Why Daily Planning is So Important for Adults with ADD

For adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), details
are a drag. We tend to see the big picture and want to
jump straight to the finish line, wishing we could skip all
the steps in between. Unfortunately, this perspective
often causes us to become overwhelmed when it's time to
start a project. We know where we want to end up, but we
don't know where to start.

The same is true for day-to-day life. Adults with ADD
often start the day knowing what should ideally get
accomplished, but not sure where to begin or how to
prioritize. Boredom and frustration set in, making it
difficult to finish what we set out to do. This often
leads to stress and guilt, which can spiral into more bad
feelings, and less action.

In order to avoid this scenario, adults with ADD can learn
to make daily planning a routine.

Here are 3 Easy Steps One Can Take to Develop a Daily
Planning Routine:

1. Plan the Time to Plan.

Decide on a time of day when you can consistently take 15
minutes to plan. It can be a set time (8:00 PM) or simply
"right before bed."

Most adults with ADD find that the best time to plan is
late in the day, when they are more alert. This works
easily, as you can plan for the following day rather than
stressing about it before you go to sleep!

2. Review Your To-Do List.

If you don't already use a to-do list, create one! Review
it during each planning session so that you can see not
only what you have to do, but also what you have actually
accomplished during the day.

Re-write your to-do list, removing completed items and
adding things that came up during the day. Move the most
important and urgent tasks to the top of the list. Break
large projects into 3-5 steps that all go on the list.

3. Review Your Calendar.

Take a look at your daily planner (you are using one, I
hope!) See what appointments you have scheduled the next
day. Block off the times in your planner, along with your
travel time. Then, begin to schedule in time for the tasks
on your to-do list.

Taking just 15 minutes a day to plan alleviates much of the
day-to-day stress of life with ADD, and helps adults move
forward.

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Jennifer Koretsky is the Founder and Chief Visionary
Officer of the ADD Management Group, LLC. Jennifer and her
team work with ADD adults who are overwhelmed with everyday
life in order to help them simplify, focus, and succeed.
For free resources and more information, visit
http://www.ADDmanagement.com .