We learn from experience
One of the basic tricks to that learning is to remember the specific experiences. And make rules from them. If we remember the experience, its easier to remember the rule and to follow it.
Losing the car
I remember spending 10 minutes looking for the car in the gym lot. Rule – Say out loud where I parked it.
Ken pointed out that I need to say it every time I park the car, not just when I think I might lose it. That’s how you make a habit.
Losing the iPhone
I remember the result of sending my iPhone thru the washing machine. Rule – search every pocket every time before I put anything in the wash.
And a positive experience
Here is Ram’s recent comment: “A couple of days ago, I was quite in a depressive mood and decided my ADHD wasn’t gonna get the best of me so I said “make two of the things in the list!” and after I did them, I said “well, the third one is so easy, you can do it even while watching netflix”. And I did!”
I hope he will review and remember that experience so he can use that strategy the next time he gets stuck.
The strategy
Hang onto that experience, keep it in the active file in your mind. You paid for it.
doug
Bonus link – another example of misinformation:
Melissa posts: “Poor diet or nutrition defeciency are often the cause of attention disorders as medical studies reveal. “
- Another Gift From ADD ADHD
ADDadultstrategies 
jeff- good tip on the computer timer!
thank you for commenting.
Doug
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Hi Doug, I was listening to NPR today and they mentioned ADD! It was in a segment about the hazards of lead paint. The speaker said that studies have proved that lead dust, which is a byproduct of lead paint in older houses, has caused ADD and other mental problems (including lower IQs and behavioral problems) in children. Thought you might like to know this. Jeff
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jeff -lead poisoning is a real problem, and causes a lot of mental problems. It is especially prevalent in areas of poverty, and is a disgrace. However, I have not seen any data to support the idea that it causes ADD. It may be so – I will be on the lookout for any studies.
Thank you for the information.
Doug
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I love Ram’s strategy. it’s amazing how effective it is. Sometimes I do what he did and sometimes I set the timer for 15 minutes (or sometimes 5 minutes). It’s amazing how doing one or two things can build momentum. It’s kind of like magic!
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homey -yes! anything that will break the stagnation stuck inertia.
thanks for the comment
doug
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I love Homey’s strategy of using a timer, which has worked very well for me! It’s especially helpful at helping me refocus, as I tend to hyper-focus on things – which can be a real time waster. Sometimes I let it keep going off every 15 min or so, which gives me a chance to reevaluate what I’m working on.
Did you know that, in addition to a kitchen timer, you can download a countdown timer program to your computer? I use one of these a lot, and it really helps! Jeff
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