Remember What You Can't Remember
It’s a great feeling when you finally find something that works for you and your ADHD.
Whether it’s a new task management system for tracking your to-dos or a new alarm you set to keep you on schedule, it feels good to move forward with something that works.
But, how do you remember that it works for you?
Sure, we’d all like to say we’ll just remember, but having ADHD means your working memory doesn’t always perform the way you want it to.
What is Working Memory?
This is what ADDitude Magazine has to say about working memory:
Working memory, which is critical to executive functioning, is where you store short-term information you need to complete a task. … It is an area of the brain where you store bits of information you plan on using again in the near future.
You can think of an ADHD brain like holding on to a fistful of sand. No matter how hard you try, sand is going to fall through the cracks.
Even with the best intentions, ADHDers tend to forget the things they really want to remember.
How Can I Remember?
Just because your working memory isn’t the best doesn’t mean you can’t remember the important things. You are just as capable of retaining information as anyone else, we just have to apply creative solutions!
Write it down
Keeping a journal—whether it’s pen and paper or electronic—is a great way to be able to remember what’s important to you.
Consider this journal like your artificial brain.
Fill the journal full of all the tips and tricks you know work for you. Then, the next time you get stuck on a project, go back to your journal and see what solutions have worked for you in the past.
I think a member of the Taking Control Patreon community said it best when they said they think of their journal as the “Owner’s Manual” to themselves and their ADHD.
Whatever trick or solution you decide to use, the point is to not get derailed by your ADHD brain.
So, how do you remember what you can’t remember?
Below I have included links to a few worksheets you may find useful as resources to help you continue to create positive solutions. Add these to your journal as a helpful guide while you build your strategies for success.
ADHD Strategy Usefulness and Next Steps
Thank you for your time and attention,
-Nikki
