Creating A System With ADHD

Where Do You Start?

“If I just had a system in place, this would be easier.”  Sound familiar? 

The word system is a very broad word, what does it really mean, especially in terms of managing your ADHD?

I describe a system similar to how I would describe a workflow.

It’s a list of action steps that need to be taken in a certain order to achieve your end result. 

Here are a couple of examples: 

• I need to get to work on time, so I created a morning routine checklist. This checklist will remind me of everything that I need to do and help me get out of the door on time.

• I need to control the mail that is coming in. The first step is collecting it and putting it into the same basket every time. The second step will be to decide on what day I will sort through it. The third step is recycling junk mail and the fourth steps is to file any paper I want to keep and use a bulletin board for anything that I need to take action on.

Here are a few guidelines to creating your own systems:

1. Identify where you need a system in place.

2. Write down the steps to get to the end result. 

3. Prioritize the steps and only keep the most important. 

4. Keep it simple and easy to do. 

5. Have a reminder in place to pay attention to your new system. 

6. Create a checklist and use it until you are comfortable it’s now a habit. 

7. Practice your system.

8. Make it fun and engaging. 

9. Tweak it when necessary. 

10. If you get off track, that’s ok, start again tomorrow! 

Thank you for your time and attention.

-Nikki