Experiencing ADDvantages

Happy ADHD New Year!

Have you heard of ADHD New Year? Probably not, because I admit that I made it up! Let me explain...

The summer has unofficially ended and we're heading into fall. I've often referred to fall as "the ADHD New Year," because I find that many people get refocused on their goals this time of year, and renew their interest in learning how to better manage their ADHD.

While most people wait until January to set new goals and focus on positive change, most people with ADHD don't like to wait that long. As Labor Day comes and goes, we find ourselves looking for ways to get on track, and we begin thinking about self-improvement.

Can you relate? You may find yourself wanting to be more organized, or more structured. You may be thinking about how you can really shine at work. Or you might be focused on your kids and family, and how you can help them to succeed.

And thus, with a renewed interest in goals and self-improvement, this time of year feels like New Year's. Go with it, I say! If you're motivated to make positive changes in your life, ride that wave of motivation and take advantage of the energy you feel. And remember these simple guidelines, the 5 Essential Skills for Managing ADHD:

1. Break the Cycle of Overwhelm. Stress management = ADHD management. Take time to relax and slow down. Don't let stress build to the point of overwhelm. Take really good care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating nutritious foods, and exercising.

2. Work With Your ADHD. Don't waste time trying to be like everyone else. Know yourself well, and embrace your differences. Do what works for you, and don't worry about how others do or don't do things.

3. ADDjust Your Attitude. No one gets far in life by trying to turn weaknesses into strengths. Instead, focus on what you're already good at, and get even better. It will improve your self-esteem, and open up more opportunities.

4. Take Control of Your Space and Time. Plan everything in advance. Don't just figure out the steps you need to take to get organized, but figure out when you can actually do the steps. Don't just make a to-do list, but actually plan out your day. Trust yourself to make a plan, and trust yourself to follow through with it.

5. Live Out Loud. Think about what you want in your life, and what it will take to get there. Set goals that will make you happy. Remember that life is about so much more than your to-do list!

What are your goals for the "ADHD New Year"? What skills will you have to use or learn to reach those goals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Podcast: The Art and Practice of Letting Go (of Stuff)

The latest expert interview in the Virtual AD/HD Podcast Series is now ready for play and downlad!

Join Master Coach Linda Anderson and I as we discuss some of the highlights of her upcoming Virtual AD/HD Conference presentation on "The Art and Practice of Letting Go (of Stuff.)"

Decluttering and getting organized is always a hot topic for people with ADHD. And as Linda shares with us in this interview, so much of our success is about building our awareness. As Linda so thoughtfully puts it, the magic formula is A + B = C. Awareness + Behavior = Change. I love it!

Learn more about Linda's formula for success as you listen to this podcast (and a few others others) here.

ADHD Expert Interviews

In the Virtual AD/HD Conference Podcast Series, the top ADHD experts offer valuable information and tips on some of the most important and interesting topics in the world of ADHD.

Four interviews are currently available, and many more are scheduled between now and the start of the conference. You can subscribe on iTunes, or listen to the following audios online:

• Dr. Ari Tuckman on AD/HD and Executive Functions
• Dr. Roberto Olivardia on AD/HD, Weight, and Eating Disorders
• Dr. Stephanie Sarkis on AD/HD and College Success
• Coach Tara McGillicuddy on AD/HD, Procrastination, and Motivation

Listen online here --->  http://ADHDconference.com/podcasts.shtml

And do consider joining us for the main event! The 4th Annual Virtual AD/HD Conference takes place online from October 3-6. This is your opportunity to get the tools, resources, and connections that you and your loved ones need to succeed with AD/HD.

Best of all, this is an online event– there’s no travel required!

Find out more here --->  http://ADHDconference.com

5 Sure-Fire Ways to Overcome Procrastination

We all know adults with ADD are notorious procrastinators, right? Especially now that spring is here and you'd probably rather be out doing anything else than those boring things that you're procrastinating on!

Well, it really doesn't have to be this way! These time management gems have helped me - and my clients - kick procrastination to the curb!

1. Recharge Daily

Be sure to get enough sleep and rest each day so that you have the necessary energy to accomplish your tasks. Tired bodies and sleepy minds don't like to get to work.

2. Be an Actor and Get in Touch with Your Motivation

Before you begin a task or project that has high procrastination potential, think about your desired outcome. When the task is finished, what will that mean to you? What will be better in life as a result? Things get done quicker when you have a reason to sweat 'em out.

3. Do Things in Pieces

Yeah, I know that this is probably THE most referenced time management tip. But that's because it works! Procrastination comes from feelings of overwhelm. Breaking tasks and projects into small, manageable, and (here's the key) TRACKABLE steps provides a road map and a sense of direction.

4. Do Two Things at Once

Don't be afraid to balance routine or monotonous tasks with something that is more likely to hold your interest. You can pay bills while you watch TV, or file your papers while chatting with a coworker. Work is work, and done is done!

5. Pick Your Battles

Perhaps you're procrastinating on a task because it's really not that important. Maybe you'd love to re-organize your book shelves, but you never get around to it. If it sounds like a good idea but in the end it's really not that important to you, then don't let it hang over your head. Save that energy for something that really does matter.

What are YOU currently procrastinating on? Which of these gems can you use to kick procrastination to the curb? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Who Else Wants to Take Control of Their Time and Tasks?

Tired of playing catch-up with your various tasks and to-dos?

Sick of feeling overwhelmed because there is always so much to do and so little time?

Searching for a time management system that works with your ADD, not against it?

Good news! The Time Management Masters Seminar begins TOMORROW, and it’s not too late to join us!

This is an interactive, virtual coaching program in which I’ll lead you step-by-step as you create a practical – and permanent – system for effective time management.

In this 4-week, virtual coaching program that begins tomorrow, May 5th, you'll:

• Learn practical time management techniques that are proven to work for adults with ADD

• Sculpt a personal time management system that will work specifically for you

• Decrease stress and overwhelm

• Finally get a handle on your time and tasks

All participants get:

• Four, live and interactive teleseminars (Thursday evenings from 8-9pm EDT on May 5, 12, 19, and 26)

• Downloadable teleseminar recordings

• Weekly notes and worksheets

• Members-only community website

This time management program is different from all the others because:

1. It was developed for and by adults with ADD.
2. It offers ADD-friendly methods and techniques for time management.
3. It takes into account the adult with ADD's tendency toward distraction, boredom, forgetfulness, and overwhelm.
4. The information in the program is presented in audio, visual, and interactive formats to accommodate all learning styles.
5. You'll be led step-by-step through specific guidelines to custom-create a time management system that works specifically for you!

Please visit the Time Management Masters Seminar website at http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/timemanagement.html and review the program info, as well as the enrollment criteria. The fee is currently discounted to $227 for everything listed above.

Space is limited and we're about 70% full right now. I know this virtual coaching program is exactly what many of you have been waiting for and I hope you'll join us!

P.S. The Time Management Masters Seminar virtual coaching program begins TOMORROW NIGHT! Space is filling up so don't procrastinate if you'd like to join us!

Visit http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/timemanagement.html to register!

The Tool I Most Recommend for Time Management

I get asked a lot of questions in my work as a professional ADD coach, and one the most popular questions is:

What time management tools do you recommend?

It's a great question, which is probably why I'm asked it so frequently! Surprisingly, my answer is pretty simple:

I recommend that EVERY adult with ADD use a to-do list for time management.

While each person will require a different combination of tools and strategies for effective time management, a to-do list is the one tool that I insist on for all my clients.

Your to-do list really is the key to an effective time management system. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that when used properly, your to-do list is THE most powerful tool in your ADD management toolbox. That's because your to-do list has many functions:

1. Your to-do list allows you keep track of all your tasks and responsibilities.


2. Your to-do list helps you acknowledge and appreciate what you've accomplished.


3. Your to-do list helps you feel more in control of your life!

Some adults with ADD resist using a to-do list because they think it will add pressure. I see many people make the mistake of frantically going through their day trying to cross off every item on their list. But that’s not the best way to use a to-do list.

Rather than trying to eliminate your to-do list, make peace with it. You'll add things to it almost every day. And hopefully you'll cross things off it every day, too! It's a living tool.

Your to-do list will change constantly, and it will always be necessary.

If you're not already using a to-do list, it's easy to start. To create your to-do list, use a pad of paper, an online program or document, or whatever feels comfortable for you.

Once you have a to-do list, here's how I recommend using it:

1. Review your to-do list at least once a day.

2. Cross off, highlight, or in some way acknowledge everything that you accomplished on your list.

(Don't forget this step! Your to-do list doesn't just help you keep track of what needs to be done, it also helps you see what you actually accomplished!)

3. Update your list with new projects and tasks.

4. Rewrite your list as necessary to clean it up and make it easy to read.

5. Use your to-do list in conjunction with any other time management tools that you use to help you plan your day and schedule your tasks.

Bonus Tip: ADDers are idea-generators. We can't help it! The ADD brain is constantly thinking of new ideas and next steps. But if all those great ideas start to weigh you down, then keep a separate list for those things that you don't want to forget, but don't have time for right now.

Without a doubt, to-do lists are the ultimate time management tool for adults with ADD. Many of us will need additional tools to effectively manage our time, but using a to-do list is absolutely the most important piece of the time management puzzle.

Oh, and just one last thought. Have you heard the term "BFF"? It means "Best Friend Forever." If you have kids, then you've no doubt heard them refer to their best friend as their "BFF".

Well, I often say that my to-do list is my BFF! When it comes to time management, and ADD management, too, my to-do list really is my best friend. :-)

Are YOU using a to-do list to help you effectively manage your time? Tell us what works for you in the comments below!

 

Is Your To-Do List Your BFF?

If you could use some help when it comes to effectively using time management tools and taking control of your time and tasks, then you might want to consider joining the Time Management Masters Online Seminar that begins next week.

The Time Management Masters Online Seminar is a virtual coaching program for adults with ADD. You can participate from anywhere in the world, via phone and/or internet.

In this 4-week, virtual coaching program, you'll work with me to:

• Learn practical time management techniques that are proven to work for adults with ADD
• Sculpt a personal time management system that will work specifically for you
• Decrease stress and overwhelm
• Finally get a handle on your time and tasks

Each week, I'll guide you and the other members through the steps that will allow you to build a personalized, ADD-friendly time management system. Here's what we'll cover, week by week:

• Week 1 - Time Management Tools and To-dos
• Week 2 - Schedule Management and Daily Planning
• Week 3 - Task Management and Weekly Planning
• Week 4 - Practice, Problem Solving, and Trouble Shooting

The coaching program includes:

• Four 1-hour live teleseminars (Teleseminars take place Thursday evenings May 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 8-9pm EDT. Attend live via phone or computer, or listen to the recordings later if you can't attend live.)
• Downloadable teleseminar recordings (MP3s) and notes
• Downloadable planning and prep worksheets
• Members-only website for coaching and peer support

This coaching program will NOT be offered again in 2011. So if you can use some extra help and support in building your time management skills and learning how to take control of your time and tasks, then NOW is the time to join us!

Register for the Time Management Masters Online Seminar or get more info here: Time Management Masters Online Seminar 

 

P.S. Remember, in order to effectively manage your time, make your to-do list your BFF!

Top 5 Time Management Mistakes

Quick Reminder: LAST CHANCE TO SAVE 20% on the Time Management Masters Online Seminar!

It's no secret that time management is one of the biggest challenges for adults with ADD. And it's easy to see why! Our attention inconsistencies, distractible nature, and tendency towards stress and frustration can lead us into time-and-task-overwhelm on a daily basis!

But despite what you may have heard, there actually are ADD-friendly techniques for time management, and it is absolutely possible to have ADD and manage your time effectively.

It's important, however, to avoid some common time management pitfalls.

Here are the top 5 mistakes that I see ADDers making when it comes to time management:

Mistake #1: Not using a to-do list.

Your to-do list is your friend! This essential time management tool takes the pressure off by helping you keep track of your responsibilities and goals. Without it, you're forced to hold all your tasks and to-dos in your head, which can easily lead to mental overload.

Your to-do list can be contained in a notebook, a smartphone, a word processing document, or whatever works for you.

Mistake #2: Refusing to plan ahead.

ADDers can be somewhat spontaneous and unpredictable. This quality can add a great deal of fun to a party, but it's not as appealing when it comes to time management. Trying to manage your time on the fly is sure to result in procrastination, missed deadlines, and even forgotten promises.

Planning ahead to manage your tasks and to-dos allows you to create structure and get things done.

Mistake #3: Trying to do too much in the day. (Not to mention the week, the month, and the year!)

Adults with ADD often have unrealistic expectations about what they can accomplish in a given time period. Setting yourself up with unrealistic goals is setting yourself up for failure. (Not to mention guilt, low self-esteem, and burnout!)

Developing realistic expectations about what you can accomplish and how long it will take is not just helpful, it's necessary.

Mistake #4: Being a perfectionist.

Contrary to what you might think, perfectionists leave many tasks and projects unfinished. When you're stuck in perfectionism, nothing gets done because nothing ever seems good enough!

ADDers who lean towards perfectionism can determine in advance what will constitute a "good job" and stick to those guidelines.

Mistake #5: Speeding up instead of slowing down.

We often respond to stress by kicking into high gear and performing under intense pressure. But this is a surefire way to burn out.

In all aspects of life, we work much more efficiently and effectively when we are calm and centered--not frantic and stressed.

Are YOU making these time management mistakes and suffering the consequences? Tell me about it in the comments below!

 

Adult ADD Events & Announcements

Last Chance to Save 20%
*** EARLY BIRD RATES EXPIRE MONDAY! ***

The Time Management Masters Online Seminar (a virtual coaching program for adults with ADD) begins May 5th.

Save 20% on the the Time Management Masters Online Seminar that begins in less than two weeks. Discount of $50 is available through the end of the day on Monday, April 25.

If you're tired of making time management mistakes and you're ready to get serious about taking control of your time and tasks, then the Time Management Masters Online Seminar is for you!

In this 4-week, virtual coaching program, you'll work with me to:

• Learn practical time management techniques that are proven to work for adults with ADD


• Sculpt a personal time management system that will work specifically for you


• Decrease stress and overwhelm


• Finally get a handle on your time and tasks

The coaching program includes:

• Four 1-hour live teleseminars (attend via phone or computer)
• Downloadable teleseminar recordings (MP3s) and notes
• Downloadable planning and prep worksheets
• Members-only website for coaching and peer support

Last Chance to Save 20%
*** EARLY BIRD RATES EXPIRE MONDAY! ***

Register for the Time Management Masters Online Seminar
$247

$197
Save $50!

Includes all 4 teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only website! More info is available here: Time Management Masters Online Seminar.

 

P.S. Don't forget! Monday is your LAST CHANCE to register for the Time Management Masters Online Seminar at the Early Bird Discount rate and save 20%!

Join us or get more info at the Time Management Masters Online Seminar website!

The Key to Keeping Clutter Away—For Good!

REMINDER: The ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup starts in less than 48 hours, and it's not too late to join us! More info at the end of this post...

For the last month, I've been talking about getting rid of clutter and getting organized. This topic is on my mind for 2 reasons:

1. I lead the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup at this time of year. (It begins Thursday!)

2. When Spring rolls in, I get bitten by the Spring cleaning bug. This is the only time of year that I get excited about decluttering, organizing, and yes, even cleaning! This year I have even less time to devote to maintaining my physical spaces but, having a new baby in the house, I'm more committed than ever to staying organized and keeping the clutter away!

So for the last month I've been talking about my ADD-friendly method for getting rid of clutter. It involves 3 steps:

1. Sorting your stuff. <-- This involves identifying what's worth keeping, and getting rid of a lot of crap! Once you get started, this part of the process is a piece of cake.


2. Creating systems that will work specifically for you. <-- This involves tapping into your own unique brain wiring to work *with* your ADD and developing personalized systems that come naturally to you. This step is a little bit harder, but absolutely doable!


3. Planning the follow through. <-- This involves developing a system that allows you to maintain your hard work and keep your clutter from coming back. Typically, this step is a big problem for ADDers! But I have a great solution...

If you're anything like most ADDers, then you know what it's like to do an awesome job decluttering a room or a closet or a desk, only to watch your hard work disappear before your eyes as the clutter returns in a matter of days. It makes you feel like a failure. It makes you think that you're lazy, or broken, or even stupid. And it pisses you off!

You're able to do the actual decluttering and organizing, but maintaining your success proves troublesome. The truth is that this is where most ADDers lose focus, get bored, or become frustrated, and the project falls apart.

The missing piece is follow-through, and in my opinion it's the most important step. After all, what good is busting your butt to get rid of your clutter if it's just going to come back in a few weeks?

The good news is that there really is a better way. Adults with ADD have to learn to approach the clutter problem differently. Although it would be great to develop a habit of putting things away as soon as you're done with them, that's just not a practical solution for many of us.

So here's a maverick idea: What if you were to allow for some clutter buildup, and also allow for clutter cleanup?

You see, the problem is not that the clothes, papers, and other objects build up throughout the day, or even the week. This is pretty normal for ADDers. It's actually pretty normal for a lot of non-ADDers, too!

The real problem occurs when the clutter is allowed to build up indefinitely. At first, it's not so bad. But pretty quickly there will come a tipping point when the clutter once again seems unmanageable, overwhelming, and disheartening.

So even though you may think that the only way to manage your clutter is never to let it accumulate in the first place, I would have to disagree. Forcing yourself into a habit that doesn’t suit you won’t work, and won’t stick.

What's more practical is to allow yourself some freedom to let things go a little, and then schedule a regular time to get your space back in order. This means a quick cleanup session each day, each week, or maybe even each month.

That's actually pretty simple, huh? Well, a lot of things in life become more simple when you stop working against your ADD and start working with it!

Not only does this system of "scheduled maintenance" take the pressure off, but it ensures that your space will never reach that clutter tipping point in which it becomes unmanageable. And that means that you won't get stuck spending weeks or months re-doing all that initial hard work.

Having a maintenance plan is like having an insurance policy that protects all that hard work you did decluttering and organizing in the first place. So as you start your Spring cleaning, decluttering, and organizing this season, do take out an "insurance policy" on your work by making that follow-through a major priority!

It's really quite doable when you work with your ADD and practice some maverick maintenance strategies!

Now, if you need a little more help than what I've given you in my blog over the last month, then I suggest joining us for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup. It begins this Thursday (in less than 48 hours!)

The ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup is a 3-week, virtual coaching program. It includes 3 live teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, class notes, worksheets, personal coaching help, and community support. The best part is that you don't even need to join us live on the teleseminars to participate! You can be just as successful listening to the class recordings if you can't make the live sessions.

I’ll be leading the group through every step of the decluttering and organizing process. You'll get lots of information, resources, motivation, and inspiration, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you see results just by doing the small homework assignments. It's easier than you might think. That's why we have so many success stories!

 

Register for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup
$197

Includes all 3 teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only website!

 

OR...

Register for *BOTH* the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup *AND* the Time Management Masters Seminar
  $444  
Bundle Discount: $347 (Save $97!)

Includes all teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only websites for both programs!

 

Space is limited in both programs, and neither program will be offered again in 2011. Visit the Workgroup website to register or get more information:ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup

 

If you're on the fence about joining us for the Workgroup, then head on over to the Workgroup website, where you can find this testimonial from Barbara Bradford, who is "no longer a slave to ADD and disorganization" as a result of the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup. She completely decluttered and organized her office during the 3-week workgroup! I think you'll find her story amazingly inspiring.

 

I hope you're enjoying Spring as much as I am this year! And I hope to "meet" some more of you in the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup this week!

 

P.S. The ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup begins in less than 48 hours. Join us!

You’re Not Living Up To Your Potential!

REMINDER: The ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup starts next week! More info at the end of this email...

You're Not Living Up to Your Potential!

"You're not living up to your potential!" What an awful thing to say to another person. And it's even worse when you say it to yourself!

If you're an adult with ADD, then I'm willing to bet that at some point in your life, you felt that you weren't "living up to your potential." In fact, maybe you think this about yourself right now?

Feeling that you're not living up to your potential is a judgment, a self-criticism, that is one of the most common experiences among adults with ADD. It can also be one of the most destructive.

You've probably experienced this feeling after not following through on one of the numerous great ideas that you've had, or perhaps not even getting started on that idea at all. Many times, the lack of follow through on an idea or project leaves you feeling upset and disappointed in yourself. It's not long before you start thinking about similar past experiences. And when you take stock of all those great ideas you've had that have never come to fruition, you feel like a failure.

You know that you're smart and you know that you're capable of achieving great things. You tell yourself that you should be able to accomplish any and every task that you set your mind to. If you don't, then you tell yourself that you're just not living up to your potential. 

Sound familiar? Then listen up! These judgments are not true.

By nature, people with ADD are visionaries and idea generators. Our minds are constantly going—thinking, thinking, thinking—and great ideas abound. We think about things we'd like to invent, new and better ways to do everyday things, and ways that we could make our lives easier or more enjoyable. If only someone would pay us to think up great ideas all day long—we'd all be rich!

In fact, we get so many great ideas all the time that it would be absolutely impossible to follow through on every one of them. Think about it. If you tried to implement every good idea you ever had, would you have time to eat, sleep, or even breathe right now? No! But this is not an indication that you're lazy, unable to follow through, or not living up to your potential.

Successful adults with ADD recognize that they are always going to have great ideas, and that most of those great ideas will never come to fruition.  It's just our nature to be constantly thinking, creating, and innovating.  We can't shut off this part of ourselves even when we try. But we simply don't have the physical or mental capability to follow through on every great idea.

Embrace this concept as truth. Realize that some ideas are worth following through on, and some are not. Let go of the guilt. Refuse to listen to that little voice in your head that tells you you're not living up to your potential, simply because you have too many good ideas to keep up with!  

Instead, ask yourself what's practical to follow through on in the present, and don't put pressure on yourself to do it all. Keep a notebook in which you write down your great ideas so that you can come back to them if you want to.

Focus on a few great ideas that you actually did follow through on, and let these be your motivation moving forward. And don't forget to acknowledge this special talent that you have. The ability to generate many great ideas makes you a visionary! 

Have you ever told yourself that you're not living up to your potential? What ideas are worth following through on for you? What ideas are you better off letting go of? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

Is Decluttering and Organizing One of Those Things That's Worth Following Through On?

If it's not worth it for you because you don't really have any clutter to speak of, or the clutter you have doesn't bother you, or even because now is just not the right time for you to be thinking about decluttering, then feel free to skip the rest of this message!

But if decluttering and getting organized is one of those things that IS worth putting your energy into and following through on, then do consider joining us for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup that begins next week.

The ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup shows you exactly how to:

1. Stop procrastinating and make your clutter disappear


2. Create personalized organizational systems that will work specifically for you


3. Develop a maintenance plan to keep the clutter away for good!

And, even better, you'll learn how to do it all in just 15 minutes a day!

As a Workgroup member, you'll get:

• Three instructional teleseminars in which I'll share with you tools and techniques for busting through your clutter. Attend live if you can, or listen later if you can't.

Teleseminars take place on Thursday afternoons - April 14, 21 and 28 - from 12pm to 1pm EDT.

• Teleseminar recordings that you can download and listen to at any time, over and over again.


• Class notes and worksheets so you can relax and listen to the teleseminars without worrying about having to write down all the info.


• Access to the members-only website in which you can download all the Workgroup materials, ask questions, and get support from your peers.

More information is available at the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup website.

Space is limited, and this workgroup will NOT be offered again in 2011, so please don't delay if you want to join us!

P.S. Remember, if you followed through on every great idea you've ever had, you wouldn't have time to eat, sleep, or breathe! This is just the nature of ADD, and it DOESN'T mean that you're not living up to your potential!

Do You Have 15 Minutes a Day?

REMINDER: Last Chance to Take Advantage of Early Bird Pricing for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup! More info at the end of this post...

It's about 9 weeks since the birth of my daughter, Tigerlily, and I'm officially back from maternity leave! Motherhood is absolutely wonderful. I truly could not be happier. And I have to admit that the transition back to work has been tough, only because I wish I could spend every waking moment with my little girl!

The truth is that we've had to make a lot of transitions in the last 9 weeks. There's not a whole lot of time for things other than baby and work right now. So the meals we're eating are a little less complicated, and the house is a little less clean. And that's okay.

I'm happy to say, though, that while we're not as neat and clean as we were before the baby, we have NOT let the house get cluttered! And with so little time to stay on top of things, it would be all too easy to let the clutter build up in the closets and drawers and in the basement--and even out in the open! Fortunately, it really doesn't take long to keep the clutter away--even when you have ADD. It's a good thing I practice what I preach! More on that in a moment. First, let's talk about...

 

Why It's So Hard for Adults with ADD to Get Rid of Clutter

Clutter is a serious problem for many, many adults with ADD. I've worked with countless people who have read every organizing book and watched every organizing TV show in a desperate attempt to learn how to get their own clutter problems under control. Sometimes their attempts work, and sometimes they don't. When they do find something that works, the clutter seems to magically reappear within days. It’s frustrating and stressful.

The truth is that getting rid of clutter has been harder than it needs to be for most adults with ADD. It’s important to realize that a great deal of the clutter-clearing strategies out there just aren’t ADD-friendly.

For starters, those of us with ADD get bored easily. And let’s face it--cleaning up clutter is usually not that interesting! You may feel highly motivated to get your clutter under control one day, and completely uninterested the next day. This is common for adults with ADD.

Next, we tend to organize ourselves differently than other people. Most of us find it difficult to be as neat and organized as our friends, family, and neighbors. The organizational systems that we need in order to function properly will almost always be different than those of our peers without ADD.

And those of us with ADD have a great deal of difficulty maintaining organizational systems once the clutter is gone. Many traditional organizing techniques don’t take this into account, and therefore don’t work for adults with ADD in the long term.

Most importantly, we tend to get overwhelmed by large projects. If you jump into your organizing project knowing that you want to clean up your clutter, but not knowing how, when, or where to start, then there’s a very good chance that you will become overwhelmed. This overwhelm can lead to procrastination, low motivation, a lack of follow-through, and burnout.

 

You Can Get Rid of Your Clutter in Just 15 Minutes a Day. Really.

I've been teaching the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup, a virtual coaching program, for years now. I've shown hundreds of adults with ADD how to bust through their clutter, and keep it away for good. I don't have a magic bullet. This process takes work. But I do have a proven system that has helped hundreds of adults. And the best part is that it only requires a commitment of 15 minutes a day!

Let me tell you what sets this system (and my coaching methods) apart from all the others. It's simple: it's not about me, it's about YOU. That's because I know that what works for one person doesn't always work for the next person. So when I coach and teach adults with ADD, I provide structure and guidelines for the goal, and I empower YOU to personalize them in such a way that will make them work for you. And, of course, I have tons of little tips and tricks to help you figure out exactly how to do that!

Specifically when it comes to clutter busting, I have a proven formula that I've been teaching in the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup, a virtual coaching program, for years now. Here's my system for ADD clutter busting, in summary:

Week 1: Overcome Procrastination and Jumpstart the Process

First things first: you've got to commit to the decluttering process. And this first step is actually the easiest. It involves sorting all that clutter so that you clearly know what needs to be put away, what needs to find a home, and what needs to be trashed.

And let's be honest here: so much of that accumulated clutter is just CRAP! And that crap needs to be trashed. You know it, and I know it. Now it's time to do it!

Week 2: Plan to Succeed and Create a Roadmap for Your Goal

If you've read my book, then you know I'm a big fan of planning. This is the step that many of us tend to skip when working on our own.

A good plan is like a roadmap. It takes away the need for you to make decisions along the way, and allows you to focus on where you want to end up. This means taking the time in advance and creating unique organizational systems that will work specifically for you, based on your past experiences and knowledge of yourself.

Week 3: Develop Structure and Keep Your Clutter from Coming Back

We all know how disappointing it is to work your butt off busting through that clutter, only to watch it quickly return. You feel like a lazy failure who can't get it right. But you're not a lazy failure! You just forgot an important step.

If you have what it takes to bust through that clutter, then you absolutely have what it takes to keep it away. All you need is some structure! It requires an investment of just 15 minutes a day. And even the most attention- challenged ADDer can handle 15 minutes a day!

This method takes into account that adults with ADD get bored easily, organize ourselves differently, and need an extra step to ensure follow-though. And it's totally doable. Painless, even! Okay, it will probably be painful for a few people. :) But which is more painful, working towards that important goal of getting rid of your clutter, or not doing anything and suffering with that clutter day after day?

In fact, this is the very same system I've been using to keep clutter away in my own home. (And it's the same system I used to get rid of my clutter in the first place!) So even though life is hectic and I don't have time for a lot of the things that I used to have time for, I still DO have time to take 15 minutes each day to work on maintaining my organization systems so that the clutter doesn't build up and take over. Fifteen minutes a day is totally doable--even if I've got the baby in one arm and I'm putting stuff away with the other arm!

I can show you how to painlessly jumpstart the decluttering process, create a roadmap for your goals, implement a maintenance plan, and build the structure you need to make it all happen in just 15 minutes a day.

In the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup, I'll walk you step-by-step through this ADD-friendly decluttering and organizing process. This highly structured workgroup is a virtual coaching program that 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 can participate in the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup from anywhere in the world. We have a 1-hour teleclass each week for 3 weeks. You can call into the live teleclass, or just pick up the recording afterwards. I also provide you with all the notes for each session, so you can just relax when you're in class. And each teleclass is supplemented with downloadable worksheets, so you'll always know what to be working on and when.

Another great element of this program is that you'll be working right alongside other adults with ADD as they complete their own clutter busting goals.

The only thing I ask is that if you join this program, you take it seriously. I'd like to keep the program free of people who don't want to work and just want to complain. (You'd be surprised by how many people are willing to pay for a forum to complain!) I prefer to keep the tone of the group positive, but realistic and supportive.

So if you're feeling good and you're ready to learn how to bust through your clutter, get yourself organized, and maintain your success, AND you want some extra help and guidance as you do it, then do join us!

 

Register Today to Take Advantage of Early Bird Discounts!

Register for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup and Save $50!

ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup
$197

Early Bird Discount: $147

 

Save $50!
Early Bird Discount Expires April 4, 2011!

Includes all 3 teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only website!

OR...

Register for both the Time Management Masters Seminar and the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup and Save $197!

ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup + Time Management Masters Seminar
$444

Early Bird Discount: $297

 

Save $197!
Early Bird Discount Expires April 4, 2011!

Includes all teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only websites for both programs!

 

Space is limited in both programs, and neither program will be offered again in 2011. Visit http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/clutterbusters.html to register or get more information.

 

It really IS possible to bust through your clutter and keep it away for good--even when you have adult ADD. And hey, if I can keep the clutter away with a 9 week old baby in my arms, then you can definitely do it! Sort your stuff, create your systems, and plan your follow-through! It really can be that easy.

P.S. The Early Bird discount for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup expires on Monday, April 4! Act now to save $50 and learn how to bust through your clutter--for good!

 

How to Get Rid of Clutter in 3 Easy Steps

Uh-oh, It's Spring Cleaning Time!

Happy Spring! This is a great time of year—the days are longer, the colors are brighter, and we tend to have a lot more energy!

It's also the time of year that many of us look around and actually want to get our physical environments in shape...and that means getting rid of clutter!

So many adults with ADD are plagued with clutter. Our desks are covered with papers. Our sinks are full of dishes. Our floors and counters are covered with "stuff." 

Where Does Clutter Come From?

Clutter builds up easily for many ADDers. Sometimes, we get distracted and just place a paper or an object wherever it's convenient. Other times we find that, despite our best efforts, we just don't know where to put something, so we put it anywhere. And then there are times when we just don't care what goes where and why, and we shun the idea of "organization."

How Clutter Affects the Mind

No matter why your clutter builds up, one things is clear: clutter affects the mind in a bad way. 

Sometimes just looking at your clutter can zap your energy and motivation. You get angry with yourself for letting it get to this point...and then you feel bad.

You want to clean up, you want to be organized, but you just don't know where to start...and that makes you feel bad, too.

Because you don't know where to start—and because cleaning and organizing is not your favorite activity—you procrastinate...and that makes you feel even worse.

The result is that your clutter sticks around, and continues to build. And if you do manage to make some headway, chances are you'll be feeling bad again when the clutter quickly comes back. What an awful cycle!

What to Do

There is a proven, ADD-friendly method for dealing with clutter, and it's a 3-step process:

1. Sort your stuff.

This means going through all that clutter and figuring out what you have, what you need, and what you can get rid of.

2. Create the systems.

After you've successfully sorted all your stuff and you know what you need to keep, you'll need to figure out where to put it all!

This is the point where you start thinking about how to work with your ADD to keep your stuff organized. It means developing systems based on what will work for you, and NOT based on that organizing show you saw on TV.

3. Plan the follow-through.

No matter how great your organization systems are, your clutter will come right back if you don't put a plan in place to use your systems consistently!

And there's one more missing piece to this puzzle that trips up many ADDers: To make this process work, you must step back from the problem in order to create the solutions. 

It's nearly impossible to find a lasting solution to your clutter challenge when you're standing in the middle of it. You've got to detach—both physically and mentally—to keep from getting overwhelmed by it.

Don't Judge Yourself

Lastly, don't judge yourself because you tend to accumulate clutter. It's a common problem and it does NOT indicate a character flaw! Just know that when you are ready to deal with it, you can successfully get rid of your clutter!

 

Ready to Dive Into Spring Cleaning?

I've helped hundreds of adults with ADD successfully tackle their clutter problems, and I can help you, too.

If you're ready to dive into Spring cleaning next month and want some extra help as you tackle your clutter, then join us for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup.

In this virtual coaching program, I'll guide you through a proven, ADD-friendly method of busting clutter and organizing your physical spaces. You'll take an interactive and in-depth look at each step of the process, and then use the group for support as you take action on your de-cluttering goals.

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 (or skip the live teleseminars and listen to the recordings--whatever works best for you)
• Get additional notes, worksheets, and resources on a members-only website
• Connect with and support other adults with ADD as you achieve your goals together

Don't worry if you can't attend the live sessions as you'll receive audio recordings of all the classes, plus downloadable notes and worksheets.

Begins April 14, 2011. Space is limited.
Will not be offered again in 2011!

 

Register Today to Take Advantage of Early Bird Discounts!

ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup
$197

 

Early Bird Discount: $147

Save $50!
Early Bird Discount Expires April 4, 2011!

Includes all 3 teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only website!

OR...

Register for both the Time Management Masters Seminar and the Clutter Busters Workgroup and Save $197!

ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup + Time Management Masters Seminar
$444

Early Bird Discount: $297

Save $197!
Early Bird Discount Expires April 4, 2011!

Includes all teleseminars, teleseminar recordings, notes and worksheets, and members-only websites for both programs!

 

Need more info? No problem! Find out everything you need to know about the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup here.

Note that this coaching program is ONLY for those of you who are really serious about getting rid of your clutter and organizing your space. I couldn't be more serious about this. I only want to work with people who are willing to do the work. So if now isn't the right time for you, then please don't waste your money or my time.

Visit http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/clutterbusters.html to register or get more information.

 

P.S. Remember, getting rid of your clutter doesn't have to be a nightmare! Sort your stuff, create your systems, and plan your follow-through!

If you need help, join us for the ADD Clutter Busters Workgroup!