Some of my current rules – these are essential:
1. When I write an appointment in my appointment book, put down both the time and the activity; either one without the other is not very useful.
Double check to make sure that it’s complete,accurate and legible.
2. When I’m getting gas, hang my keys on the gas tank door, so I won’t drive off with the gas hose – again.
3. When I’m backing out of the driveway, check carefully behind me before I start.
4. Keys only on front table; nowhere else, ever.
Are rules bad?
Routine
Some people are concerned that rules will be too constricting and burdensome. Not for me. Without them, my life would be chaos, which would be worse, and, once they become a habit, they’re not really rules anymore. I don’t have to think about them or apply them, I just do them.
Nobody’s perfect
But sometimes, I start slipping and have to regroup. Especially after a change in schedule or routine.
doug
Bonus links:
Homey’s Tips for Living with ADD ADHD
Quote o the Day:
“I believe that every problem has a solution. That obviously is not totally true, but I find it to be a very useful belief.”
From Doug
ADDadultstrategies 
Doug, you’re so funny! You always make me laugh!
Rules are WONDERFUL – at least the kind of rules you’re talking about. They save us from SO much trouble!!! And don’t you think they help us relax a bit? If I know I’m following my rules, I don’t have to worry as much – at least about those items. And I don’t have to deal with the aftermath of NOT using the rules.
This was so true: “Some people are concerned that rules will be too constricting and burdensome. Not for me. Without them, my life would be chaos, which would be worse, and, once they become a habit, they’re not really rules anymore. I don’t have to think about them or apply them, I just do them.”
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homey-
yes, I like your relax idea. Fewer things to worry about, fewer things to think about, if your decisions to make – once they become habits. And rules are the Golden pathway to habits
as always, thank you for commenting.
Doug
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Betsy – that’s it exactly!!
Problem, strategy, rule, habit – life is easier
thank you for this beautiful example and for all your comments
Doug
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After years of posting locksmiths to open my car up for me at various places, like the bank, the grocery store, the Post Office, the train station, airport, I trained myself to never lock my keys in the car. This was thirty years ago. I have only goofed once since then, about fifteen years ago. Nowadays it is hard to lock keys in the car but the habit I developed back then — putting the keys directly into a certain pocket of my purse before I shut the car door — remains one of my oldest, sanest, most reliable of rules. I am eternally grateful to have developed the rule, which has yielded me so much ease of mind.
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