Procrastinating or Pushing Ahead? — ADHD Tip O the Day 971

Overwhelmed is common with ADHD but strategies can help.

The same is true for procrastination.

I took on the task of clearing the trash in our stretch of the Santa Fe “river“ (even calling it a creek is an exaggeration but I love it).  Every week or two I put on my big rubber boots and go down there and fill up  a trash bag.

Last week this was on my to do list, but I was feeling overwhelmed. There’s no deadline, requirement, or obligation for this task so I just pushed it ahead. I haven’t gotten to it yet, but it looks like I can soon. This helped with the overwhelmed feeling. It’s not procrastination, because I don’t dread doing it and I’m not avoiding it, I just don’t have the time for it right now.

Sometimes there are things to do that just don’t need to be done right now.

doug

Personal Notes O the Day:

1. You maybe noticed that I didn’t do a post last week either. Or maybe you didn’t.  Same issue.

2.  If you scroll all the way down there’s a big bonus post about procrastination from somebody who deserves credit, but I can’t remember who.

3. Last week was a booger.  We need to take care of ourselves.

Links:

An expert with ADHD

Helping Children with ADHD webinar 

Avoidance or Procrastination?

Let’s actually do it! Now!

One style of procrastination.

Maybe tomorrow.

Post on ADHD Procrastination by unknown author

Procrastination is one of the hallmark symptoms of having ADHD. Therefore, it’s important to understand the different types of procrastination to know how to better deal with it.

What kinds of procrastination do you most struggle with?

(1) Perfectionism

Afraid that our work will be full of mistakes. This can be especially strong in those experiencing RSD, since our work is usually evaluated by other people.

(2) Fear of the Unknown

Afraid of taking action because it may reveal a truth we may not want to hear. For example, postponing a medical exam or talking to a loved one about something serious.

(3) Promise to “Do it later”

Although this may be true, for many of us, this may start to become a habitual excuse.

(4) Focusing on Easy Tasks

This one is tricky because I sometimes recommend that we do easy tasks in order to get momentum throughout the day. However, we can take this too far and use the easy tasks as an excuse to avoid the bigger, more important stuff we know we have to do.

(5) Lack of Motivation

This one is especially common for ADHD brains. This occurs when we do not see the value that our work will bring, making us feel like there is no point in doing it.

(6) Not Knowing How to Get Started

Having ADHD makes it easier to become overwhelmed by the confusion of not knowing how to start, especially when it comes to large projects.

(7) Getting Distracted During Tasks

The epitome of having ADHD.

(8) Not Enough Time

Not having enough time is both a logical and emotional issue. Sometimes we really don’t have enough time. However, many, if not most of us, struggle with time blindness, making it easier to feel like we do not have enough time, even when we do.

#ADHD, #adultADHD, @dougmkpdp,  @addstrategies, @adhdstrategies