Ever wonder why you struggle to focus or get started on a project you do not want to do? The explanation behind it is that those of us with ADHD have an interest-based nervous system. This means that our brains are attracted to whatever is interesting to us in the moment. Interest, in this case, is anything that stimulates the brain.

It is important to point out that this stimulation can be positive or negative. So, you can be engaged by a crossword puzzle or rumination.

We all have dragons to slay. By dragons, I mean the big scary tasks that we know we have to do or want to do but have a sense of overwhelm when thinking about doing it. These tasks can seem insurmountable, but they can be done. They might be difficult, but we can do difficult things.

The first thing you need is a plan of attack. Break down what you need or want to do into tiny steps. Figure out where to start and how to best accomplish what you need or want to do.

Structure, while naturally abhorrent to the ADHD brain, is necessary to live a productive and successful life. Sometimes a simple structure is not enough to keep you on the right path. That is when you need to up your game and implement a fierce structure. A fierce structure involves taking drastic measures to discourage unwanted behavior and encourage wanted behavior. The idea of a “fierce structure” comes from ADHD coach Barbara Luther who has been instrumental in teaching many ADHD coaches how to best serve those with ADHD. Let’s take a look at five fierce structures that might be of benefit to you.

I write this on the day the round of 64 begins for the NCAA basketball tournament. I am wondering how I will stay focused when all of these exciting basketball games are going on. Not all of my readers are college basketball fans, but all of us are fans of something. It can be a challenge to stay focused and productive when there is something exciting happening in the world. Heck, it is hard to stay focused when there is something terrible going on. You may be distracted by the NCAA tournament, or you may be distracted by the war in Ukraine. Whatever is going on, society, school, your employer, etc. expects you to stay productive. So, what can be done when other things are vying for our attention?

Managing your ADHD is kind of like fulfilling an order at a Burger King. The slogan for Burger King used to be “Have it your way.” I maintain this is a principle that ADHDers ought to adapt. You see, you have to manage your ADHD your way.

If you have ADHD, you might find that you struggle with time management. In fact, there is a very strong likelihood that you will struggle with time management. It is an executive function skill we ADHDers just do not have. We tend to focus on the present much more than the future. Because of this, we get so wrapped up with what we are doing that we forget about what we need to be doing later. In short, we have no internal sense of time. What we need to do, then, is externalize time.

I do not believe I have ever mentioned this on this blog, but I do improv. I get a suggestion and then make up a scene with another performer. I love it. Improv is one of the most fun things I have ever done. I believe everyone who tries improv can walk away with some skill that applies to their real life. If there is one thing you can learn from improv, it is to “yes and…”

Life can get hectic, crazy, and/or messy at times. Things can spiral out of control, and chaos can rule the day. However, the world doesn’t stop spinning when your life gets messy. You still need to be able to perform at work. Bills still need to be paid. And, your house needs to stay in order. As much as we would like life to slow down while we deal with our crap, it does not. So, what can we do when life is messy and troublesome?

This past weekend, I attended the 2021 Virtual Conference on ADHD. One of the presentations that most resonated with me was on accountability. This session was presented by Eric Tivers of ADHD Rewired. It was filled with humor and great tips on setting up accountability structures in your life. Here are five things I learned while listening to Tivers’ presentation.

I love planning. There is something about coming up with a grand plan that excites me. I get to flex my analytical muscles and design something incredible. However, I often find myself not getting into action and following through with my elaborate plans. This is mostly because I love the planning stage. The action phase is not as exciting to my ADHD brain. It has been a challenge for me to stop planning and start doing. Here are a few tips that have helped me.

One of the guiding principles of Reset ADHD is “If it’s not fun, it won’t get done.” I try to make my coaching fun and engaging. I want to make sure my clients are excited about coaching and trying the strategies we discuss in our coaching sessions. There is a very good reason for this: The ADHD brain loves fun!

I talk a lot about hitting the RESET button on ADHD. In fact, I named my coaching practice after that. I firmly believe in hitting the RESET button and starting again with strengths-based strategies. However, there can be a temptation to power through when things get tough. It can be difficult to know when is the proper moment to hit RESET. I have compiled some times when hitting the RESET button would be beneficial. But, these are not the only times when hitting RESET would be advantageous. There are more, and I hope you recognize those moments when they arise.