organizers, planners, etc? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

lauralea · 12-22-2002, 08:58 AM

It seems like there is a lot of discussion on this board about meds, but not too much in the way of coping strategies. I'd like to hear from some of you who have been dealing with KNOWING you have ADD/ADHD and what you have found to be helpful in managing your time, completing tasks, and getting organized (besides medication). Before my diagnosis, I made countless lists (always lost them), used calendars and planners (ignored them, forgot them at home, etc.) and even sent myself emails (from work to home, home to work) and always deleted them, still ignoring my reminders. I'm sure you all know the drill! So, now that I am taking meds that definitely are helping, I would like to know what kind of organization system is working best for you. Do you use a palm pilot? Hand-written organizer/journal?
Hope to hear back...
LauraLea

Wil · 12-22-2002, 09:25 AM

I have found that in order for me to stay organized, I cannot let my guard down, and to keep a giant to do list on my desk and also am a heavy user of reminders, alarms that I send to myself electronically through my sales automation software. Without the alarms, I would repeatedly forget to book flights, and get horribly lost and disorganized.
I have also found that I need to remind myself that I am not perfect and allow mistakes and mishaps to occur. I also set established routines, and if I dont I can fall way behind and old patterns creep in and suddenly I get terribly unorganized and it rolls into all the other areas in my life. I recognize I tend to procrastinate, and try not to get upset if some things dont get done. Meds are great, but only if you take action. Good luck to you, Wil