I’ve never been diagnosed as ADHD, however, I’m pretty sure I’ve got it. For example, this is the third time I’ve started and stopped writing this blog and I’m only two sentences in.
Or another example: I’m having a serious conversation about school and discipline with a friend about grounding from TV. I go from that to Netflix to HBO to When is the Next Game of Thrones going to be on to What will John Snow and Calecee’s baby look like (I’m not stopping to look up how to spell her name right or I’ll be on Google for 2 hours reading about who knows what).
Wait, Google….
Wasn’t I supposed to Google something earlier today when Garen and I were talking? I wonder what Garen is doing now? Oh yeah, Kate was crying when we talked. I bet he had a crazy night with the four kiddos with me in Houston. Wait, the new babysitter started tonight……. Hold up! How did I get here? Wasn’t I supposed to be giving examples???
So you get the general idea. That can happen to me in the middle of a dead serious conversation- like at a doctor’s office or while talking to the school principle. Seriously, every minute of my life is like this. But it’s not just that.
I struggle to be on time. I procrastinate on important things that are overwhelming to me. But on certain tasks that get my attention, I can get things done with super-focus. There’s a reason my blog is called Chicken Minus Head- because I’m often running around like that, from one thing to another!
I’m NOT saying this to try to get sympathy or to make excuses. I deal with it and work hard every day to overcome through crazy-weird organization techniques. I’m also a self-proclaimed self improvement junkie. I listen to a TON of audiobooks and podcasts since I have so much windshield time every week. One I read a while back is really worth sharing on Mommy Review Monday. It’s called Faster Than Normal by Peter Shankman.
It’s all about how ADHD can actually become your personal super power if you learn how to harness it and use it to your advantage. It also is very helpful for anyone who has someone that has ADHD in their life and often times doesn’t know how to handle them.
Garen and I both listened to it. There are times that the author went on about himself a little much and that bothered Garen more than me. I think he did it to make a point that he didn’t achieve so much despite having ADHD but more to demonstrate that he achieved a lot because he had ADHD. Look beyond that to get the useful tips. Plus, the author is pretty hilarious so it was a fun listen. I’m going to start listening to his podcast to see if there are more tips that I can use.
This book is worth the read (or listen) if you’re a parent or teacher of an ADHD so you can learn ways to encourage and coach (and stay sane) or if you’re just a person that likes to get a lot done (even if you don’t have ADHD).
FREE ADHD TIP: I finally finished this blog by setting my alarm for 10 minute time intervals and didn’t let myself do anything else until I finished it. Doing that allowed me to get it done MUCH faster. A lot of folks term this “time blocking.” During the work week I use it a lot to get things done that I don’t look forward to and sometimes for chores I hate too. It really works well for me. I can’t remember if this is in the book or not but this gives you an idea of the kinds of ideas you can get out of it.
Chicken Minus Head 