ADHD and Planning Your Time - When Good Enough Is Perfect

Are you overwhelmed by your "To Do List" or do you consider it just a useful tool? I hope that you fall in the later group. However, I know that for some people "The List," as I will refer to it, has an ominous power over them.

I am sure that you have heard or even said some of the following comments: I have so many things on my list! I can't talk now. I am crazy busy. When you become overwhelmed by "The List," remember that you created it. So, you can change it at any time. Really, you can...

Rather than creating a long list of tasks, be more intentional. The following is one way to be more intentional by organizing your tasks and, hopefully, reduce your anxiety, as well:

*Schedule tasks far in advance of when they need to be completed.

*Estimate how much time each task will take.

*Set a date by which each task must be completed.

*Expect the unexpected.

If you abide by the last bit of advice, when something arises that you did not plan, you will, hopefully, be more likely to be able to "go with the flow." Of course, even if nothing unexpected arises, your plans may not work out the way you envisioned. If you have given yourself enough time, many times you will be able to fit a task in another time or decide it does not need to be done until a later time.

Above all, remember what is important to you. Yes, sometimes you may fail to complete the items on your list. Ask yourself the question: "What will happen?" Ask this question until you have imagined the worse possible catastrophe. You might be surprised at the answer.

You will learn a great deal by doing this exercise. It is important that you understand where you are efficient and effective and where you are not. The key, as I mentioned above, is to be intentional about how you spend your time. By exposing how you use your time, you may adapt your current way of doing tasks to a way that works better for you.

We all have different priorities. I am suggesting that you make a conscious choice in accordance with what is important to you. Maintain control of "The List" and do not let it control you.

Good enough is perfect, really. What if you do not get the last dust bunny? What is the worst possible catastrophe?

Marla has a private practice in which she provides ADD Coaching for high school students, college students and adults, as well as seminars on many topics, including those related to ADD. In addition, she is an Academic Support Specialist at Boston University. She has been in education for over 15 years. Prior to creating her company, Cummins Coaching and Training, and working in higher education, Marla taught middle school and high school.

Visit http://www.marlacummins.com to request your FREE newsletter, "ADDed Perspective."

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