09.17.09
What Works – Variety Task List
I used to put only my most major, most important tasks on my to-do list, things that may take more than a day to accomplish and that I would really set my mind on. The problem with that was, when I didn’t feel like working on a major task, I didn’t get anything done at all. I would sit there trying to hype myself up to do the big tasks. Then, the little tasks would pile up until I was way behind on everything.
So, I started putting a variety of things on my to-do list, some things that take hours or days, some things that can be done in a half hour or so, and even short 10-minute tasks. Now, there’s always something I can convince myself to do, so if I’m not in the mood to work on a big task now, I can get the little things done so they’re out of the way when I am in the mood to work on the big task (or when the deadline on the big task is looming and I’ve procrastinated it so long, I must work on it at the expense of everything else!).
It also feels good and is motivating to check stuff off the list, even if it’s just something little!
On a related note, I just bought this shirt: http://tr.im/yW1c !
bloggingawayadhd said,
September 17, 2009 at 3:31 am
By the way, if you have any “What Works” to contribute, please let me know and I could write it up or you could guest-post!
ingri81 said,
October 29, 2009 at 1:52 am
I just wanted to ask you if you’ve noticed any results from the fish oil yet? I just ordered some the other day and I’m waiting for it to be delivered. I have ADD(not ADHD) and getting constantly sidetracked and forgetting why I entered a room is just driving me nuts. I’ve read that the omega-3 in the fish oil is supposed to help, so I guess I’ll find out. How has it been working for you so far?
bloggingawayadhd said,
October 29, 2009 at 1:57 am
Honestly, I’ve never taken it consistently enough to notice a difference – sorry I can’t be of more help! I still take it as often as I remember (which isn’t often) because there are many health benefits.
Thanks for the reminder, though – I need to take it more often! If I ever do notice an impact on my ADHD I will write about it :)
Ellen said,
November 5, 2009 at 7:18 pm
This is really interesting. I just started doing an omnipresent to-do list where I put all sorts of things on it. It seems to be working out fairly well. It has also helped me become more conscious of when I start “floating” too much – zoning out, losing focus. Before when that happened, I would just feel bad about myself, which would result in more escapist impulses, and more “floating.” Now when I sense that bad “I’m floating!” feeling, I respond by picking something from my list and doing it. Just keeping the bad feelings at bay is a help – never mind the ancillary benefits of getting little (and sometimes big) things done. Glad to hear it seems to be working for you too.
(I’m not against medication, I just have had difficulty in finding a decent doctor or therapist.)