The ADD Coach

THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Some of us with ADD/ADHD think this is all there is, and we will never be able to focus better, be more organized, more accomplished, or more successful in life. Not true, my friends. You have to want to improve, of course, but wanting, alone, isn't enough. It's taking that very first step, no matter how small, towards making a change, whether it's buying a calendar or planner, or opening up the one you bought a month ago to see how to use it, or deciding to take your meds (if some have been prescribed for you), or calling or writing to a coach for information, or making that first appointment with a coach you spoke to 6 months ago. Step by step, you make the changes necessary to move you towards a happier, more successful life. So is the best yet to come? ABSOLUTELY!

What roles do you "play" in your life?

Dad/Mom? Husband/Wife? Girlfriend/Boyfriend? Brother/Sister? Son/Daughter? Single person looking for love? Pet owner? Lawyer? Administrator? Claims Adjuster? Sports Writer? Internet Marketer? Salesman? Artist? Musician? Creative genius? Technical Wizard?

Are there goals you'd like to accomplish related to these roles?

Perhaps you'd like to make your spouse or significant other happier. Or maybe you'd like to improve the bottom line in your business. Be a better parent. Resolve more of your cases without litigation. Write about a sport you haven't covered. Sell more of your product. Learn a new instrument. Find your soulmate.

Tackling these goals is easier when you think about their relationship to the roles you play.

Start by listing out your roles and write at least one long-term goal for each. Then determine one activity you can do in the next week towards accomplishing that goal. For example, you know your spouse enjoys nature. You want to make her happier. Schedule a hike or a bike ride or a walk around a beautiful lake with her for this weekend. How about picking up the phone one day this week to speak to opposing counsel on one of your cases instead of writing a lawyerly letter? Maybe you can resolve one additional case without litigation! Attend a MeetUp group or grab a friend and head out to somewhere people congregate and start looking for the love of your life. Take your kids to a park and play with them this weekend. Don't just watch them play! They will think you walk on water!

Do something towards your goal for one or more of your roles every week and start chipping away. Pretty soon, you'll realize that your goals may not be as difficult to accomplish as you thought! Good luck!

Do you scramble to find your keys, wallet, glasses, or other small items before you leave the house? How often are you late because you can't find what you need? Try placing a small basket by the front door or in another conspicuous place you pass when you come into and go out of your house or apartment. Get in the habit of dropping the items you search for the most into the basket when you come home. Unless you have a dog who is a thief, the items will likely be there when it's time to go out again! Simple, right?