5 Ways to Mismanage Your Time
Dear Friend,
 It's no secret that time management is one of the biggest challenges for adults with ADD. And it's easy to see why! Our attention inconsistencies, distractible nature, and tendency towards stress and frustration can lead us into time-and-task-overwhelm on a daily basis!
But despite what you may have heard, there actually are ADD-friendly techniques for time management, and it is absolutely possible to have ADD and manage your time effectively!
It's important, however, to avoid some common time management pitfalls.
Here are the top 5 mistakes that I see ADDers making when it comes to time management:
1. Not using a to-do list. Your to-do list is your friend! This essential time management tool takes the pressure off by helping you keep track of your responsibilities and goals. Without it, you're forced to hold all your tasks and to-dos in your head, which can easily lead to mental overload.
Your to-do list can be contained in a notebook, a smartphone, a word processing document, or whatever works for you.
2. Refusing to plan ahead. ADDers can be really spontaneous. This quality can add a great deal of fun to a party, but it's not as appealing when it comes to time management. Trying to manage your time on the fly is sure to result in procrastination, missed deadlines, and even forgotten promises.
Planning ahead to manage your tasks and to-dos allows you to create structure and get things done.
3. Trying to do too much in the day (and week, month, year.) Adults with ADD often have unrealistic expectations about what they can accomplish in a given time period. Setting yourself up with unrealistic goals is setting yourself up for failure. (Not to mention guilt, low self-esteem, and burnout!)
Instead, spend some time observing how much time it actually takes you to do certain things.
4. Being a perfectionist. Contrary to what you might think, perfectionists leave many tasks and projects unfinished. When you're stuck in perfectionism, nothing gets done because it never seems good enough!
ADDers who lean towards perfectionism can determine in advance what will constitute a "good job" and stick to those guidelines.
5. Speeding up instead of slowing down. We often respond to stress by kicking into high gear and performing under intense pressure. But this is a surefire way to burn out.
In all aspects of life, we work much more efficiently and effectively when we are calm and centered--not frantic and stressed.
Are you making these time management mistakes and suffering the consequences? Tell us about it on my blog at http://www.experiencingaddvantages.com/2008/10/5-ways-to-misma.html#comments!
Are YOU a Time-Challenged ADDer?
The Time Management Masters Seminar has been designed specifically for adults with ADD who are ready and willing to create a practical--and permanent--time management system.
-> Early birds save $50 when registering by Tuesday October 21st! Visit http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/timemanagement.html
In this 4-week, virtual seminar, you'll:
- Learn practical time management techniques that are proven to work for adults with ADD
- Sculpt a time management system that will work specifically for you
- Decrease stress and overwhelm
- Finally get a handle on your time and tasks
Enrollment includes:
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Four 1-hour, live teleseminars on Tuesdays, November 4, 11, 18 and 25. Each teleseminar begins at 8pm EST.
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Teleseminar recordings (MP3) and notes.
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Planning and prep worksheets.
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Recommended tools and resources.
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Members-only website for coaching and peer support.
Please Note: This program is NOT for everyone! It IS for adults with ADD who are really and truly ready to tackle time management at this point in time.
Visit the Time Management Masters Seminar website for more information, and to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount! http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/timemanagement.html
"Using this program, I’ve seen tremendous value in the sanity I've gained by sloooowing down and planning.
My relationship with all the clocks in my life has improved -- the inanimate and animate ones. (I'm counting my partner in there too, since she's the "Big Ben" in our house!)"
Judy Hnat
Asbury, NJ
You CAN learn to manage your time efficiently and effectively. If you're ready, then I hope you'll join us!
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