Exploring Effective Tools for ADHD: My Personal Journey
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Chapter 1: Understanding My Struggles
Tonight, I find myself grappling with a lack of creative inspiration, akin to trying to ignite a campfire with damp logs. It’s frustrating, so I’ve decided to keep this reflection brief and manageable.
I want to share the various habit-forming tools that have intrigued me over time—some that didn’t align with my needs, and others that proved invaluable, even when I was unaware of my ADHD.
I’ll alternate between the ineffective tools and those that truly helped me, keeping in mind that I have no affiliations with any of these resources.
Section 1.1: The Ineffective Tools
1) Work Effectiveness/Self-Help Books
What didn’t work:
Getting Things Done (GTD) by David Allen
This method involves collecting all tasks and ideas, categorizing them, and regularly reviewing progress. Despite being an early enthusiast of GTD when it was released in 2001, I struggled to integrate its principles into my life. I even sought assistance from my Lotus Notes administrator to customize my email tools, but nothing seemed to click. Ultimately, I realized that GTD didn't address my focus challenges, which I later learned were linked to my ADHD.
What worked instead:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
This book has been a source of inspiration for me. I appreciate Covey's principles, which emphasize personal responsibility and effective collaboration. These concepts resonated with me on a deeper level, allowing me to incorporate them into my daily routine, whether at work or home.
Section 1.2: Life Automation and Optimization
What didn’t work, and sometimes did:
The Four-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
While I enjoy Tim Ferriss' podcast and the ideas he presents, many of the strategies in his book were not practical for me. For instance, while automating bill payments proved beneficial, the broader concepts of life simplification and a "low information" diet fell flat. My mind thrives on stimulation, making it difficult for me to limit my focus.
Key suggestions from Ferriss' book include:
- Automating tasks and outsourcing
- Eliminating unproductive activities
- Batch processing similar tasks
- Creating a "low information" diet
- Designing a lifestyle with mini-retirements
- Achieving location independence
- Focusing on high-income and high-leisure work
- Utilizing metrics effectively
Chapter 2: Finding What Works
The Ineffective Habit Trackers
I’ve tried numerous habit trackers, from spreadsheets to mobile apps, but none have sustained my interest.
What worked instead:
Apple iPhone iOS Reminders and Smart Lists
This tool transformed my approach to task management. I can create reminder lists organized by hashtags, allowing me to easily track various areas of my life, such as work and health.
Journaling/Note-taking
What didn’t work:
Traditional paper journals and iPads with Apple Pencil proved challenging due to my handwriting difficulties.
What worked instead:
Using electronic journals like the Apple Notes app has been a revelation. It’s accessible across my devices and offers a straightforward platform for my thoughts.
In conclusion, every individual's brain functions uniquely, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to remain self-aware and flexible in your approach to finding effective strategies. I welcome your thoughts and experiences in this area!
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