratulations, and I thank you all so much!

This has truly been a wonderful experience for me, and for so many adults with ADD that I've been hearing from.

There is something very powerful in sharing our stories, isn't there? I'm grateful to The TODAY Show for allowing me to share my story with millions of viewers whom I would not otherwise be able to reach. I think I'll be smiling nonstop for the next month. :-)

Enjoy the segment!

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.

ADD Management Video Blog: Being Different

Welcome to the very first episode of the ADD Management Video Blog!

Please feel free to tell me what you think about it in the comments field below!

Mavericks Break the Rules

Before my book was published last year, I brainstormed titles and subtitles with my Mastermind Group of coaches. The title Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD was born out of that meeting.

A week later, I came up with the subtitle: How to Be Happy and Successful by Breaking the Rules. I loved it! It was a fantastic summary of my personal coaching philosophy. I sent it around to some close friends and colleagues and asked for feedback.

A few people liked it a lot, but a couple of people emailed me with the same concern: they suggested I use the subtitle "How to Be Happy and Successful by Making Your Own Rules," instead of "...by Breaking the Rules." Breaking the rules seemed a little too strong, they said. And really it means the same thing in the end, doesn't it?

I thanked everyone for their feedback, and chose not to change the subtitle. Here's why: Mavericks aren't content to just make new rules. Mavericks don't even like rules. And we tend to not like the people who make the rules much, either.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not encouraging anyone to indulge in a crime spree. What I am suggesting, however, is that there are a number of social rules and constraints that many ADDers struggle to adhere to.

Think about all the rules that you feel pressured to follow, like:

• You must put money before happiness when it comes to your job or career
• You must sit perfectly still in a meeting or classroom so as not to disrupt others
• You must go to bed and wake up at a "reasonable" hour
• You must super-clean your house for guests
• You must put everything away in a neat and tidy place if you want to be organized
• You must put the needs of your family and friends before your needs
• You must be productive throughout the entire day
• And worst of all - you must do everything in your power to hide your ADD from everyone around you

I call BS on all these rules, and the others like them!

Maverick ADDers actually function better with guidelines instead of rules. When we create structure for ourselves, it needs to flexible, not rigid.

The maverick approach to ADD management requires that you take a good, hard look at the rules you're pressuring yourself to follow, and decide which ones need to be broken.

When you embrace the maverick within and make a conscious decision to break the rules that have been holding you back, you give yourself permission to be happy and successful according to your own guidelines. You move beyond your challenges, and into your authentic self.

In this regard, the maverick approach to ADD management is easier than you might think. Following the rules can be painful... but breaking them can be fun.

What rules are you ready to break? Tell us! Please share your thoughts in the comments field.

Webinar Tonight: The Maverick Approach to ADD Management

If you're a member of ADDA (the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Association), then join me tonight as I lead a members-only webinar!

Presentation: The Maverick Approach to ADD Management: How to Be Happy and Successful by Breaking the Rules
Led By: Jennifer Koretsky, Author of Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD
Time: 9pm EST
Access Info: Open to ADDA Members Only

Hope to "see" you there!

Just 4 Spots Left in the Next Coaching Program - Begins September 9th!

Who says you have to be just like everyone else in order to be happy and successful?

The Odd One Out Coaching Program is a rare opportunity to learn how to work with your ADD and let your inner maverick loose!

In this program, I'll personally teach you how to build your ADD management skills and move forward in life.

Because the group will be small, we’ll  have a unique opportunity to get to know each other. We'll have plenty of time to go over materials and strategies, and still help each person individually. In my experience as a coach, this is a winning formula for success.

You learn from the materials presented, you learn from the challenges and successes of your peers, and you get a personal coaching boost to help you maximize your new knowledge and skills!

Specifically, we'll be focusing on:

• Breaking the cycle of overwhelm, which means spending less time feeling burnt out and stressed out, and spending more time feeling calm, centered, and productive.


• Increasing focus and concentration, which means improving your ability to pay attention when you need to.


• Identifying and building on your strengths, which means growing your self-esteem instead of focusing on your weaknesses.


• Using simple and effective time management tools, which means managing your time more efficiently.


• Organizing in an ADD-friendly way,  which means spending less time and energy managing your physical spaces at home and at work.


• Working towards  life goals, which means moving beyond day-to-day living by adding elements of fun and creativity to your life.


• Making your own rules in life, which means embracing the maverick within you in order to be happy and successful!

The group  meets via teleclass for 6 sessions on Tuesday evenings beginning September 9th, and resources will be available online throughout the duration of the program.

There are currently 4 spaces left in the program, which has sold out every time it's been offered. This session will be no exception, so don't delay if you'd like to join us!

Register today at  http://www.ADDmanagement.com/coaching/oddoneoutprogram.html!

                     

Stress Management = ADD Management

Have you ever noticed that when  you're stressed out, it's more difficult to get to your appointments on time? And you tend to forget more  things? Like where you put the keys...while you're already running late  for that appointment?

And that during times like these, it seems like every traffic light you approach turns red and you're more likely to accidentally spill your drink all over yourself, right before you walk into that appointment? 

The more  stressed out you are, the harder it becomes to manage your ADD. The more stressed out you are, the more your ADD affects you in negative ways. And the more your ADD affects you in negative ways, the more stressed out you become.

What a vicious  cycle! And we all get caught up in it...until we learn that stress management = ADD management.

Whenever you feel your ADD  starting to get out of control, try shifting your focus to stress  reduction. Take a walk. Go work out. Talk to a spouse or  friend and process your feelings and frustrations. 

Do whatever it is that you do to  get your stress levels down. You'll find that once you feel calm, centered, and in control, you'll be much better equipped to manage your ADD challenges.

This topic is a key section in my book, Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD, and it's also one of the first topics we cover in the Odd One Out Coaching Program.

I firmly believe that learning to manage ADD requires learning how to manage your stress. If you haven't already noticed the connection, then I encourage you to start building your awareness in this area. I think you'll find that this one tool will make a huge difference in your ability to manage your ADD and move forward in life!