New York, NY (PRWEB) December 13, 2011
Organizational skills are a vital component to a happy and successful life. Most people with ADD have added difficulties with organization, often because they fear they wont become perfectly organized. For those in need of support to become more organized, The Sachs Center in Manhattan has announced new therapy services for adults with ADD who struggle with organizational difficulties. In commemoration of this new service, Dr. George Sachs offers these 10 Organizational Tips:
1. Limit Your Lists
Compiling lists with endless projects tends to lead to jumping around between tasks without ever finishing any one of them. Keep no more than five tasks on the to-do list at a time. Once those five tasks are finished, start a new list.
2. Reward Accomplishments
Making organizational changes doesnt happen overnight. And just the same with any project, ADD causes many people to lose motivation while endeavoring to make new organizational practices a habit. To avoid pitfalls, set up a reward system for smaller accomplishments (such as completing a 5-task to-do list) to stay motivated.
3. Mandate Deadlines
Dont spend days agonizing over decisions. Set a time and date to make decisions by and stick to it. Remember, there is no perfect choice when tough decisions need to be made. And endless pro/con lists only further complicate the decision-making process. Make the best choice by the deadline and move on.
4. One Step At A Time
Trying to tackle multiple steps of a large project all at once often leads to failure, or at least to major frustration and burnout. To counter this, take small steps to finish a large project. And remember to focus and complete one step at a time before moving on to the next; jumping ahead is counterproductive.
5. Schedule Everything
Successful organization requires good time-management, which is often a major challenge for people with ADD. Avoid distractions by using a daily planner to structure free time each day. Get a jump on the next day by setting cell phone or computer alarm reminders before each appointment the night before.
6. De-clutter Keepsakes
Keepsakes serve as an emotional reminder of good times past, which are important. But, holding on to every sentimental object will create clutter home in a hurry. Set aside an hour every Sunday to catalog a few keepsakes at a time by photographing them and scrapbooking the photo with a descriptive paragraph about why the item is important. Then donate the items each week.
7. Give Keys a Home
Assign a special place for the most-used items, such as keys, wallet, mail, etc. This allows for quick access to those important possessions and saves the time and stress of searching for them while running out the door.
8. Plan Ahead
We cant predict the future, but we can plan for it. An overwhelming day can incapacitate and impede the progress of even the most successful people, and especially those with ADD. First, adjust expectations for a challenging day ahead by acknowledging it will be difficult and may feel overwhelming at times. Then, take breaks throughout the day and remember that we are always doing our best. And lastly, if a busy day is ahead, lay out clothes the night before, pack a lunch and store it overnight in the fridge, and lay out car keys or purse by the door.
9. Streamline Your Finances
Pick a time and date each month to review information regarding bank accounts, investments, and retirement plans. Switch to online banking and have access to account information 24/7. Deposit checks from home electronically, saving valuable time and energy. Use a single checking account if possible, allowing for easier access and management of your finances. And keep credit cards to a minimum, limiting open credit accounts to two or three total.
10. Employ an ADD Therapist or Organization Coach
Few of us like asking for help, but sometimes the best way to organize ourselves is to elicit the help of a professional. Working with a therapist or organization coach will provide an ally for support in becoming organized and successful. They will help with motivation to stay on the path, while encouraging the development of skills to more effectively manage time, incorporate a structured schedule, and prioritize whats most important.
To contact The Sachs Center for more information on their new Organizational Coaching services, or to schedule a consultation:
http://sachscenter.com/attention-deficit-disorder/
Video on ADHD featuring Sachs Center founder, Dr. George Sachs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytw3vKJeBAQ&feature=player_embedded
To learn more about Dr. Sachs, visit:
http://sachscenter.com/dr-george-sachs/
The Sachs Center is New York City’s premier ADD treatment center, providing clinical answers, support, and treatment for Attention Deficit Disorders (ADHD in children and Adult ADD). Therapists at The Sachs Center also can help with anxiety, depression, substance abuse and anger management issues. They also offer ADD testing, academic testing and psychological testing.
Call 646.807.8900 for an initial evaluation.
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