I recently posted Willpower #2 with ADD ADHD, which was supposed to come right after this one. But somehow, this one never got posted. Imagine that! How in the world could such a thing have happened?
Willpower? What’s that?
from Melissa Orlov
“It takes effort to exert willpower, so it makes sense that having to exert willpower for long periods of time would mean that you would tire. This has some implications for both partners in struggling ADHD relationships:
- Whenever possible, create situations that require less use of sustained willpower to keep your forward momentum. For example, consider hiring assistance for housework if you can afford it, rather than create a system that requires repeatedly needing to invoke the use of willpower to get things done. Or sign up for an exercise class that meets regularly, so you don’t have to repeatedly make the decision to go to the gym.
- Practice building the ‘muscle’ of willpower the same way you would build a regular muscle – start with shorter duration tasks, then move on to longer periods as you find what helps you sustain effort
- People who are sleep deprived will find that their willpower lessens more quickly (possibly related to ADHD getting worse with less sleep!)
- Noting and celebrating successes has the ability to ‘build up’ depleted willpower. Make sure to celebrate your successes as you have them!
Finally, remember that the task of sustaining effort is significantly harder for most people with ADHD than for non-ADHD partners – by definition.”
Confession
I was doing well with my weight control plan. Then, guess what? The holidays. Travel. Stranded in Decatur, Tx, for 2 days by storm. Oh, my. The restaurants didn’t have the great salad bar we have at El Castillo. Plus they had wonderful chicken fried steak and fried okra and Tex Mex . My plan flew out the window, or got buried in white cream gravy, or something. Anyway, I gained a lot of weight. I don’t have to tell you how much, just take my word for it – a lot.
Strategies
- Get back on the horse. I mean, back on the plan.
- Plan a strategy for the next trip so there’s not a repeat. Don’t have that down yet. I welcome your suggestions.
doug
Quote O the Day:
“Would you rather be happy or be normal?”
quoted from a book quoting another book-I couldn’t keep track.
Willpower, good intentions, weight management – with ADHD?
Bonus Links:
more on willpower – it’s limited
more on willpower – it’s not limited
50 life tips – start the new year off right (you won’t do all 50)
10 sentences that can change your life
Willpower # 2, in case you missed it.
#add #adhd @dougmkpdp @addstrategies
ADDadultstrategies 
Hi, Doug! I wouldn’t stress too much about the gained pounds, especially because you know it’s important to get back on the horse and do it. In my experience, when we’ve been eating healthy for a while and then slip back to the dark side for a week or so, we bloat up – it happens to men too, though women would try to convince you otherwise 😉 It can add up to as much as 5-6 pound, the ater we retain! Especially if we’ve been indulding in salty food and sweets. The liver and kindeys go into overdrive. After a few days of eating normal again, the body naturally sheds away the accumulated fluid and we see that the real gain in fat was actually quite less than we thought 🙂
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ram – thank you for the encouragement. i have seen that process with the water before. now that i’m back on the plan, i am about back to where i was
thank you for your contributions
doug
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