Experiencing ADDvantages

How To Start the New Year Right

This is a great time to talk about the coming New Year, and how to start it out on the right foot.

2012 is just 5 days away. And before you jump into the new year with all sorts of thoughts about resolutions and changes you want to  make, it's important to first take time to reflect on the year that has passed.

As the New Year approaches, we often find ourselves thinking about all the things we didn't accomplish the prior year, and we vow to accomplish them next year. Few of us take the time to reflect on the past year and look at our successes and the experiences that we have learned from.

So here's a coaching exercise that will help you reflect on what's really important to you, and create meaningful intentions for 2012. It is this kind of self-awareness that ultimately leads to action in the areas of your life that are most important to you.

To do this coaching exercise, set aside 15-30 minutes to think about, write about, or talk about your answers to the following questions:

Looking back on 2011...

1. What were your successes?
2. What did you do or accomplish that you haven't given yourself credit for?
3. What unrealistic expectations did you hold yourself to?
4. What one thing would you do over, if given the opportunity?
5. What lessons did you learn from that experience?

Looking forward in 2012...

1. What one goal did you want to accomplish in 2011 that you weren't able to?
2. Why was this goal important to you?
3. What got in your way of achieving this goal?
4. What are you willing to do differently to accomplish this goal in the future?

Looking at yourself...

1. Who are the people that you are most grateful for?
2. Which of your strengths and skills are you most grateful for?
3. What is your best quality?
4. How will you use these strengths, skills, and qualities to help you move forward in the coming year?

Would you like to share what comes up for you in this coaching exercise? If so, please feel free to post your thoughts and reflections in the comments below!

Wait! Before You Go,

Here's a Chance to Save on a New Online Seminar That I'm REALLY Excited About... 

ADHD & Weight Management Online Seminar:
 How to Build Healthy Eating Habits that are ADHD-friendly

January 24-25, 2012 | 7-9pm EST both nights | ONLINE!


So many of us know what it's like to be in a yo-yo cycle with weight and health. You make some great changes and lose some weight, but you can't seem to stick to those healthier habits and end up gaining back even more weight than you lost. And this up-and-down cycle can last a lifetime--taking a toll on your physical health, your mental health, and your self-esteem.

Don't blame yourself. It's not a matter of willpower; it's a matter of having the proper tools and strategies.

Now here's the good news: there is hope! In the ADHD & Weight Management Online Seminar, Psychologist and Clinical Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School Dr. Roberto Olivardia will teach you everything from the science and studies behind ADHD and weight management to the practical, ADHD-friendly strategies and steps that you can take--right away--to start building healthy eating habits and take control of your weight.

Join us from the comfort of your own home or office (or access the presentation later if you can't attend live) to:

• Understand the complex relationship between your eating habits and your ADHD
• Get over the shame and self-judgment that so many people with ADHD have around food, weight, and body image
• Learn why people with ADHD are more susceptible to developing an eating disorder like obesity or compulsive overeating
• Find out how different emotions-from anxiety to anger to happiness-can trigger an unhealthy relationship with food
  
• Learn how to stock your house with foods that will make meal prep easier
• Learn how to be mindful about eating (we'll be doing an exercise on this during the seminar!)
• Find out what to eat for breakfast, and how to choose healthier snacks
• Learn how to monitor your food with ADHD-friendly ways to keep track of what you eat (and why this is so important for success!)
• Discover how to avoid becoming obsessed with food
• Learn how to set realistic health and weight loss goals
• Find out why you shouldn't give up when you reach a weight-loss plateau
• Learn how to make big positive changes in your eating habits by starting with very small steps

 

When you register for the ADHD & Weight Management Seminar, you'll get 4 hours of structured information and practical strategies from a prominent psychologist and ADHD expert--for less than the cost of a session with your doctor, a nutritionist, or a personal trainer.

Register now to secure the early bird price of just $77. (Expires January 3!)

Or learn more here.

I'm super excited to be offering this seminar because I'm one of these people who has struggled with weight management, and I know many of you out there will be super excited about it, too!

 

Happy New Year!!!

See You in 2012...

How to Have a HAPPY Thanksgiving (Or How to Take the Stress Out of Any Holiday)

Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends! And Happy Holiday Season to our international friends!

With the holiday season upon us once again, many adults with ADHD are no doubt feeling the stress. This time of year can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming for many of us.

So I encourage you to take a few moments to review these tips for managing your ADHD during Thanksgiving (or any holiday) to ensure that your day is a HAPPY one, and not just a stressful one!

1. Know Your Own ADD and Plan Ahead to Deal with It

You know yourself better than anyone, so ask yourself "How does my ADHD affect me on the holidays?" Make a list of all the things that tend to stress you out, and make a plan to deal with them.

Here are a few examples:

• Do you tend to say impulsive things that you later regret? Plan to take a deep breath before answering ANY questions so that you can think about your words before you speak them.
• Do hyper kids or too many people overwhelm you? Plan to excuse yourself and take a brief walk when things start feeling chaotic.
• Does a family member really make you mad when s/he starts nagging or becomes critical? Plan a simple response that won't fuel the fire, and shift the conversation back to the other person, like "I'm sorry you feel that way. So is there anything interesting going on at work?"
• Do you get antsy after a long day? Plan to end the day early, so that you don't reach the point of irritability.

2. Don't Expect Perfection

Accept that the day won't be perfect. Nothing is! Whether you're hosting the holiday, staying with family, or visiting a restaurant, realize that something is bound to go wrong. That's life. Don't hold it against yourself, or the people around you. Whatever it is, do your best to move on and let it go.

3. Ask For and Accept Help

Whatever your role is this holiday, you don't have to do it all on your own. If you're hosting the holiday, ask for help in the kitchen. This is perfectly acceptable, and most people are happy to help out where they can. If you're offered help, accept it with gratitude!

4. Remember That People Do The Best They Can

Long days with family members often end in frustration and hurt feelings. Try to remember that people do the best they can with the skills and tools they have. Hurtful comments probably aren't meant to be hurtful. Don't hold it against friends and family members who may not have the necessary skills to express themselves effectively.

5. Smile!

Set the tone for those around you by being positive, smiling often, and enjoying yourself!


And believe me, I take my own advice! Every year on the car ride over to my parents' house, we review these strategies and plan ahead for stress. Do yourself a favor and prepare in advance to manage your stress, and your ADHD, on this Thanksgiving holiday. It's the only way to truly have a HAPPY Thanksgiving!


Thanksgiving - Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale!

Earlier this month I lead a guest teleseminar on "Overcoming Overwhelm" during which I briefly mentioned the Home Study Coaching Program that goes with my book, Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD. To my amazement, the home study programs started flying off the shelves after the class! Clearly, this program struck a nerve. So what better thing to offer a sale on for Thanksgiving - Black Friday - Cyber Monday?

If you order the home study program by 11:59pm on Monday November 28th, you'll save $50 - that's 25% off!

I've been coaching adults with ADHD--from CEOs to stay-at-home parents--for almost 10 years. I'm one of the few ADHD coaches who's been designated a 'Senior Certified AD/HD Coach.' I've been featured on The Today Show, in The New York Times, and various international media outlets. I'm also the Director of the Virtual AD/HD Conference, a major industry event. And I'm an adult who lives and thrives with ADHD. When it comes to adult ADHD, I know my stuff.

I created a home study program that will coach you to:

• Embrace your inner maverick
• Break the cycle of chronic stress, overwhelm, and burnout
• Learn how to accept and work with your own ADD
• Focus on your strengths and think more positively
• Take control of your space, time, and tasks
• Give yourself permission to live out loud!

The Odd One Out Home Study Coaching Program allows me to be your personal ADHD coach from afar, and it's the next best thing to working with me privately. It features 3 audio CDs, a 90+ page workbook, and a goal setting action guide. I walk you through each chapter in the book and show you exactly what it takes to build and apply each of the 5 Essential Skills for Managing Adult ADHD.

Life with adult ADD really doesn't have to be so hard. You're not stuck living a life of stress and disappointment. I've coached hundreds of adults to embrace their inner maverick and live happy and successful lives.

You can absolutely take control over your ADD and turn things around! And I can help you do it with the Odd One Out Home Study Coaching Program.



And by the way, I stand behind this program all the way. That's why I offer a 90-day, money-back guarantee. Try the program for 90 days. If it's not helping or not what you wanted, then simply return it to us in reusable condition for a full refund. It's that simple.


Sale Price: $177 + S&H

Plus an additional $30 off when you use the coupon code TURKEY! Expires Monday November 28th at 11:59pm EST. (Save a total of $50!)


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HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Enjoy it!

P.S. Remember, the holidays don't have to be stressful. Plan ahead to manage your stress, and your ADHD!

The Key to Overcoming Chronic Overwhelm

Feeling overwhelmed?

If so, you're not alone. In my many years of coaching adults with ADHD, I've come to believe that chronic overwhelm is the hallmark of adult ADHD. It doesn't matter if you're hyperactive or inattentive, and it doesn't matter if you're medicated or not. We all suffer from overwhelm from time to time, and many of us deal with it on a daily basis.

If you'll pardon my frankness, chronic overwhelm sucks! You wake up every day feeling like you're behind on life. So you spend all day trying to "catch up" as new to-do's, pressure, and guilt build up. Sometimes, you spend all day thinking about catching up, but feel paralyzed by the overwhelm and don't do much at all. Then you go to bed feeling even more behind than you were when you woke up.

What's worse is that this period of overwhelm is almost always followed by a period of burnout. You become so mentally exhausted that you might not want to get out of bed. You have a hard time getting off the couch, or off the computer, and you might have a hard time getting out of your head. You constantly think about everything you need or want to do, but you can't seem to get started.

When you finally do feel better, the overwhelm kicks in again. It's a vicious cycle! And it won't end until you do something differently.

Stress Management = ADHD Management

Here's the good news: The key to overcoming chronic overwhelm is actually easier than you might think. It's all about managing your stress. Stress Management = ADHD Management. Remember that!

If you pay attention, you'll find that the more stressed out you are, the more ADHD challenges you experience. And the more calm and centered you feel, the easier it is to manage your ADHD. And in that calm and centered state, you're in the perfect position to learn and build other ADHD management skills, like organization, time management, and improved focus. Stress management is actually the foundation for all the other ADHD management skills.

How To Effectively Manage Your Stress

In order to effectively manage your stress, you have to learn how to do 2 things:

1. Slow Down
2. Make Self-care a Priority

Slowing down is all about relaxing. This is something that many adults with ADHD don't think they deserve! But it's essential to learn how to slow down your body and your mind so you can achieve that calm and centered state. From there, you can gain control of your thoughts, and your tasks.

Making self-care a priority is all about ensuring that your body and mind are operating as efficiently as possible. You need to get enough sleep and exercise, and you need to eat nutritious foods, in order to be your best. The better your body and mind are working, the easier it becomes to manage your stress.

I'll be leading a free teleseminar on this subject at ADDclasses tomorrow night. I'll be detailing the steps you need to take to learn how to manage your stress, break the cycle of overwhelm-burnout, and overcome chronic overwhelm for good! Here are the details:

Teleseminar: Overcoming the Chronic Overwhelm Associated with ADHD with Jennifer Koretsky, SCAC (that's me!)
Date: Tuesday, November 8th
Time: 9pm EST
Cost: Free!
Register: Click here to register at the ADDclasses website -> http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=555006

Note: If you can't make the live teleseminar, register anyway! ADDclasses will be making the recording available free for one week to everyone who registers in advance.

Coming Soon: THE Go-to Resource for Managing ADHD

We're currently working on a relaunch of the www.ADDmanagement.com website with the goal of making it THE go-to resource for managing ADHD. I think you're really going to like what we have in store! Stay tuned and you'll be the first to know when the site relaunch is announced.

I'll be at the CHADD Conference in Orlando Later this Week

Will you? If you see me, please do come up and say hello! For more information on the conference, visit CHADD's website at www.CHADD.org.

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Don't forget to register to join me tomorrow night!

STOP for ADHD Awareness

As I'm sure you know by now, it's ADHD Awareness Week! Awareness Week is an annual event that was created to spread the word that ADHD is a real condition, and to help clear up misconceptions in the general public. It's a great thing, for sure, but it might not mean a whole lot to the people with ADHD, like you and me, who are already well aware of it!

However, I do think that ADHD Awareness Week provides us with an opportunity not just to spread ADHD awareness, but to practice ADHD awareness. This is a great time to reflect inward and tune into your own ADHD, how it affects your life, and how you're able to best manage it.

The best way that I know to tune into yourself and your ADHD is to practice mindfulness meditation. Unlike other forms of meditation, mindfulness doesn't require sitting still for long periods of time, although that certainly is an option. Because mindfulness is about being aware in the present moment, mindfulness can be formally practiced while walking, eating, cleaning, or even working.

Mindfulness is all about being (and staying) calm, centered, and in the present moment. It allows you to slow down your mind and to thoughtfully take control of your actions. This practice will really help you get to know yourself and identify your ADHD triggers and challenges, and it can go a long way towards fighting stress and overwhelm.

How To Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation can be practiced any time and anywhere by simply bringing awareness to your breath, your body, and your thoughts...without judgment.

When cultivating a mindfulness practice, simply STOP:

• S. Slow down.
• T. Take a few deep breaths.
• O. Observe yourself without judgment.
• P. Proceed in the present moment.

The goal of mindfulness is really just to be fully aware of where you are in the present moment. What are you thinking? What are you feeling? Then take it a step further. What are you trying to do right now, in the present moment? What's getting in the way? What's the easiest way to proceed right now, in the present moment?

Most importantly, don't judge yourself, your thoughts, or your actions. In order to truly reap the benefits of a mindfulness practice, you must be able to observe yourself without judgment, criticism, or second-guessing. When you can do that, you'll find that you feel much more peaceful, and much less stressed.

Mindfulness meditation can teach you a great deal about yourself. It has been an invaluable tool for me and for many of my clients, and I highly encourage everyone with ADHD to give it a try! (Even kids!) Thirty minutes, fifteen minutes, or even just five minutes of daily mindfulness will teach you a lot about yourself, and have a positive and calming ripple effect on the rest of your day.

If you'd like to read more about mindfulness, then I highly recommend the books The Miracle of Mindfulness and Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh.

Have you used mindfulness meditation to manage your ADHD, or to build your awareness? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Coming Soon: THE Go-to Resource for Managing ADHD

The 2011 Virtual AD/HD Conference was a huge success! The response to the conference has been so overwhelmingly positive these last 4 years that it's inspired me and my team to make some changes moving forward. I can't give away too much just yet, but I can tell you that we're currently working on a relaunch of the ADDmanagement.com website with the goal of making it THE go-to resource for managing ADHD. I think you're really going to like what we have in store! Stay tuned and you'll be the first to know when the site relaunch is announced.

ADHD Awareness Week Events

• ADDA's ADHD Super Webinar
• ADHD Awareness Expo
• ADD Resources' 10th Annual Conference

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I hope you're having a great week. Remember to STOP for ADHD awareness!

You Need THIS to Effectively Manage Your Time!

Here's something you may not have realized before: in order to effectively manage your time, you MUST manage your energy.

Think about it... what good is a schedule or a routine or a to-do list if you don't have the energy to follow through on your plans? And when you have ADHD, managing and regulating your energy can be a challenge in and of itself.

Here's a few quick tips for managing your energy on a daily basis:

Tip #1. Make Sleep a Priority.
Starting your day with a lack of sleep from the previous night is like taking a long road trip with half a tank of gas. Your body and mind need time to rest and recharge.

How to make it happen: Remove stimulation an hour or two before your optimal bedtime. Turn off the computer. Don't read or watch anything too engaging. Avoid having serious conversations. Allow yourself time to wind down and get sleepy before your head hits the pillow!

Tip #2. Eat Nutritious Foods that Boost Your Energy Long Term.
Lots of people with ADHD rely on coffee and sugary foods and drinks to keep them going throughout the day. While caffeine and sugar give you a short term boost, they also cause your energy to crash afterward. Rather than loading up on caffeine and sugar, choose foods that help sustain your energy, like protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

How to make it happen: Include protein sources (meat, dairy, nuts, legumes) with every meal and snack to help keep your energy stable throughout the day. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.

3. Know and Honor Your Natural Biorhythms.
Everyone has natural biorhythms in which their energy ebbs and flows throughout the day. Observe your natural patterns and work with them make the most of your day. Are you sleepy and slow after lunch? Are you super productive in the morning? Pay attention to your natural energy flow during the day, and plan accordingly.

How to make it happen: Determine your most and least productive times of day. Assign yourself the harder tasks when you tend to be more productive, and allow yourself to do the easier stuff during those times when you tend to be more sluggish.

Making these small changes will allow you to better manage your energy, which will help you better manage your time. And, of course, you'll also be helping to manage your ADHD in the process!

And if you'd like to learn even more about the tips and strategies discussed above, then do join us for the Virtual AD/HD Conference. It's an online event (no travel required) and it begins in less than 2 weeks!

Some topic highlights include:

• AD/HD and Sleep Disorders
  
• AD/HD, Weight, and Eating Disorders
• Time Management, Organization and Productivity
• Parenting AD/HD Kids
  
• Medication Management
• Alternative Treatments
• And so much more!

Expert speakers include:

• Dr. Daniel Amen
• Dr. Theresa Cerulli
  
• Coach David Giwerc
• Dr. Ned Hallowell
• Dr. Kenny Handelman
• Coach Bonnie Mincu
  
• Dr. Patricia Quinn
• Plus 15 other doctors, psychologists, coaches, authors, and educators!

Here's what attendee Laurie Fleishman-Pogach of Lansdale, PA had to say about her Virtual AD/HD Conference experience:

"As a result of the conference, I've made changes in both my personal and professional life... I've been using techniques to help me when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I'm making a more active effort to be my own coach. I've also been making more effective use of organizational resources. The breadth and depth of information and practical skills offered from the conference were well worth the price, and it would be a huge mistake to pass up the opportunity to hear from so many experts on various topics." - Laurie Fleishman-Pogach of Lansdale, PA

It's feedback like that that makes me so proud to be the director of this fantastic event!

The Virtual AD/HD Conference is just 12 days away and NOW is the time to sign up because you can still save $50 on your registration if you act quickly. The conference takes place October 3-6 and is completely online, so there is no travel required.

Register at http://ADHDconference.com.

I do hope you'll join us at the conference! And in the meantime, remember that energy management is an essential component of time management!

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!

Break the Cycle of Overwhelm

NOW SHIPPING! Get the Odd One Out Home Study Coaching Program at 25% OFF the Retail Price PLUS FREE SHIPPING in the US and Canada! See below for details.

 

Although I'm currently out on maternity leave, I've taken the time to prepare some blog posts for you while I'm away! I thought this would be a great time to review The 5 Essential Skills for Managing Adult ADD that I detail in my book, Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD, and in my new Odd One Out Home Study Coaching Program. Please feel free to check my blog or join us on Facebook to get the birth announcement when our new arrival makes her debut!

 

ADD Management Skill #1: Break the Cycle of Overwhelm

ADD presents itself differently in everyone who has it. But one consistent factor that I’ve noticed in my work as a coach is that adults with ADD are chronically overwhelmed with everyday life. You wake up feeling like you’re behind on life, and you spend your whole day either trying to catch up, or feeling guilty because you’re not doing enough to catch up. By the end of the night you feel even further behind than you were when you started! Then you go to bed and wake up just to do it all over again.

Eventually, the overwhelm catches up to you, and you burn out. Then you go through a period—a day, two days, or even a week—when your brain (and maybe your body) just feels shut down and you can’t seem to accomplish anything. You repeat this cycle of overwhelm and burnout over and over again and one thing is clear: YOU ARE STRESSED OUT!

The biggest problem here is that stress makes ADD worse. The good news, though, is that the more you control your stress, the easier it is to manage your ADD. I call this “The Golden Rule of ADD Management” and it’s quite simply this: Stress management = ADD management.

Breaking the cycle of overwhelm is all about learning how to manage your stress. And there are two important things to focus on in order to do that:

1. You have to learn to slow down.
2. You have to practice excellent self-care.

I know that the idea of slowing down is counter intuitive when it feels like you’re running behind on life. But I’m sure you know that you’re just not as effective or productive in the face of chaos. When you feel speedy—either physically speedy or mentally speedy—that’s when you make mistakes.

Learning to slow on a regular basis is exactly what will help you get to a place of being calm, centered, and relaxed. And when you’re calm, centered, and relaxed, you’re in a much better position to tackle all the things on your to-do list, and you do better work to boot.

The next thing to focus on when learning to break the cycle of overwhelm is practicing excellent self-care. Self-care is about making sure that you’re functioning optimally before you try to take care of those around you. When you’re taking care of yourself, and you feel happy and fulfilled, you have so much more to give to those around you than when you feel overwhelmed or burnt out! Everyone benefits when you take good care of yourself.

Breaking the cycle of overwhelm is not an easy skill to master. It starts with small steps, like allowing yourself time to relax and unwind every day, and paying better attention to self-care basics like sleep and nutrition. Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to building this skill. The most important thing to keep in mind is that stress management = ADD management. The more you do to manage your stress, the easier it becomes to manage your ADD.

How do you manage your stress? Do you struggle with chronic overwhelm? Please share your thoughts with other readers in the comments below!

How to Master the 5 Essential Skills for Managing Adult ADD

Are you STILL struggling with chronic overwhelm, self-doubt, poor time management, and other ADD-related challenges?

Let me show you exactly how to master The 5 Essential Skills for Managing Adult ADD so that you can embrace your inner maverick and move forward in life!

If you’re like many of the adults with ADD that I hear from, then you’ve read my book, Odd One Out: The Maverick’s Guide to Adult ADD, and it really hit home with you.

You’d love to work with me one-on-one to dig into the concepts and strategies covered in the book but, unfortunately, private coaching isn’t an option for you right now.

Now there’s another option. I created a home study program that will coach you to:

• Embrace your inner maverick
• Break the cycle of chronic stress, overwhelm, and burnout
• Learn how to accept and work with your own ADD
• Focus on your strengths and think more positively
• Take control of your space, time, and tasks
• Give yourself permission to live out loud!

The Odd One Out Home Study Coaching Program allows me to be your personal ADD coach from afar, and it’s the next best thing to working with me privately. It features 3 audio CDs, an 85+ page workbook, and a goal setting action guide. I walk you through each chapter in the book and show you exactly what it takes to build and apply each of the 5 Essential Skills for Managing Adult ADD.

Life with adult ADD really doesn’t have to be so hard. You’re not stuck living a life of stress and disappointment. I’ve coached hundreds of adults to embrace their inner maverick and live happy and successful lives. You can absolutely take control over your ADD and turn things around! And I can help you do it with the Odd One Out Home Study Coaching Program.

Retail Price: $197 + S&H $147 with FREE Shipping in the US and Canada Save $59.95!

This introductory price is available to the first 50 people who order the home study program. (Over half available at this price have already been sold.) Offer expires March 1, 2011, or when the first 50 orders are placed. Comes with a 90-day, 100% money-back guarantee!

Learn more here.

P.S. Remember: Stress Management = ADD Management!

Adults with AD/HD: Stop Punishing Yourself

I was talking to a client yesterday about how bogged down she was at work. She was so stressed out, and felt so far behind, that she opted to skip the office holiday party so that she could get some work done while no one was in the office to distract her. Besides, she didn't feel like she "deserved" to go to the party when she had so much work left to do.

Perhaps this sounds familiar? It's not an uncommon predicament for adults with AD/HD. Many of us have so much guilt over our challenges and struggles that we feel like we don't deserve to have any fun.

My client's experience reminded me of a presentation I gave at the ADDA conference 2 years ago on 'Overcoming the Chronic Overwhelm Associated with Adult AD/HD.' The presentation was a big hit, and the room was overflowing with people.

I encouraged everyone in the audience to get a handle on overwhelm by managing stress, slowing down, and making self-care a priority.

In the Q&A at the end of my talk, a woman raised her hand and patiently waited to be called on. By all accounts, she was kind, articulate, and appeared very put together. So I was a bit surprised when she said something along the lines of:

"Everything you're saying makes sense, but I feel like I bring chaos everywhere I go. How can I possibly spend time managing stress or taking care of myself when I cause so much stress for everyone around me?"

As I asked her a few more questions, many people in the audience shook their heads in agreement. I even saw a few people tear up. The general consensus was:

"I make so many mistakes and I'm so difficult to deal with that I don't deserve to spend any time taking care of myself."

I was really glad that this woman had the courage to stand up and talk about her experience because it allowed me to address a mindset that I see over and over again in adults with AD/HD.

We think that we're so high-maintenance to those around us—what with our disorganization, trouble managing time, and lack of focus, among other things—that we need to be constantly making up for all the things we are, and are not.

If this is how you feel, then please take a deep breath and read me loud and clear on this: YOU ARE WRONG.

You are wrong, wrong, wrong! You could not be more wrong! And you're punishing yourself for who you are.

I know that sounds harsh, but this is one instance in which I have no problem telling someone that they are flat out wrong!

Having adult AD/HD might make you high-maintenance at times (I certainly am), but:

• Having adult AD/HD does not make you a bad person.
• Having adult AD/HD does not make you a difficult person.
• Having adult AD/HD is not a reason to punish yourself.

Rather, having adult AD/HD does mean that you have certain strengths and certain challenges. And guess what? So does everyone else.

You might have a hard time staying organized at work, AND be a superstar when it comes to customer service. Meanwhile, your coworker might be extremely organized, but not so great when it comes to dealing with people.

Different people with different strengths make the world go 'round. And your strengths play an integral part...even if you have adult AD/HD!

I asked the audience a question as we were talking about this. I don't remember it exactly, but it was something like:

"Would you ever tell your coworker, 'Oh, you didn't get a chance to clean up your desk today? Yeah...then you better skip that dinner date and stay late until you get it done!'"

Of course, everyone laughed. We would never dream of imposing the same punishments on others that we so easily impose on ourselves.

And when it comes to overcoming overwhelm, one thing is absolutely clear: if you don't allow yourself time to manage your stress, slow down, and make self-care a priority, then you'll never break out of the overwhelm-burnout cycle. You'll be forever stressed out, trying to catch up, and feeling like you owe something to everyone.

Stop punishing yourself. Start living.

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Quick Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving (or Any Holiday)

Well, the holiday season is officially upon us! For those of us in the United States, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of what many adults with AD/HD think of as the most stressful time of year. Gifts, parties, crowds, family...ack! Stress!

If you're dreading Thanksgiving (or any holiday), then take a deep breath and don't fret. These quick tips will help keep you sane when things get crazy. 

QUICK TIP #1:
Know Your AD/HD and Plan To Manage Your Challenges

You know yourself better than anyone, so ask yourself "How does my AD/HD affect me on the holidays?" Make a list of all the things that tend to stress you out, and make a plan to deal with them.

For example, when you're gathering for the holiday dinner with family:

• Do you tend to say impulsive things that you later regret? Plan to take a deep breath before answering ANY questions so that you can think about your words before you speak them.


• Do hyper kids or too many people overwhelm you? Plan to excuse yourself and take a brief walk when things start feeling chaotic.


• Does a family member really make you mad when s/he starts nagging or becomes critical? Plan a simple response that won't fuel the fire, like "I'm sorry you feel that way. I'd rather talk about a great book I'm reading right now."


• Do you get antsy after a long day? Plan to end the day early, so that you don't reach the point of irritability.

I have to tell you, I run through my own personal "Thanksgiving AD/HD Management Plan" every single year on the drive over to my mom's house, and it makes all the difference!

QUICK TIP #2:
Don't Expect Perfection

Accept that the day won't be perfect. Nothing is! Whether you're hosting the holiday, staying with family, or patronizing a restaurant, realize that something is bound to go wrong. That's life. Don't hold it against yourself, or the people around you. Whatever it is that goes wrong, move on and let it go. Don't let one mistake or disappointment ruin the whole day.

QUICK TIP #3:
Have Realistic Expectations of Others

Remember that you're not the only one doing the best you can to keep it together and stay sane during the holidays! We all do the best we can with the skills, tools, and resources we have. Hurtful comments probably aren't intended that way, and neither are annoying actions. Don't hold it against friends and family members who may not have the necessary skills to express themselves effectively.

And whatever you do, don't expect people to be any different than they were last year! Most of the time, the people and things that bugged you last year will be there to bug you again this year. If your expectations are realistic, then those annoyances will be much easier to deal with.

What are YOUR biggest challenges during the holidays? What's your best tip for a Happy Thanksgiving? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

What Are You Overcomplicating?

The tagline for my company, ADD Mangement Group, is "Simplify. Focus. Succeed." That's because overcomplicating things is a major problem for adults with AD/HD. It's difficult to focus when there are too many ideas, too steps, or too many choices. Simplifying things makes focus, and action, much easier.

I'm guilty of overcomplicating things, too. I've gotten pretty good about simplifying things, but I'm sometimes surprised at how I overcomplicate little things in my life that really should be, well... simple.

Take, for example, choosing what to order at a restaurant. It's often the most difficult decision of my week. Or which room to start with when I'm straightening up the house. Or how about this for a great example of overcomplicating things?: I struggle to keep these blog posts short, sweet, and thought-provoking, rather than feeling like I need to explain every nuance of the topic at hand.

When the little things seem unbearably difficult, it's time to simplify.

It's helpful to slow down in the middle of the overcomplicated mental chaos and ask yourself, What is the end result I want to accomplish? I want to have a satisfying meal that fills me and tastes really good--which option is more likely to get me there? I want to put away all the things that are out of place in my home so I feel more comfortable--which room is causing me the most stress? What am I trying to communicate to my readers--what do I NOT have to say to communicate that?

Now it's your turn. What are you overcomplicating? What can you ask yourself to simplify the situation, focus on action, and experience success? Share your thoughts in the comments!