Does Your Disorganization Make You Feel Like You Have ADHD?

It is not unusual for me to work with a client and have her say, "I must have ADHD!" She sees her inability to stay focused, organized, and in control as symptomatic of the condition known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. For those diagnosed with ADHD, compensating for impaired executive function (the organizing, prioritizing, and focusing part of the brain) is extremely challenging.



The thing is though, just because you are not so great at getting or staying organized, or you have difficulty focusing on projects for long periods of time doesn't mean you actually have ADHD. Everyone probably experiences some symptoms at different times in their life. Unfortunately, due to our increased and excessive use of digital technology, studies are showing an increase in ADHD-like symptoms in children AND adults. In a recent article by time-management expert Harold Taylor, new research indicates that our addictions to our electronic gadgets "can decrease the brain's capacity for intense focus, memory storage and deep thinking. We become more easily distracted and less efficient. Our brain's pre-frontal cortex, where the bulk of these executive skills reside (those skill that are weaker in most ADHD diagnosed individuals) is under attack." So what can you do if you feel like these symptoms are getting the best of you? Taylor has some suggestions that will allow you to be effective in spite of ADHD characteristics:

1. Organize your working area so that everything you use on a regular basis is visible and within easy reach. Clutter creates as much mental chaos as it does physical.

2. Develop routines for repetitive tasks such as checking email or paying bills to avoid continually interrupting yourself and losing focus.

3. Acquire a planning mindset by closing each day with a list of To Do's for the following day.

4. Use a planner and use it to excess! Block off time for projects, recording future "due dates", follow- ups, appointments, special events, and especially reminders. The more thoroughly you use your planner the better you will become at being proactive vs. reactive since you can "see" exactly how much time you actually have before making commitments.

5. Assist your working memory by using techniques such as acronyms, visualization, association, and other mnemonic devices described in most books on memory training.

6. Work in short periods of time - breaking longer tasks into chunks. Use a timer if necessary.

7. Make checklists for activities such as travel, shopping, meetings and even for starting the day.

8. Curb lateness by recording the time you need to leave for an appointment vs the appointment time itself.

9. And more kudos for exercising: research has shown that exercise strengthens cognitive skills and that by viewing or walking in nature for as little as 20 minutes per week the right amount of cognitive input can be provided!

10. Finally, practice stress-relieving techniques to help free up some mental space and more working memory.

As an Organization and Productivity Coach I work with my clients to create a clutter-free environment and lifestyle be it in their home or the workplace. Because of the relationship between one's physical environment and one's habits, behaviors and state of mind I encourage my clients to continue our relationship beyond the physical organizing process through Coaching, providing the support they need to achieve the lifestyle they want. For additional information and to view various service packages, please visit my website http://www.morethanorganized.biz

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