I am a Professional Organizer who specializes in working with clients with ADHD. I find that some of my clients, particularly women, are just overwhelmed by having to work and live in a traditionally organized world. Those of us with ADHD (I myself have been diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD) try to work EAST – doing Everything At the Same Time. This is not an efficient approach as we can leave a path of clutter in an instant. Multi-tasking can be hazardous to our well-being. We do enjoy multi-tasking as it keeps our brains occupied, but we need to focus to complete a task, especially a boring, routine, mundane task.
ADHD affects the executive function in the brain which also affects the concept of time, so time management is an issue. Streamlining anything to help with the process is great. Having a “Drop Zone” when you come in through the door that isn’t the kitchen counter or dining room table is of help. There is no sense dropping things that just have to be moved within the next half hour. Create a specific spot that is only a “drop zone” so that you can deal with the items such as mail in a timely, orderly and fun fashion.
Just as you need to create a “drop zone,” you also need to create a “launching pad”. This will simplify getting out of the door or office. Identify what items you need on a daily basis and make their home on the launching pad. This could also be the place for your charging station.
Book blocks of appointments for the year – doctor, dental, fitness trainer, hair, music lessons – so that you can “see” the time on the calendar. Don’t forget to write down or enter activities such as exercise, much needed for those with ADD/ADHD. Regular appointments such as your annual physical can be booked at the beginning of the year, so that you have your choice of time (preferably Wednesday right after lunch so there is no waiting) and one phone call can make all the appointments for your family. Schedule routine home, office and automobile appointments as well.
Standing appointments need to be blocked into your calendar first. These can include weekly meetings, monthly reports and regular project due dates.
Book into your calendar any conferences, speaking engagements and events that have long lead times.
For work – Find the right career or job.. There are aspects of ADHD – creativity, broad thinking, energy – that can make you a very good worker. Other aspects can create problems. You need to find a job that uses your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses. (Excerpt from CHADD)
While at your desk, keep only what you’re working on in front of you. Get everything else out of sight.
Set a timer to go off in 15 minutes and stay with a task for those 15 minutes. Don’t drift off and do something else. Reward yourself when the time is up.
Use your Power hours to do the task that requires the most “brain power”.
Use the same file name for both electronic and paper files. Colour code groups of files if that is to your liking. Sometimes only the file tabs need colour coding.
We tend to underestimate the time needed to complete a project, so start by allotting double the amount that you think you need.
The “one in, one out” principle applies to projects and events. We like a variety of projects, especially when the project is new and shiny. As distractions arise, boring projects tend to get put aside. Use a project manager, planning to highlight specific tasks that need to be completed.
Find out your daily and weekly patterns to see what can be streamlined.
Simplify your morning routine by colour coordinating and paring down your work wardrobe so that items can be easily found, and ensure that all clothing items are easy care (no ironing).
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well I guess you learn something new everyday. Got something outta this that I realize before. Thanks…
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Great advice! I don’t have ADHD but live with those who do, and the “drop zone” suggestion is bang on. A ‘home’ for keys, wallets, etc. saves lots of lost time finding these items when it’s time to leave the house. For my kids I have coloured laundry baskets on the floor in the closet. I found it’s too hard for them to put absolutely everything in it’s place every day, so they have one big ‘home’ for school bags, bike helmets, basket balls, etc. Each child has a colour and I try to get everything (such as school bags, lunch kits, etc) in that same colour. Keeps things easy for them!
ADHD or not, these are great tips in your article!