A client of mine told me what keeps him up at night is the minutia of everyday life. Getting the little things done so that he could get on to the good stuff.
If you are among the many who find the stuff that “should be” so easy to do is really tough.
Creating A Line Leader
“Structure” and “Routines”, It Works
“Structure”, “routines”, are you cringing yet? These words are enough to send many people with ADHD running. Often just the thought of doing the same thing day in and day out is difficult and boring. It probably sounds like so much more fun to be spontaneous and you may be afraid that structure and routines will stifle your creativity. In reality, structure and routines give you the time and the space to be spontaneous and creative while allowing you to get things done.
Think of elementary school kids. The teacher tells them it is time for Phys Ed and sends them on their way. Some kids make a “quick” stop in the bathroom or by the water fountain. Some look at the bulletin boards or just stop in the hall to talk with a friend. Some of the kids actually get to the gym, eventually. Everyone has their own agenda. Now picture this. The same teacher tells the kids that it is time for Phys Ed and that Johnny is the line leader. They line up behind Johnny and head down the hall. They go straight there. The kids don’t get distracted, talk, stop at the water fountain or go to the bathroom. So what’s the difference? Johnny is in charge. He is doing the thinking, everyone else is just along for the ride. Johnny is the structure.
Adding structure and routines to your schedule is like adding a line leader – It is something that can guide you and do the thinking for you. It doesn’t mean that every minute of your day has to be orchestrated or managed – that truly would be boring – but it means that there is enough control to help you get where you need to be, and complete what you need to do.
Where to begin? Try adding structure and routines to those activities that tend to leave you wandering down the hall aimlessly. Often things that you need to do everyday or regularly that don’t inspire you like, getting ready in the morning, cleaning up after dinner or paying the bills.
How do you create structure and routine?
- Start small. What is one area of your life where structure would help?
- Look at what you do today. You already have habits; try building on them and incorporating them into your new routines.
- Write down your plan. Many people with ADHD are visual, post your plan where you will see it and use it.
- Keep it simple. Don’t try to do too much. The goal is to simplify your life not add stress.
- Practice. It takes a while to build new structure into your life. If you don’t follow your new routine one day don’t worry, just do your best and try again. Trying is already a success.
- Don’t give up. If you find that your routine isn’t working it might just need tweaking. Play with the routine; remember it only has to work for you, nobody else.
As you start to incorporate new structures and routines into your daily life you will find that you can get through those routine tasks and get to the things you want to do. Save your creativity and energy for the fun stuff, not for remembering whether or not you have brushed your teeth.
by Carrie Greene, ACC, CarrieThru, LLC, ADHD Coaching & Organizing Services.
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