One Thing at a Time

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We ADDers are supposed to be so great at multi-tasking, but the truth is that we do a lot of things at once and don’t really accomplish a lot.

I’ve also noticed that we seem to really only be able to balance one part of our lives at a time.

For instance, if your home is in great shape, chances are that you’re forgetting appointments and paying bills late.

It’s like we’re constantly putting out fires and that’s no way to live.

Right now I’m concentrating on building ADD Moms even bigger and my daughter’s wedding is approaching far too quickly.

That means that my house could use a good cleaning, I need to get back on track with my bill paying system, and going to the gym wouldn’t hurt either.

How do people who don’t have ADHD keep on top of their lives?

I’m not sure I know how they do it, but I can offer some ideas about how we can do better.

It’s not easy and it’s not quick, but the best way to make your life more balanced is to put some habits and systems in place.

That begins with how you structure (or don’t structure) your day.

I have a very firm habit in place for my mornings. The dishwasher gets emptied first thing, the teapot goes on the stove to boil and I start making breakfast.

I never have to worry about the dishes.

With some effort and consistent behavior, I could put similar habits in place for the rest of my home.

I could put all of my bills on automatic payment or set aside a day and time (habit) to pay them each week.

My husband has a habit of going to the gym first thing in the morning. I could make a similar habit with a little bit of work.

The key to success with this is to only work on changing one behavior at a time and to stick with it until it’s automatic. For us, that’s about 4 weeks of consistent behavior.

Realize that when you first start this, you’re not going to do it perfectly. You’re going to forget or procrastinate or just decide not to do it today.

When that happens (and it will) take a look at what you’re trying to do. Why is it you are resisting?

Are you trying to set a habit for something you really hate to do? Is the right time of day for you? Is this something that someone else could handle for you? (Oh if we all could hire housekeepers!)

Find the one area in your life that is really bothering you right now and look for a solution to put in place. Now commit to spending the next 60 days working on it. (30 days to make it a habit, but an extra 30 to get it set up and doing it consistently.)

You can do this!

And you know what? So can I. I’m going to work on a better housework routine so things get done. Join me!

Lacy Estelle

Lacy Estelle

Lacy Estelle is the writer of Lacyestelle.com and the Podcast host for An ADD Woman.

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