A quick ADHD tips and tricks post, something that came to my awareness that I thought was worth mentioning.
It occurred to yesterday, that there's something I learned to do a very long time ago ( intuitively ) or otherwise, that I started doing as a way to get things done. The reason I just now rediscovered this trick I do, because it's been ingrained into my "being" for so long ( long before I was ever diagnosed ) that it's something..."I just do".
It's been clouded over by so many other things in my life like work, relationships, duties, obligations, and so many other things that occupy my mind...it simply gets buried underneath all these things, that now, stripping those away....I had this realization that I've done this as long as I can remember...in fact, I can't even remember when I started doing it? I suspect...swimming again is where this comes from which is why I'm bringing this up.
I understand, there are a lot of people on this forum with ADHD kids. I thought it might be worth mentioning this one.....that is, my self taught way to successfully manage my ADHD symptoms before I knew I had ADHD.
I don't for a moment, think this is some new revelation or something that hasn't been researched or discovered in terns of ADHD research. But because it's tied to my "Elite training "....it might get overlooked. It well established that breaking things down to "smaller tasks" is a a known method to help get things done for people with ADHD.
This is more of an addendum to that method ....which is where the value in this comes from.
In other words...breaking things down to smaller "bites" is fine, but that doesn't actually get you to do it, especially if it's something you don't want to do!! This is actually how I rediscovered it...I have a list of things I don't want to do but have to be done in a specific time frame. That's where "short term goals" come in.
And that's where the swimming training comes in. Training = workouts ( work ) = repetitive "sets" = pain and exhaustion = not necessarily something you look forward to doing everyday! Lol There has to be something to get you past the procrastination, I don't feel like it...barrier!
And I know for a fact...this barrier for someone whith ADHD is very real. I just figured it out on my own so long ago, it's become automatic.
The key components are:
"Achievable" goals = success. And success breeds more success, which motivates you to do it again "tomorrow".
"Visualizing" the day or night before...all the steps you need to take...."Ahead of time"...before you do it.
"Flexability"...in that, knowing up front, you may not make it or finish, so if you don't, it doesn't derail the process. Success isn't in the making the deadline, it's the "attempting" to make it...over and over. That's the win. There's no "beating yourself up" for trying. That's the point in this excersise. Getting 80% done...is still better than procrastinating and not doing anything at all. Even 50%. It's the consistent attempts that finally get you there in the end.
"Rewards" when you get there. What ever carrot works. Pick one. My reward system is constantly changing...but I always "treat myself" to something when I reach my goal.
And that's the point in doing this for me. No one else us going to reward me for doing a partial or almost done job. But there's still work and effort involved ...even IF you don't finish or complete the "goal" today.
And the entire point in even bringing this up. I'm not going to get validation or anyone telling me I did a "good job". I get to determine what that is...and the "short term goal" is the target .
In it's very essence...you're not going to hit the bulleyes every time when you throw darts at a dart board. On occasion you do, but the rest still count when your keeping score, to reach the desired goal.
That's how it works. And I've done this so long...I forgot, it's just something I do.
This is also one of those times...where "ignoring" what others might say, is actually beneficial to achieving your goal. Others may have other or alternative ideas...but if it works, don't fix it.
In my case...it worked, for as long as I can remember...long before I ever knew I had ADHD/AuDHD. This was realization yesterday, which I thought was worth sharing.
Comments
Onan's Childeren
I mentioned treating myself to a reward after accomplishing my short term goal. I've done similar in the past with my best riding buddy who belonged to the BMW Riders Club International.
But my riding buddy actually belonged to a splinter group. It was a group of riders on their forum who kept getting sanctioned for breaking policy. This smaller group called themselves "Onan's Childeren"...which, I'm not going to explain if you don't get the reference. Lol
Any who, I was invited to attend their yearly gathering in Crecent City, California. Riders would travel from all over the world to attended a 3 day gathering in a cheap motel that they rented ( the entire thing ) just for their group. All I can say is, their namesake spoke to the fact that it was like a bunch of middle aged to almost middle aged people who behaved like they were 18, and just left home for their freshman year of college. Needless to say, a lot of fun was to be had. I ended up going two years in a row. The overall theme was basically no rules. They had a dinner, and a lot of comrades but mostly it was a long weekend of letting go and and having a good time which included...riding in excessive speeds as a group! Many of these people were former motorcycle track racers which was why the excessive speed part. I was happy to take my place in the back and just enjoy watching from behind.
So now, today, as I'm packing up to leave...I'm looking forward to my "treat". Which is very much like the Onan's Childerens group, but with dirt bikes instead. I sold my motorcycle to pay for expenses, but I bought myself a E-Mt Bike that goes surprisingly fast with large off road tires. It's a used Frankenstein parts bike I found for cheap, but it'll suffice for this "UnRalley" as they call it. And once again, I was invited along last year to this very diverse group of poeple. Many are serious off roads racers but most are just enthusiasts who share the same passion. It's be likened to.."Burning Man with Motorcycles" which is kind of close...but not exactly. This is more about riding bikes and an excuse to party at night in one big exclusive group. Weirdness is promoted. The wieder the better. One evening, every is asked to wear "leapord print" in any creative way you can come up with. I found mine at a thrift store, in the ladies lingerie section. It's a ladies "small" satin top that I can only botton one button at the bottom. Should be interesting...I'm looking forward to the comments !
Anyway, my point being. It's the same kind of fun to be had ( as the Onan's Childeren meet ). This one in the middle of a Playa out in the desert tho. No one around , no neighbors to bother !
After this upcoming gathering, I'll continue on with my adventure. I could barely afford the dues ...but I really needed something to have as my carrot. This year...it'll be the UnRalley. Next year, who knows ?
Look up: YouTube: Alvord Unralley 2025 ( by party of one ).
I was there somewhere in that video !
This is my treat to me, for accomplishing my short term goal.
Irony
I know I've mentioned this, probably years ago...but it's worth mentioning again in context to the "UnRalley" I'm heading to.
In my house....3 things were like the Devil to my mom. I was forbidden to have:
Or....possibly the worst. Join a rock band!
I was thinking about this last night. I first shot a shotgun at my best friends house with his dad at age 10. I use to ride, ANYONES mini bike, motorcycle, or two wheeled motorized vehicle I could find ! It bought my first motorcycle from A friend and kept it at his house so my mother wouldn't find out. I did join a garage band for a couple of years but that really wasn't my thing. A fun experience just to try.
So despite my mom's best efforts to prevent me from doing what I loved doing ( ride motorcycles ) ...here I am, still riding, and alive to tell about it.
I guess God had other plans for me, despite my mom's best effort otherwise?
I just thought that was interesting and worth repeating in context.