I continually try to make my life better, make things easier, simpler.
One of the ADHD principles is to identify a problem. Sometimes we don’t think of it as a problem, but just as a part of life. But –.
Here are some recent examples from my life:
1.On the days I go to work, I need to leave early. I usually don’t have time to finish my coffee. That’s a loss of pleasure and a waste of coffee. And a problem.
Strategy: Make my coffee first thing. Then I can drink it while I’m fixing the rest of my breakfast, and I’ll be able to finish it by time to leave.
2. I need to take my Daytrana patch off by about 4 PM, or I’ll have trouble sleeping. I set my iPhone alarm for four, but sometimes I just turn it off and never get around to taking off the patch. And I can’t take my iPhone into my job, so I don’t have an alarm on those days.
Strategy: I use an “anchor” – going to the bathroom. I’ve made the habit of checking my chest every time I go to the bathroom, checking to see if the patch is still there. If it’s after 4 PM, I take it off. This strategy only works because I check every time.
3. I keep tripping over the wire connecting my earphones to the computer, and my earphones keep getting in my way when I’m not wearing them.
Strategy: I’ve found a perfect place to hang my earphones when I’m not using them. Just follow the rule of always putting them there when I take them off, and no more problem.
4.When I take the dog for her potty break, I need to take off my glove to tie up the poop bags. But I keep dropping my glove and have to go back and try to find it. A hassle.
Strategy: New rule. When I take my glove off I put it in my pocket immediately, before I try to tie the bag, and not in my other hand or under my arm. In my pocket.
It is amazing how these little things make a big difference – more efficient, more effective, less frustrated. Less ADHD ish. My 2018 is going to be better. In many ways, I hope.
You can make your life better.
doug
Advanced Note O the Day
Setting the iPhone alarm for 4 PM is a great strategy. Nothing wrong with it. It just didn’t work for me. So when the strategy isn’t working, it’s time to try a new strategy.
Link:
@addstrategies #adhd #add @dougmkpdp
Ain’t it the truth
ADDadultstrategies 
Strategies are helpful. My strategy for the headphone wire: I have been using wireless headphones at home for years now ;D
Off the top of my head: strategy to not sound defensive when someone is being passive-agressive and casually mention something that’s supposed to be either an attack or a suggestion: act dumb. My sis once wanted me to buy a waterproof poncho for a Bike-Tour we were gonna take in the rain. After I explained why it would be impractical, she kept talking about it like it was a great idea “well, but it might be practical. I see lots of people wearing this. There might be something to it.” I smiled through her game and instead of losing my temper a throw a tantrum like a baby because she was babying me, I asked “do you want to buy the poncho? Go ahead and buy it, I’ll wait.”. She was obviously very frustrated, haha…. nobody bought the poncho and I controlled my temper. 😛 I’ve been using that strategy at work a lot too 🙂
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