Submitted by MrsMac on 03/10/2010.
With just about everything in life I get 95% finished and then I'm done with whatever it is. I don't know if it is that my head has moved on to the next thing, or I let myself believe that I am finished or maybe both? At any rate... I'm pretty sure this is part of my ADD and it is causing problems especially since I am currently a stay at home mom. The house is my job and with my inability to finish things I am horrible at it. It's causing depression in me and frustration/resentment in my DH.
All of this to ask... What do you do to make sure that you finish household tasks?
finish tasks
Submitted by brendab on
What do you do to make sure that you finish household tasks?
I am not ADD so sometimes I am concerned that I will give advice that is not taking into account the way your brain is wired, but I will try anyway.
First, I would ask your husband what 3 tasks he considers most important. Then I would make a list of the specific results that I needed to do to "complete" the whole task. It would be helpful if you could get help from someone who does know how to clean and understands your struggle with ADD.
I would create a check off sheet with these specific outcomes, and I would use my check off sheet to determine if the task was done. I would not trust my own judgment but use the list as my guide.
The reason I think that you are having such trouble is that you see chores as one big job rather than a lot of little jobs.
For instance, clean the kitchen.
When you believe you are finished, take the list and review each item making sure it is complete. It would be helpful if you could have someone else check the list with you the first few times. A second set of eyes is helpful. I would also ask for your husband's input, maybe request he tells you 3 things you did right and 1 that could be better. Keep these conversations unemotional and do not feel as if one negative cancels out all the progress you are making.
Keep your list inside a cabinet or drawer to refer to everyday. Determine to make this routine. Perhaps the same time every day before you are likely to be distracted by other things.
Sari Solden is an author that deals with women and ADD. She is also ADD and has a website http://www.addjourneys.com/members/sarisolden. you might get one of her books at the library.
Just the fact that you are asking the question tells me you are motivated to do this.
Brenda