A Simple Strategy for Managing ADD

As an ADD Coach, I usually begin my conversations with new nand potential clients by saying, “Tell me about yourself and nwhy you’re looking for coaching.” Most people answer with a nlong list of their ADD challenges. Very few people answer nthat they are looking to discover, enhance, or utilize their nstrengths. This is a big part of coaching, and a part that nmany people need a lot of help with.

Unfortunately, many ADDers spend too much of their time nfocusing on what they think they do wrong. This is nunderstandable; as most of us have spent a lifetime learning nhow to deal with attention inconsistency, impulsivity, nhyperactivity, emotional reactivity, and other challenges nthat our ADD has presented. However, few of us actually ntake time to appreciate our ability to manage these nchallenges and bounce back from the difficult times. And nwhen we don’t balance the good stuff with the not-so-good nstuff, we can become frustrated, unmotivated, and unhappy. n

Every single person in this world has strengths and ninterests – things we do well and things we like to do.
Learning to focus some time on those strengths and interests ncan help lift the spirits – and self-esteem – of ADDers.
Here are some ways in which you can increase the time you nspend thinking about your strengths and interests: nn* Make a list of all your accomplishments in life – nboth large and small – and post this list where you’ll see nit often
* Make a list of all the things you do well, and all nthe things you like to do – and post this list, too
* Keep a journal or notebook in which you detail all nyour daily successes
* Accept every compliment you receive with a smile nand a “thank you”

After you have spent some time thinking about your strengths nand accomplishments, you can take this knowledge and nself-awareness a step further by setting some small goals nfor yourself that involve your strengths and interests. If nyou’re good with people, maybe you’d like to try nvolunteering at a homeless shelter or senior center. If you nlike dancing, perhaps you can take a class every week.

We all deserve to spend time doing what we like to do, and nnot just what we have to do. So allow yourself to nappreciate your strengths and interests, and treat yourself nto the luxury of enjoying them! Chances are, it will make nyou a much happier person.