What to Do When You Drop the Ball
I write this on the same day this blog is to be posted. Why is that important information to know? Well, I normally write my blog the week before it comes out. In short, I forgot to write a blog last week, and now I have to quickly type one up before my usual deadline. I dropped the ball. This last-minute attempt at getting a blog out there inspired the blog topic idea of what to do when you drop the ball.
It is, unfortunately, a fact that ADHDers can be forgetful and drop the ball quite a bit. Hopefully, this does not happen, but if it does, here are some helpful tips on what to do when you drop the ball.
Own Up to It
There is an old expression that goes, “The coverup is worse than the crime.” When you mess up, own up to it. Admit what you have done (or, in some cases, not done). This helps re-establish your credibility. Yes, you may have made a mistake, but by owning up to it, you tell others that you take responsibility for your mistakes and do not try to hide them.
Be Kind to Yourself
The tendency, especially with ADHDers, is to get down on oneself for dropping the ball. However, that will only make the situation worse. You will not only have a mess to clean up, but you will also have to manage your emotions. If you can pause, take a few deep breaths, and use some positive self-talk before your emotions go off, you can prevent them from overtaking the situation.
Do Your Best to Make Things Right
As soon as you are able, set about making things right (or as close to right as you can make them). It is not easy to pick up the pieces, but it is necessary. If it is a school or work project, get it done as soon as you can. If you have missed an important meeting, event, etc., apologize to the person(s) you have let down. Find the best way to atone for what you have done (or not done). It is important that you do stand up for yourself and ensure you are being treated justly, but do make a solid effort at putting things right.
Come up with a Plan to Avoid Repeating Your Mistake
When things have calmed down, come up with a strategy to implement to prevent the ball from being dropped in the future. You do not want to be constantly making the same mistakes over and over again. This will hurt your credibility and trustworthiness with others. To rebuild your credibility and trustworthiness, have that plan in place and communicate to others what that plan is.