Improve Your Ability to Organize When You Have ADHD

by Scott Shapiro, MD, FAPA 



Some adults with ADHD have trouble paying close attention to small details, affecting their success in life and work. This article shares ways to get better at noticing details which is important because taking medication does not solve all the problems related to ADHD.

 

Understand How Organized People Think

People who are good at staying organized have a few habits:

They Like Doing Things Well: They want to do a good job and pay attention to small things.

They Have Plans and Systems: They use them to make their work more accessible, which helps them keep track of what they need to do.

They Think Positively: They say positive things to themselves to stay motivated and focused.

They Keep Learning: They’re always trying to learn and get better at what they do.

Effective Strategies for Improvement:

1. Create an Organizational System

  • Put similar things together and label them so you can find them easily.

  • Figure out which tasks are most important and do them first.

  • Keep your important papers and information organized on your computer or in actual folders.

  • Use tools like calendars, notebooks, and apps to help you manage your time and tasks.

2. Break Down Tasks

  • When you have a big job, break it into smaller, more manageable parts.

  • Give each portion a deadline so you know when it needs to be done.

3. Use Checklists and Templates

  • Create patterns for things you do over and over. This makes your work more organized.

  • Make lists that explain all the steps for a job.

4. Implement Time Blocking

  • Set aside specific times for different activities.

  • Get rid of things that might distract you during those times.

5. Practice Mindfulness and Mindset Training

  • Spend some time every day just paying attention to what’s happening right now.

  • Tell yourself positive things to stay focused and reduce stress.

6. Develop Active Listening Skills

  • Pay attention when someone is talking to you. Look at them and listen carefully.

  • Take notes to help you remember what they said.

7. Develop a Personal Accountability System

  • Find a friend or coworker who can help you stay on track.

  • Keep a journal where you write down how you’re doing and what you need to improve.

Conclusion

Using these strategies, you will improve and make your work easier. Be patient with yourself.

*CHATGPT simplified the original article




Previous
Previous

Understanding Shame and ADHD in Adults

Next
Next

Do You Have ADHD & Procrastinate?