Why
Daily Planning is So Important for Adults with ADD
by ADD Coach Jennifer Koretsky
For adults with
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), details are a drag. We tend
to see the big picture and want to jump straight to the finish
line, wishing we could skip all the steps in between. Unfortunately,
this perspective often causes us to become overwhelmed when it's
time to start a project. We know where we want to end up, but
we don't know where to start.
The same is true
for day-to-day life. Adults with ADD often start the day knowing
what should ideally get accomplished, but not sure where to begin
or how to prioritize. This often leads to stress and guilt, which
can spiral into more bad feelings, and less action.
In order to avoid
this scenario, adults with ADD can learn to make daily planning
a routine.
3 Easy Steps
to Develop a Daily Planning Routine
1. Plan
the Time to Plan
Decide on a time of day when you can consistently take 15 minutes
to plan. It can be a set time (8:00 PM) or simply "right
before bed."
Most adults with
ADD find that the best time to plan is late in the day, when they
are more alert. This works easily, as you can plan for the following
day rather than stressing about it before you go to sleep!
2. Review
Your To-Do List
If you don't already use a to-do list, create one! Review it during
each planning session so that you can see not only what you have
to do, but also what you have actually accomplished during the
day.
Re-write your to-do
list, removing completed items and adding things that came up
during the day. Move the most important and urgent tasks to the
top of the list. Break large projects into 3-5 steps that all
go on the list.
3. Review
Your Calendar
Take a look at your daily planner (you are using one, I hope!)
See what appointments you have scheduled the next day. Block off
the times in your planner, along with your travel time. Then,
begin to schedule in time for the tasks on your to-do list.
Taking just 15 minutes
a day to plan alleviates much of the day-to- day stress of life
with ADD, and helps adults move forward.
© Jennifer
Koretsky
Jennifer Koretsky
is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps adults manage
their ADD and move forward in life. She encourages clients to
increase self-awareness, focus on strengths and talents, and create
realistic action plans. She offers a 90-day intensive skill-building
program, workshops, and private coaching. Her work has been featured
in numerous media, including The New York Times Magazine and The
Times (UK). To subscribe to Jennifer's free email
newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit
www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm