Why Nike Has the Right Idea
 Hi there,
I’ve always loved the Nike tagline, “Just Do It.” The message is clear. If you want something, then stop making excuses and just do it! It’s a positive, inspirational message that cuts through a lot of BS.
For people with ADD, however, “just do it” isn’t always such a positive message. Many of us who had challenges in our youth (and even in our adulthood) have been dismissed and told to “just do it.”
I can’t concentrate on this math homework. Well you have no problem concentrating on those video games. Just do it!
I’ll clean my room, but where do I start? Stop whining and just do it!
I’d like to lead the team on this project for work, but how do I go about doing that? I don’t know, you just do it!
Sometimes, “just do it” just doesn’t apply. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder comes with certain challenges that are real, and you may need some help to learn how to overcome and/or deal with these challenges. So, for example:
You can’t become organized when you don’t have any organization skills. But you can get help to learn these skills.
You can’t will yourself to fall asleep at night just because you’re tired. But you can take steps to regulate your sleeping habits, and you can get medical help if necessary.
You can’t force yourself to sustain focus when you’re bored out of your mind. But you can pick up some tips and tricks to help you focus better.
It’s at this stage of the game where I see a lot of adults with ADD falter. They identify their challenges and get the help they need, but then don’t follow through.
I think this is because many of us expect magic bullet solutions that will change everything. Unfortunately, those magic bullets don’t exist.
If you never enjoyed organizing, then having newfound organization skills won’t suddenly make it fun to clean out the pantry.
Having a few focus-boosting tricks will help you pay attention, but they won’t make the meetings any more interesting than they were before.
Managing your time with a planner will definitely help you get things done, but the planner can't make you leave the house on time to make that appointment.
This is where “Just Do It” comes back into play. When it’s a matter of will or won’t (and not a matter of can’t), “Just Do It” becomes a fantastic motto that adults with ADD can use to their benefit.
When you think: I don’t feel like cleaning up. Tell yourself: Just do it!
When you think: I know it’s late but I don’t want to get off the computer and go to bed. Tell yourself: Just do it!
When you think: That report that’s due is so dull--I don’t want to work on it! Tell yourself: Just do it!
When you “just do” something, you cut out the BS and the excuses, and you prove to yourself that you ARE capable of achieving the goals you set for yourself. It might not be fun, but you CAN get it done! And best of all, when you “just do it,” you get to stop stressing out and move on with your life.
I think it all comes down to this: Build awareness. Seek solutions. Just do it.
In what ways can you use the motto “Just Do It” in your own life? Please share your thoughts on my blog! http://www.experiencingaddvantages.com/2010/07/just-do-it.html#comments
Check Out the Virtual AD/HD Conference!
 The 3rd Annual Virtual AD/HD Conference is taking place October 4-6, 2010--from the comfort of your own home of office!
This conference is your opportunity to interact with the experts, get your questions answered, connect with the community, and get the tools and resources you need to succeed... without ever leaving home!
Whether you have ADD, or someone close to you has it, I highly recommend attending the Virtual AD/HD Conference. Here are just a few reasons why:
- You get to invite the top experts in the world of AD/HD into your living room (without cleaning up!). Join me, Ned Hallowell, Patricia Quinn, and 20 other AD/HD experts.
- Get the tools you need to succeed with AD/HD. The conference is 3 days of sessions packed with information, resources, and success strategies.
- Break out of isolation and connect with supportive people who are in your shoes. Hundreds of people attend the conference, and there is ample opportunity to ask questions, share your experiences, and make a few friends.
- It's virtual--meaning the whole thing takes place online--so anyone can attend! You can skip the travel costs and hassles.
- You can participate at your own pace with no pressure. The conference resources, including the session recordings and presentation slides, are yours to download and keep.
- You can save $100 off the already affordable registration rates when you register by July 19th!
Check out the conference website at http://ADHDconference.com for all the details.
And do be sure to click on the "Agenda" tab to see the stellar sessions and speakers that are lined up for the conference!
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Well, that's it for me today! I hope you're enjoying your summer so far. Stay cool!
P.S. Remember: Build awareness. Seek solutions. Just do it. It might not be fun, but you CAN get it done!
P.P.S. Early Bird registration discounts are still available (for a limited time) for the Virtual AD/HD Conference! Check it out at http://ADHDconference.com. |
