There are times that I'm convinced I have adult onset ADD. (And, you know, maybe I really do.) Sometimes I'm so scattered between my roles--mom, wife, student, researcher, etc.--that I can't settle my thoughts enough to make progress on anything, especially when I'm working from home where there are ample distractions and all of those roles bleed into each other. Maybe that sounds familiar?
These tips have been helpful to me lately*:
1. Do what matters most to you: assess and choose. (Cultivate lilies, get rid of leeches)
2. Create a positive emotional environment wherever you are.
3. Find your rhythm. Prioritize and use your "burst" wisely (whether it's in the morning, afternoon, or evening)
4. Invest time wisely.
5. Don't waste time screensucking.
6. Identify + control "gemmelsmerch," the force that distracts the mind away from what it wants to be doing : do important work first, limit tv, take breaks and carry on, have a new idea notebook, schedule email time, ELIMINATE TOXIC WORRY (talk to someone, make a plan, get the facts)
7. Delegate
8. Slow down
9. Don't "frazz": give one task your full attention
10. Play
And finally, Live YOUR Life. Be the captain of your life and make decisions that reflect your dreams and priorities, whether or not that fits exactly with the standard. Celebrate your own contributions and ideas.
*notes from reading Dr. Hellewell's book CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap! Strategies for Coping in a World Gone A.D.D
