ADHD Coaching Blog

The Key to Igniting Your Engine *

It recently dawned on me that I have started to go back to an old pattern. It is one that really does not empower me to get my engine all revved up for the exciting day ahead. I have to remember that every day is a new beginning with a new adventure waiting to happen. I have to give myself permission to use the key that starts my ignition.

That key is definitely not focusing on the boring, mandatory demands of life. That doesn’t mean you neglect them but it does mean you can choose to place your attention on the things that get you excited; that are of high interest and utilize your strengths.

To get your momentum going means you don’t feel guilty about doing the things that give you energy and joy. You don’t feel bad doing the things that improve your focus. You have to accept the fact that starting your day doing things that are boring and require the use of your weaknesses are generally harder to do. If you focus your first activity of the day on your areas of interest and strength, you will quickly discover that it dramatically improves your energy and ability to enjoy each day. You will experience a greater sense of fulfillment knowing that you have accomplished an important project, task or goal that you enjoy doing and does not drain your energy before your day gets started.

Here here to that suggestion!  Leave the old quote about “getting the boring/tedious stuff done first” for the other guys.  I for one have a heck of a time getting out of bed when I have boring stuff to do…but give me a job that’s juicy and I can sink my teeth into and I’m there.
Thank you David for giving us ADD’ers permission to do the stimulating tasks first!!!

This also kind of goes in sync w/what Julie Morgentstern talks about in her book SHED (an acronym) about shedding clutter & for me, distraction, and getting more organized & focused in your life. The first thing she has you do is define your “beacon” which serves as your motivational reminder to where you are heading - is it in line with your beacon? It helps you to rid clutter in your space, schedule/time, and other things. Helped me to have a tool or mental image of a lighthouse beacon, have mine written out, and to ask myself if “this (whatever it is) supports my beacon?” I think I need to post mine on my white board now that you mention it!!! Thank you for the reminder! Great class by the way =)