Adult ADHD and Setting Goals

 

Introduction

 

Many people with Adult ADHD have difficulty accomplishing some of their most valued goals. They struggle with

• Prioritizing

• Problem-solving

• Time management

• Follow-through

These challenges lead to frustration, demoralization, and anxiety.

Fortunately, proven strategies can help you overcome these challenges.

This article discusses five strategies to reach your goals.

 

Make Them Specific

 

Effective goals are specific and measurable.

For example, “I will run for 30 minutes 3 times a week at 6 pm” rather than saying “I will exercise more often” or “When I go out to eat, I will remove the bread basket from the table” instead of saying “I will eat better.”

 

Set a Due Date

 

Specify a due date for the goal. For example, “By March 10th, 2013, I will write the proposal for my research project”, or “By July 2013, I will weigh 170 lbs”.

 

Create a Strategy

 

Have a written strategy to accomplish the goal. Does a schedule need to be rearranged? Would a class or trainer be helpful?

 

Incorporate Accountability

 

Accountability significantly improves your success and decreases procrastination. Ask a friend or spouse to be your accountability partner and check in with that person once a week on your progress.

 

Write It Down

 

Written goals improve the chance of success. Goals that are written and referred to daily are reminders for behaviors and choices each day.

 

Conclusion

 

Creating goals and using these strategies improve your productivity and progress by creating effective goals and establishing accountability.

 

Bibliography:

Barkley, R., Kevin Murphy. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A Clinical Workbook. Guilford Press. 2006.

Canfield, Jack. The Success Principles. Harper Collins. 2005.

Young, S., Jessica Braham. ADHD in Adults. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. West Sussex, England. 2007.