Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Take control of your mind

The ADD mind talks incessantly. We start on one project, it tells us to do another. We drop the task and jump to the new one without thinking. Thus, we are jerked around, jumping from one thing and then another, accomplishing nothing at day's end.

It is time to tell the mind in no uncertain terms to Shut Up. Otherwise, the ADD mind continues the fun and games at our expense.

Establish control. It's the only way to ignore impulsive suggestions. A good start is to recite affirmations such as, I am in complete control of my mind. I control the tasks I do today.

However, that in itself is not enough.

Identify planned tasks for the day. (Yes, that smacks of organization, something missing or not high on the list for most readers of this blog. Get some helpful organization tips here: http://hubpages.com/hub/Organization-is-a-4-letter-Word)

Taking charge of the mind is more than changing the impulse for a peanut butter-jelly sandwich into a tunafish sandwich.

You determine what you are going to do and when you are going to do it by making a plan, and following the plan.

Start small with only two or three projects to accomplish on a given day. Remain determined to not start other projects before completing those identified in your plan. Constantly affirm being in charge of all actions. Be on guard for impulses to strike. When an impulsive behavior strikes, say, "I am in charge of what I do. Right now, I choose to complete (task).

Using a plan of action and affirming control of your actions, can prevent events such as this story reported by an anonymous ADHD client.

I was working on a project with a due deadline when my thirst kicked in. I headed for the kitchen to refill my water container. Reaching the kitchen, I looked into the pantry for a snack. The pantry was a disgusting mess. I decided right then and there to give it a good cleaning. I proceeded to take everything out, wipe down the shelves, separate what needed tossed, and rearrange the good stuff in some type of order. While doing this, it dawned on me that I had forgotten to call (friend) to cancel a previous plan. I made the call and got pulled into a lengthy discussion. While listening to my friend, I turned on the television. Long after the call ended I sat there mesmerized by this program until I jumped up to get a drink of water. Entering the kitchen, I was faced with this awful sight. Contents from the pantry were scattered everywhere. They covered the counters, stove-top and the table. Even the kitchen sink. What a mess! I couldn't deal with it, so I just left the house. I had dinner, did some shopping and took in a movie. Came home and went to bed.

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon story. The symptoms of ADHD not only result in hours of unproductive time, but may cover days, weeks, months, and even more. Fortunately, the symptoms of ADHD can be managed and turned into success.


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Paul is a natural health consultant specializing in personal performance issues. He can be contacted at paul@keenehealth.net or paul@theabcsofadhd.com .

Visit Paul's websites:

http://www.keenehealth.net/ and http://www.theabcsofadhd.com/