Associate ADHD Coach Claudette Pelletier-Hannah is offering new clients half off the normal rates on any coaching package for the first three months. There are a limited number of openings for this special offer; you don’t want to procrastinate on this one! Contact info@adhdsolutions.net to request a free initial consultation and find out if coaching is right for you. Or call us at 717.441.4354. Please mention this offer when you write or call.
Thirty-five years ago, a well-heeled French scientist, named Matthieu Ricard, left it all behind to become a Buddhist monk.
So there I sat at the end of Ricard’s presentation at a recent coaching conference, both moved and immobilized. Sitting next to me, a man named Chuck brought me back when he said something like, “So, are you going to meditate?” That simple question led to some provocative conversation. When we got up to leave we were the only ones seated in a hall that held 1,500 people twenty minutes earlier. How nice it was to be present in dialogue and oblivious to the conference pace.
You know how conferences go. Learn. Explore. Connect. Go. Go. Go. We barely and rarely assimilate the learning. Ironic, isn’t it? It’s just like us non-monks who practice meditation; we’re often “hurrying” to do so, when our intent is to still our body and mind. Ah yes, we have more to learn.
What is meditation? According to Wikipedia, “Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, “thinking” mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness.”
From dictionary.com, “To train, calm, or empty the mind, often by achieving an altered state, as by focusing on a single object.”
Understandably, there are as many definitions as ways to practice, given meditation has been around for 5,000 years. Speaking from experience, it does not require “Gumby” limbs, hippy clothes or special abilities, just an open mind, a little time, and a lot of patience. I was struck by what Matthieu Ricard had to say about meditation.
Ricard starts by saying that mind training is a more useful term than meditation. Mind training changes the brain. It determines the quality of every instant of our lives by changing our base lines, conditioning the way we experience things. Ricard uses the example of a light that illuminates a beautiful diamond or a pile of garbage. The light is unchanged, regardless of what it illuminates.
Most of the things we believe make us happy are limited, temporary and illusory. They depend on circumstances. As Ricard says, they “give a hint of what life could be like, if we changed the balance of the mind, instead of altering external circumstances.”
It turns out that becoming truly happy is a skill to be learned, the goal being to change our minds versus our circumstances, and become more like the light. So much for beauty, fame and fortune!
Does it mean we lose interest in the things that make us tick? Ricard says, “That’s one of the mistakes people make: that a serene, balanced mind is a dull mind.” Engaging and humorous, I assure you, there is nothing dull about Matthieu Ricard.
Are you afraid of being dull? Caught up in the “Go, Go, Go,” we run on adrenaline, often addicted to it. Yet we might yearn for a slower, calmer lifestyle – an interesting dichotomy.
It is my belief that it is often self-image, or ego, that prevents us from slowing down. We find it difficult to accept ourselves doing or achieving less. Our society often rewards those who do more. This comes at a cost. If we pay attention to our behaviors, listen to our bodies and connect with our values we might get a different message about our need for speed. Living life continually on red alert eventually wreaks havoc on our health.
What difference does mind training make? Ricard is heavily involved in research on the effect of mind training on the brain. MRI and fMRI (video) results show Ricard and other highly experienced meditators were well beyond the normal curve, showing heightened activity in the left cortex of the brain associated with pleasant emotion. For this reason Matthieu Ricard has been dubbed “the happiest man in the world.”
There is also plenty of evidence that meditation is also good for our physical well being, reducing stress, blood pressure, and more.
What is achievement, anyway? How do we define ourselves if not by what we do? How do we slow down, become fully present and change the patterns in our brains, short of walking away and taking an extended vacation east? Like everything else we do, by making a commitment, then taking one small step and one deep breath at a time.
“It was very nice to meet you, Chuck. I’m just wondering, are you still meditating?”
I am thrilled to announce that Claudette Pelletier-Hannah has joined ADHD Solutions as an Associate ADHD Coach!
Claudette brings a passion for health and wellness to her work as an ADHD coach. Adequate sleep, healthy eating, and regular exercise are critical components of any ADHD management plan. Claudette’s extensive experience in wellness coaching and training make her the perfect addition to the ADHD Solutions team. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Claudette works with people all over North America via phone and Skype.
Claudette received her life coach training from Coach U, a leading, global, coach training organization accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF). She graduated in 2001, and continues to participate in training from both Coach U and the ICF. She’s currently wrapping up some additional training with Susan Sussman of the American Coaching Academy, a leading pioneer in the ADHD Coaching field. Claudette is a member of the International Coach Federation, the Edmonton Association of Professional Coaches and Alberta Health Services Weight Wise Community Network.
You’ll be reading more from Claudette as she continues to share her wisdom, wit, and insight.
Welcome Claudette!
Received a nice testimonial from a client (we’ll call him Dave) who recently finished his coaching work with me:
“You’ve given me strategies that I can apply immediately in my day to day life – right now, as soon as I hang up. Others I’ve worked with have been more high level and theoretical, and I don’t really know what to do with that.”
Right on! That’s part of what sets ADHD Solutions apart. We don’t just explain, we actually help you implement the strategies you need to overcome your ADHD challenges.
Thanks Dave! I wish you the very best that life has to offer. And I know you’ll achieve it.
Have you seen my garage? I can’t believe I said that. Since when is a garage a woman’s domain? There was a time when I parked my car in it that I could have called it mine. But now it is home to my husband Ken’s passion for woodworking.
After what seemed like a very long time (of not parking in the garage) Ken completed his first big project. He designed and built a beautiful cabinet to create some additional storage for our kitchen (and of course to cut some wood).
Fait accompli? Not quite.
The white wall that was to be the backdrop for the new furniture was just not worthy. We had to paint it a vibrant color to highlight the masterpiece. That meant also painting the rest of the kitchen, the front entrance, the back closet and half bath. New light fixtures were in order. And of course the transfer of dishes to the new buffet caused a total kitchen re-org. The quest for complementary objets d’ art has just begun.
Now I know why it’s called woodworking. This buffet has been a lot of work!
Homeowners know that there is always something more to do. And so it is with life.
Just when running 5 K becomes easy, you must increase the frequency, distance, pace or intensity, or the benefits plateau.
You can do your job with your eyes closed. Oh-oh. They are closed. Is it time for a new challenge?
You think you know everything about your partner and then he takes up woodworking.
A client said recently, “I thought it was about losing 40 pounds. It’s not. It’s about how I treat myself.” When you change one attitude or belief, everything changes, like a domino effect. So for everything we learn or do, there is more to learn or do. And that’s a good thing.
Life is a journey, hopefully complete with twists and turns ripe with adventure and experience. We can learn and grow from them, especially when life sucks.
How to keep it together when the dominoes tumble.
Life, or personal growth, is like a woodworking project.
You start with a plan.
Sometimes it works.
It’s harder than you thought.
You need to do a lot of sanding to get a beautiful finish.
And it’s SO worth it!
Finally, as my husband always says, “You can’t have too many clamps.” . . . (a.k.a. support systems that hold you together.)
Ken is building new hand railings. What’s next for you?
Got a new HD webcam! My video coaching sessions via Skype are incredibly clear now. Almost as good as being in the same room. Did I mention I offer video coaching? So whether you’re on the other side of town or the other side of the world, we can still work together. Contact me for a free initial consultation – www.adhdsolutions.net.
Join me on May 25, 2010 as I present a time management webinar entitled “How to Make Room in Your Life for the Things that Matter Most”, in conjunction with ADD Resources, on May 25 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. For more information and to register, visit http://www.addresources.org/?q=node%2F148 and scroll down to May 25.
The webinar will be recorded and available up to one week after the event.
Catch you there!
A lovely young woman from Austria just signed up for coaching with me. I’ve also worked with people from Bermuda, Canada, China, England, and Spain. I’m excited about adding another country to the list!
If you are interested in coaching, but don’t live in North America, don’t let geography stop you. I offer video coaching through Skype for international clients who speak English. It works well for Americans who aren’t close enough to meet in person, too.
I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and how ADHD coaching can help. Contact me at beth@adhdsolutions.net or (717) 441-4354 to schedule an appointment.
See you on Skype!
I got to live a dream today. I’ve been wanting to educate teachers about ADHD since my ADHD journey began six years ago, with the diagnosis of my then-elementary school aged son. I just finished giving an In-Service presentation to the teachers at a local private school. I was thrilled at how well it was received!
The topics were:
• What’s it like to have ADHD? A simulation.
• Were you paying attention? A quiz.
• How does ADHD manifest in real life? More symptoms.
• What else could be going on? Common co-existing conditions.
• What if you suspect a child has ADHD? What to tell the parents – and what not to say.
• What can you do to help? Strategies for the classroom.
• What do students with ADHD need most? Some guiding principles.
The teachers asked lots of intelligent questions and provided their own insights on what works for them. Thank you, Harrisburg Academy!
Please visit my web site, www.adhdsolutions.net, and send me an email if you’d like me to speak at your school. I’d love to continue the dream.
Beth Main is the featured speaker at the August 3, 2010 meeting of Harrisburg Business Women. The topic is Time Management: How to Make Room in Your Life for What’s Really Important. All Harrisburg area business women are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit ww.harrisburgareabusinesses.org/hbwgroup
Ah, the first backpacking trip of the season. The weather was perfect. The trail was uncrowded. Metaphors about gear and ADHD strategies floated through my mind like sparks from the campfire.
I was never really a tool person. It used to be there wasn’t much I couldn’t repair with duct tape, a kitchen knife, and a high heeled shoe. When I started hiking many years ago, part of the allure was that I didn’t need any special equipment. I could just get up and go. Now I’ve amassed several thousand dollars worth of backpacking gear that I have no idea how I ever lived without.
ADHD coping strategies are like gear. At first, you think you don’t need anything special. You can hike just fine in a pair of sneakers as long as you don’t go too far or over rocky terrain. But then you try to go a little farther. Rocks and roots press into the soles of your shoes. Your feet start to hurt. So you bite the bullet and buy a pair of hiking boots. They’re a little uncomfortable at first, and you think, is this really any better? But then you start to get used to them. Oh my! What an improvement.
Your new footwear enables you to hit steeper and more difficult trails. Being the adventurous type, off you go. You notice other hikers using fancy aluminum trekking poles. You laugh at them – what the heck would anyone need all that for? You begin to understand the value the first time you twist an ankle, or fall in a creek, or slide down an incline on your back. So you try out a pair. Like the boots, they’re a little hard to get used to. But soon you don’t know how you ever lived without them.
You are now a gear junkie.
It’s the same with ADHD coping strategies. A long, long time ago, I used to just get up and go, not worrying about how my day went. The farther I got from home, the steeper the hills were, the more I realized how hard life with ADHD can be. I got to thinking that there must be an easier way. So I started with one little strategy that changed my life: I bought a planner. At first it seemed cumbersome. I had to carry it around with me, and remember to write stuff in it, and look at it regularly. It was kind of a hassle, to be honest. But before long I was relying on it more than my left arm. How do people live without these things?!
Over time, I added more strategies to my ADHD gear closet. Now I am functioning quite well. It’s been years since anyone called me a derogatory name like Ditzy. But just like backpacking gear, there’s always some new tool I’d like to acquire. I hear about a new technique, wonder how I could possibly use it, decide to do something similar, figure out how, and integrate it into my life. Then it’s on to the next thing.
Where are you on your ADHD journey? What’s on your gear wish list? Leave me a comment.
I wrote the following “As I See It” op-ed piece that appeared in the Harrisburg Patriot News on Sunday:
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder”? If you’re like most people, you probably associate it with out-of-control kids who are given medication so they can sit still long enough to learn something.
Maybe you think it’s overdiagnosed or can be cured with a little discipline. But have you ever thought about what happens to these kids when they grow up?
They don’t disappear. They become working members of society. They become ADHD adults.
Although it’s usually thought of as a childhood disorder, about half the kids with ADHD will continue to struggle with it when they grow up. That equates to more than 10 million adults in this country with ADHD — roughly the same as the adult population of Pennsylvania. Because ADHD was virtually unheard of 20 years ago, many adults don’t even realize they have it. Or want to accept that they do.
People with ADHD are easily distracted and can’t control their attention. They have an inordinate amount of difficulty with tasks that involve planning and organization. They lose anything that isn’t tied down. They procrastinate. They lack follow-through. They’re restless and impulsive. They’re extremely forgetful. They tend to overlook details, leading to mistakes. They interrupt. They’re chronically late. They’re easily bored, thriving on novelty and instant gratification.
You might scoff and point out that everyone has these problems from time to time. While it’s true that everyone has some of the symptoms some of the time, most do not exhibit as many, or to the same degree. An ADHD diagnosis is warranted only when the symptoms cause significant impairment in daily functioning. Traits that are a minor annoyance to someone without ADHD are amplified to disability level for someone with this unique brain wiring.
And unique brain wiring is exactly what it is. ADHD is a neurobiological disorder. It’s not caused by bad parenting, laziness or lack of moral character. It’s caused by a deficiency of neurotransmitters in the brain. It’s been called an invisible disability because we can’t see it, like a broken leg or detect it with a blood test. However, differences in brain structure and activity can be seen on a SPECT scan, which shows how well each region of the brain is functioning. Several genes associated with ADHD have been identified, providing strong evidence that it’s hereditary.
There are good things about having ADHD. Many ADHDers are highly talented and creative. They’re spontaneous and not afraid to take chances. They can manage many projects at once and see things from different angles. Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein were all believed to have had it.
Actors Ty Pennington and Howie Mandel have it, as do actresses Whoopi Goldberg and Lindsay Wagner. Athletes Terry Bradshaw and Michael Phelps have been diagnosed with it. Tommy Hilfiger overcame his ADHD and built a fashion empire. Activist Erin Brockovich used it to her advantage. JetBlue Airways founder David Neeleman appreciates the creativity that comes with having it. Charles Schwab considered it an asset.
I think it’s terrific that these public figures have acknowledged their ADHD. Their testimonies have gone a long way toward alleviating the stigma that ADHD holds for some.
Is there a cure for ADHD? No. But there are treatments. A lot of people think treatment means medication, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Other options include supplements, diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, neurofeedback, and behavioral interventions such as therapy and coaching. Although medication can certainly be part of a successful treatment plan, it can’t teach the planning and organizational skills that people with ADHD often lack. And it won’t make it go away.
The key to successfully living with ADHD is harnessing strengths and developing coping strategies for everything else. Like writing everything down. Using a planner, checklists and timers. Creating structure and routines. Wearing a watch that beeps, even if it’s ugly.
Accepting the need to do these things is a problem for some, because it means having to admit what they perceive to be a weakness. They self-stigmatize. Only by increasing public awareness will the myths and the stigma subside. Only then will people get the treatment they need and deserve.
About those out-of-control children? They’re good kids. They need our help and support. So do the 10 million ADHD adults who once were ADHD kids. They’re not lazy. They’re not stupid. It’s time to reveal the truth about ADHD and the people who live with it.
My colleagues at Absolute Wellness Group will present a FREE OPTIMAL HEALTH SEMINAR on April 22, 2010. Learn how all of the systems in your body are connected and how you can most effectively nourish them to reach your Optimal Health!
This educational and FUN hands-on learning event features free body composition analysis, gift bags, and a PRIZE drawing valued at $150! Featured speaker is Brenda Hoover, Certified ACE Personal Trainer and Certified Transitions Lifestyle Coach.
When: Thursday, April 22nd | 7:00 – 9:00pm
Where: Harrisburg University, room 121A, 326 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
Cost: Free!
Guests are welcome. Seating is limited.
RSVP to Brenda Hoover: brenda@absolutewellnessgroup.com or 717-525-7037
Sponsored by Absolute Wellness Group, LLC
This post was written by guest blogger and unpublished fiction novelist Matt Chiappino:
As both a budding fiction writer and a person with ADD I’ve noticed a few similarities between the career and the condition. ADD can actually be a boon or a hindrance depending on the situation. In some ways the condition can almost prove helpful, as the ADD mentality is certainly creative in nature. I’ve found myself rattling off idea after idea once I get those creative juices flowing. It’s when the actual work part comes along, focusing on a single chapter, organizing and editing my manuscript, where problems start to surface. So even though I’m not an officially published author yet I thought I’d jot down a few thoughts I had on writing and the condition based on personal experience.
FOCUS: The hallmark of ADD. One day I could be doing great. I’m focused on what I need to be, my thoughts and mind zeroed in on that critical chapter or paragraph. The next day I might not be there at all, instead thinking about how I’ve going to have a bad day at work because someone called off and we’re shorthanded blah blah blah. Outside of medication, which works for some like me but not all, the best way to focus one’s mind is during those spare moments of open mental acuity when one’s mind is unencumbered by distractions. When I want to work but can’t blot out the day’s events past or present I might try taking a quick shower. Not only do I feel physically clean, it gives my mind a chance to eject the clutter and junk clogging it and let me refocus with a fresh perspective. Or might try to lay down and take a nap. Even if I sleep just an hour or two, the sheer fact of disconnecting from the junk lets me wake up fresh and renewed, like starting over with a clean slate. The key here is to get that instance of hyper-focus that comes every so often when are minds are latched onto something for a significant time and latch onto a subject of our choice.
PATIENCE: Yes, I know, that dreaded word we’ve all come to hate hearing. I’m no different. A huge part of writing anything though, is patience and persistence. Especially with the longer projects like novels, one has to keep plugging away, writing, rewriting, revising, several times over. Writing is a lengthy process that’s difficult for most people to see through to the end. With ADD thrown in, it can be even more frustrating. But it’s not impossible if one wants it bad enough and is willing to put forth the effort. The best way I’ve found to be productive writing is in small pieces. Don’t sit down and tell yourself it’s time to write the next best-selling novel or short story, it could very well lead to excess pressure or perfectionism. Just write a little bit at a time, say one page a day. It doesn’t sound like much, but think about it. One page a day is 365 pages in a year, a full length novel. Granted, it still takes time for revision and editing, but the bulk of the work, and focus, is already done. Turn creativity into part of the daily routine. Even if you can’t write a full page for whatever reason, just dedicating time every day to creative work does wonders for productivity. And when you do accomplish your goal for the day, treat yourself somehow. Make sure to remind yourself you’re doing well when you are and that every page, every hour spent working is another step closer to the goal. It does wonders for keeping up with the next issue.
CONFIDENCE: From what I’ve seen and lived, the insidious nature of ADD isn’t the condition in itself but the real world implications it often has on the person dealing with it. Unable to budget priorities, unable to get or hold down a job, feeling like a complete failure at life itself as you see your friends and family succeed with apparent ease while you struggle with basic survival, all that tends to devastate one’s belief in their own ability. And nothing kills a writing session faster than self-doubt. This sucks…no one’s going to like it…I’m going to fail again, that’s the ADD talking, don’t listen to it. With focus, patience, and confidence you will succeed. Don’t hope you will, know you will. Imagine yourself standing on a podium, answering a bazillion questions about your best selling novel or short stories or whatever, while getting your picture taken by the media. Healthy fantasies like that help keep people going during times of difficulty so don’t be ashamed to use them.
PUTTING YOURSELF OUT THERE: For a lot of people this is the most difficult element, not just with writing but anything creative in nature. Let’s face it, words can hurt, and negative criticism of something you’ve spent months or even years on hurts so much more. But as much as we all love positive feedback, as writers we need the negative feedback. We need to know what we’re doing wrong to learn from it in future. Take in the criticisms, not to heart but examine them rationally. Are they right? Are their points valid about my work? Some will give you constructive feedback that you can use to good effect in future. And others will just spit fire with no constructive use to the writer. You have to be daring, willing to face any fears of hurtful criticism or slander to make a writing career.
Case in point, I have a confession to make. Even though I’ve written and used the internet extensively I’ve never actually had anything posted for the whole world to see. The fact is I’m terrified of the world at large, but it’s a fear I have to conquer if I’m going to be successful. This very blog post you’ve just read is my own way of facing that fear. I hope you found it interesting.
And thank you so much Beth, for giving me the opportunity.
- Matt Chiappino
ADHD Solutions now has over 100 fans on Facebook!
We’re celebrating by giving away 100 minutes of free ADHD coaching to one lucky Facebook fan. Just tell us your favorite ADHD Solution (i.e. what works for YOU), and be eligible to win.
There are two ways to participate:
1. Send an email to contest@adhdsolutions.net. Describe in 150 words or less the ADHD coping strategy that works best for you. Please include your Facebook profile name in your email (see Rule #3, below).
OR:
2. Add to the discussion on the ADHD Solutions fan page. Same thing – describe in 150 words or less the ADHD coping strategy that works best for you. Log in to Facebook and click on the Discussions tab from the ADHD Solutions fan page.
Contest rules:
Back in January, I wrote about how difficult it is for people with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to make decisions. I suggested making choices based on who you want to be instead of who you’ve been in the past. That’s great advice for those big decisions like staying in college vs. going pro, but what about the small stuff? Like which GPS to buy?
There are two extremes when it comes to making decisions: People who shoot from the hip, and people who spend way too much time analyzing and ruminating, stuck in indecision. Surprisingly, the solutions are nearly the same regardless of which end of the spectrum you’re on.
Here are some steps you can follow to make better decisions more easily:
What are you having for dinner? What are you doing this weekend? What career will you pursue? Life is full of decisions. Here’s hoping these tips help you make them wisely.
Are you looking for holistic options to help you manage your Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder? Yoga and meditation are both excellent choices. They can help you increase your attention span and self control, while decreasing restlessness and tension.
I’ve teamed up with Tina Stroh and Ron Blouch, co-owners of the Just Plain Yoga Studio here in Camp Hill, to offer a three hour workshop on meditation, yoga, and ADHD. If you are even mildly affected by ADHD-like symptoms, including distractibility, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity (which usually manifests as restlessness in adults), you won’t want to miss this one.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
This introductory workshop is designed for adult beginners. There are no prerequisites or advanced knowledge required. You don’t even have to be able to sit still for very long.
Date: Saturday February 27, 2009, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
Location: Just Plain Yoga Studio, 1845 Market St. & 19th, Camp Hill, PA
Register online at www.justplainyoga.com or call 717.975.YOGA
Give me a call if you have questions or would like more information. I hope to see you there!
Want to start investing but aren’t sure how? You’re not alone. Many people with ADHD struggle to reach their financial goals. Here is an opportunity to learn a little more about the financial markets that might be of interest:
“Kim Lutes, a financial advisor with Waddell and Reed, will hold a free investment management seminar at Funck’s Family Restaurant in Palmyra on Tuesday, February 9th. Doors open at 6:00, the seminar begins at 6:20 and will last approximately 30 minutes with a 10 minute question and answer afterwards. A dessert buffet including cakes, pies, and cookies will be served along with coffee and tea. This will be an educational workshop where we will discuss five myths and truths of investing. We’ll show you sound strategies that can help you succeed in the financial markets and pursue your investment goals. A workbook will be provided. Please RSVP by February 2nd by calling 541-9606 ext 112 or email at klutes@wradvisors.com. More information can be found at www.klutes.wradvisors.com.
Mutual funds and variable annuities are sold by prospectus. Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus, which contains this and other information about the investment company, can be obtained from your financial professional. Be sure to read the prospectus carefully before deciding whether to invest.”
It was dark and rainy outside. I was cranky. Almost 10 a.m, and I hadn’t gotten anything done yet. The CD I play to help me focus better (Bach’s “Lute Suites”) was on its second time through and still wasn’t helping. I was starting to feel guilty for being so unproductive.
It was shaping up to be an ADHD kind of day.
Exercise would help, but I didn’t feel like it. What do you do when you know what you should do, but you just don’t wanna? It’s sooooo hard to get started.
I went over to the spot where I usually stretch and apathetically did a half sun salutation, my favorite yoga movement. I stopped and looked out the window. Still raining. Then I looked back at my computer, thinking about all the things that had to be done.
The phone rang. It was a client, checking in. She said she’d accomplished most of what she committed to and feels on track. Then she commented offhandedly, “I went for a walk yesterday. I think that’s a big part of why I did so well.” I expressed full agreement, being a huge proponent of exercise, diet and sleep to keep ADHD symptoms in check. She went on to say, “It’s always hard for me to exercise. I feel like I’m wasting time. There are so many things I should be doing instead.” I asked her about her productivity before and after the walk. “Oh, I got a lot more done after the walk. It totally rejuvenated me.” “Mmm hmm,” I replied. “I’m not surprised. Exercise is like that. It’s like medicine. It helps you focus and stay on task.” I went on to help her reframe it as an investment.
As I helped my client make the connection between exercise and productivity, I immediately felt more motivated myself. Sometimes what it takes to make you want to do something is to resonate with how great you will feel when it’s done. Not just to think “I should”, but to actually recall the clearheadedness, the limberness, the energy. Although I still wasn’t completely ready to exercise (did I mention it was dark and rainy out?), I was ready to take the next step. I pulled out the yoga mat. This is another one of my favorite anti-procrastination strategies: literally, physically touch the thing you are avoiding.
I was in the right state of mind, the mat was out, and I got moving. And sure enough, I was soon feeling better. By 10:30 I was thinking, this is shaping up to be quite a productive day.
When people ask me how I learned to manage my own ADHD, I often tell the story of a very supportive boss I had back in the 90s, who helped me develop organization, planning, and time management skills. That boss, Kent Frese, is now a nationally recognized expert in leadership development, strategic planning, business development, and operations process improvement as the president of Leadership Management Institute.
Kent is offering a time management workshop on January 28, 2010 at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill, PA. This workshop would be great for anyone who could benefit from an improved understanding of goal setting, focus on high payoff activities and good time management practices.
The cost is $249 and includes a 12-month My-Tyme planner.
More details are available on the LMI web site.
