ADDing Structure to ADD Life

ADDing Structure to an ADD Life
By Dana Rayburn, Adult ADD Coach

ADHD Coach Dana Rayburn's monthly newsletter about living successfully with Attention Deficit Disorder. http://www.danarayburn.com/

Welcome to ADDed Success!
What's that saying? Plans are what happen until life gets in the way? My life has been a living testament to that this month.

I started the month energized and focused on my business. This quickly changed when our daughter got pneumonia. Two weeks later, as she was recovering, my parents came for a long visit. Delightful, yet distracting. After Mom and Dad left, Aja got sick again - this time she ended up in the hospital for a couple of days.

So here it is, the 31. Thankfully, our daughter is on the mend, and life is returning to normal. Considering the chaos of the past four weeks, I'm amazed at how smoothly things have gone. My client's are cared for, the bills are paid, my office and the house are fairly clean. The few things on which I'm behind aren't very high priorities.

Ten years ago a month like this would have thrown my world into shambles. What's the difference now? It's simple. Structure. I, like everyone else with ADHD, need structure to live successfully.

It's no secret that disorganization is one of ADHD's most difficult problems. Over the years I've learned that thoughtfully adding activities that give structure helps me conquer disorganization. Structure allows my life to flow smoothly. Structure really helps me keep things in control when my life hits a bumpy patch.

Structure is the framework that holds an ADD life together. Structure takes many forms: routines, rituals, habits, goals, commitments, reminders, tools and coaching. Structure is important for your work life and your personal life.

With too little structure you'll be disorganized and unmotivated. Too much structure will feel forced and impossible to maintain. The right amount of structure provides order, consistency, motivation and peace of mind.

For structure to work successfully you must be determined to outsmart your ADHD. Plus, you need to add the right amount of the right structures slowly to your life.

How can you start adding structure? First pick one small thing that if done regularly will make your life easier. Next figure out an easy way to do it. Avoid the ADHD trap of making things too complicated. Decide how often you'll do it and when you'll do it. Create lots of reminders to keep you on track. If it doesn't work don't give up, just try a different approach. When you can do that one thing consistently you're ready to add another small thing.

Need ideas of where to start? Some client favorites are making the bed, planning the day, clearing the desk and paying the bills. Nope, these aren't very exciting, but doing them regularly makes life easier and frees up energy.

Step by step, slowly and thoughtfully add meaningful structures to keep you organized, on track and at peace.

The Last Word
Would you like a little ADD coaching to set up a structure? Why don't you try a sample coaching session? These 20-minute phone calls are a no pressure, no cost way to get a taste of ADD coaching. Contact me using the form at http://www.danarayburn.com/contact.html Put Sample Session in the subject line.

To Your ADDed Success,
Dana

PS. - Trouble Staying Organized? No Problem! Reserve your copy of 'Organized for Life' at the special 'early-bird' price.

Unleash Your Power
Through ADD coaching, my clients improve their productivity, increase their profits, and take control of their life. Learn more about ADD coaching for business people and other high-functioning adults with ADHD.

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