Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Dealing with Holiday Distractions

The sounds, the lights, the colors and activities, oh my! 

The holiday season presents even greater challenges for those adults who struggle with the traits of ADD.

This is not a time that is merciful to someone who is easily distracted by highly stimulating activities. Getting caught up in the swirling circus of holiday parties, non-stop shopping specials and the multiple sights and sounds of holiday activities is a piece of cake for even those highly organized and well focused individuals. What chance does that leave for a well-managed, organized and balanced holiday season for someone who is easily distracted, has difficulty prioritizing and completing tasks on time and who suffers painful procrastination with every decision to be made?  

Minimize your angst and grief  by ordering your activities as much as possible.

Take some time to plan out your holiday agenda.
  • List all of your scheduled activities and identify the time frames for each one.
  • Discuss realistic expectations with someone you trust (folks with ADD typically set expectations that are unrealistic and unreachable and then feel frustrated and disappointed when the expectations are not met) and write them down.
  • Keep your to do list short. Identify 1-5 tasks at a time. Don’t add to the list until you have completed the ones already on the list. 
  • Identify your most important goals for the holidays and the steps required to reach those goals. 
  • Share your goals with someone you trust and review them through the week. 
  • Set a shopping budget. Leave your credit cards at home and shop with cash if at all possible. Review your spending and your budget after shopping.  
  • Tell someone when you have gotten off track and ask for help.
  • Have fun and reward yourself for being good, Santa will. 
Contact Jim today for a complimentary 30-minute success coaching session.

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