ADHD VIRTUAL ENTREPRENEUR

It’s that time of the year, again; holidays banging on the door, last minute work details clamoring to get done by the end of the year, social obligations out the wazo.  Even the most stalwart professional can find it difficult to stay focused and with ADHD….well, you know the score.

Staying focused can be difficult in the best of times and that isn’t necessarily now.  How can you find focus within the holiday frazzle?  Let’s review some of the top tips of the year.

Say No

My all time favorite.  As an ADHDer, you may be one of those folks who take on more than even a superhero could accomplish and you lose focus on what’s important.  It all sounds great, but when you tally the time score, YIKES!  Saying No requires you to put the brakes on your initial urge to respond.  When asked to take something on, try “Let me think about that and get back to you”.  It will provide a bit of a breathing space to truly decide instead of react.

Clear the decks for high payoff actions

Try to work on one project at a time.  I know, I know, there are a million things to be done.  The reality is multi-tasking really isn’t effective and it can drag you off task if you indulge in it too often.  In the morning, set priorities that are tied to your mission and use reminders to keep you on track.  Narrow your focus to the high payoff action items and stick to it.

Create the optimum environment

For everyone it’s different, but find the delicate balance between stimulation and overwhelmed in order to keep you ADHD brain engaged.  I have one client who works best with a white noise machine, another who needs to keep moving to stay focused, and another for whom bright colors do the trick.  Whether it’s creating a quiet retreat atmosphere or an edgy ambiance, figure out what works for your brain to stay focused and feed it.

Exercise

Movement and exercise is key for most folks with ADHD.  If the pharmaceutical companies could bottle the benefits of exercise for the brain, believe me, they would.  Give your brain the gift of focus by working exercise into your day on a regular basis.

Meditation

Studies on mindfulness meditation suggest that meditation can help increase attention and focus.  Think of it like training a muscle.  At first it may seem difficult, but with practice you’ll get better.  And mindfulness meditation can be done even while you’re working because it’s about being…mindful.  ADDitude magazine is a good starting point for more information on mindfulness and ADHD. 

By reducing your obligations, clearing the deck for high payoff actions, exercising and staying mindful you can stay focused rather than being frazzled.