Mavericks Break the Rules
Dear Friend ,
Before my book was published last year, I brainstormed titles and subtitles with my Mastermind Group of coaches. The title Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD was born out of that meeting.
A week later, I came up with the subtitle: How to Be Happy and Successful by Breaking the Rules. I loved it! It was a fantastic summary of my personal coaching philosophy. I sent it around to some close friends and colleagues and asked for feedback.
A few people liked it a lot, but a couple of people emailed me with the same concern: they suggested I use the subtitle "How to Be Happy and Successful by Making Your Own Rules," instead of "...by Breaking the Rules." Breaking the rules seemed a little too strong, they said. And really it means the same thing in the end, doesn't it?
I thanked everyone for their feedback, and chose not to change the subtitle. Here's why: Mavericks aren't content to just make new rules. Mavericks don't even like rules. And we tend to not like the people who make the rules much, either.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not encouraging anyone to indulge in a crime spree. What I am suggesting, however, is that there are a number of social rules and constraints that many ADDers struggle to adhere to.
Think about all the rules that you feel pressured to follow, like:
- You must put money before happiness when it comes to your job or career
- You must sit perfectly still in a meeting or classroom so as not to disrupt others
- You must go to bed and wake up at a "reasonable" hour
- You must super-clean your house for guests
- You must put everything away in a neat and tidy place if you want to be organized
- You must put the needs of your family and friends before your needs
- You must be productive throughout the entire day
- And worst of all - you must do everything in your power to hide your ADD from everyone around you
I call BS on all these rules, and the others like them!
Maverick ADDers actually function better with guidelines instead of rules. When we create structure for ourselves, it needs to flexible, not rigid.
The maverick approach to ADD management requires that you take a good, hard look at the rules you're pressuring yourself to follow, and decide which ones need to be broken.
When you embrace the maverick within and make a conscious decision to break the rules that have been holding you back, you give yourself permission to be happy and successful according to your own guidelines. You move beyond your challenges, and into your authentic self.
In this regard, the maverick approach to ADD management is easier than you might think. Following the rules can be painful... but breaking them can be fun.
What rules are you ready to break? Tell us! Please share your thoughts on my blog at: http://www.experiencingaddvantages.com/2008/10/mavericks-break.html#comments
Ready To Take a Maverick Approach to Time Management?
When it comes to time management for adults with ADD, the maverick approach is more important than ever!
In the Time Management Masters Seminar that begins on Tuesday, I'll lead you step-by-step through the creation of your own personal time management system.
I'll give you the guidelines, and you'll customize them according to your own needs. In this Seminar, you'll:
- Custom-create a to-do list that works for you
- Discover the various time management tools that are available, and find out how to pick the right tools for you
- Determine your "pillars of structure" and plan around them
- Create a system for managing "all those great ideas" that you come up with, but never have time for
- Develop flexible structure based on your natural biorhythms and energy levels
This Seminar is NOT for everyone. Time management is a difficult skill to build, and not every adult with ADD is ready to (or wants to) take on the challenge.
This Seminar IS for adults with ADD who are ready and willing to:
- Be open to new ideas and strategies
- Spend time and energy developing and practicing new skills
- Create a practical--and permanent--time management system
- Embrace a maverick approach to time management!
"I just want to thank you for your Time Management System. It is fantastic to, for the first time, take a course about Time Management, made FOR ADDers BY an ADDer. It really makes all the difference in the world...
...this is something that recognizes and respects our ADD challenges, and utilizes our ADD strengths!"
Alan Blowstein
New Jersey |
The Seminar begins this Tuesday, so don't wait to register! Visit http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/timemanagement.html
If you're ready to embrace your inner maverick and break the rules of time management, then I hope you'll join us!
P.S. Don't forget, the Time Management Masters Seminar begins on Tuesday!
Register at http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/timemanagement.html. |
