10 strategies to start taking charge

 10 strategies to start taking charge (time management, goal setting, record keeping)

At first glance, one might think that positive thinking has no relation to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). However, many individuals with ADD tend to develop negative thought patterns due to the frustration stemming from their challenges and a persistent sense of being overwhelmed. This pessimistic viewpoint complicates our ability to tackle these challenges and make progress.

Embracing positive thinking helps those of us with ADD concentrate on our strengths and achievements, which enhances our motivation and happiness. This, in turn, allows us to devote more time to making advancements and less time feeling stuck or disheartened. The following suggestions offer practical ways to help shift your mindset towards more positive thoughts:

1. Prioritize Self-Care

When you nourish your body well, engage in physical activity, and ensure adequate rest, maintaining a positive outlook becomes significantly easier.

2. Acknowledge Your Gratitude

Life’s stresses and challenges feel less daunting when you remind yourself of the things you appreciate. Taking just a minute daily to reflect on the positives can lead to substantial changes.

3. Seek Evidence Rather Than Making Assumptions

Sometimes, a fear of rejection drives us to assume we know what others think. However, such fears often do not align with reality. If you suspect that a friend or family member’s bad mood relates to you, or if you think your colleagues are gossiping about you, ask them directly instead of wasting time worrying without evidence.

4. Avoid Absolute Statements

Have you ever accused a partner of being "ALWAYS late!" or told a friend "You NEVER call!"? Using absolutes like "always" and "never" exaggerates the situation and conditions your mind to believe certain individuals are incapable of change.

5. Separate From Negative Thoughts

Your thoughts can’t hold sway over you if you don’t judge them. When you catch yourself experiencing negative thoughts, acknowledge them, observe without attachment, and let them go.

6. Eliminate the "ANTs"

In his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," Dr. Daniel Amen discusses "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are typically reactionary, such as "They’re laughing, they must be discussing me," or "My boss wants to see me? This cannot be good!" When you recognize these thoughts, understand they are merely ANTs and get rid of them.

7. Engage in Physical Affection with Friends and Family

You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate the advantages of a warm hug. Positive physical interaction with friends, family, and even pets can provide an instant mood boost. In one study, a waitress who made light contact with her customers while delivering checks received higher tips than those whom she didn’t touch!

8. Boost Your Social Engagement

Increasing your social involvement can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Surrounding yourself with joyful and healthy individuals can positively influence your own outlook.

9. Offer Your Time to Help Others or Volunteer

People generally feel uplifted after assisting others. You can share your time, money, or resources. The more positivity you emit into the world, the more you will receive in return.

10. Utilize Pattern Interrupts to Break Rumination

If you find yourself stuck in a cycle of rumination, a powerful technique is to disrupt that pattern by engaging in a completely different activity. Rumination, which involves excessive focus on negative thoughts, tends to be unproductive and irrational, leading to more worry. Try altering your physical setting—take a walk or relax outside. Alternatively, you could reach out to a friend, read a book, or listen to music.

In the corporate environment, following established protocols is nearly sacrosanct. Knowing what needs to be done constitutes the foundation of productivity, yet effective interaction and maintaining a clear mindset are crucial for genuine productivity. Some people excel even under pressure, but they are rare. We are human and far from perfect. Allowing stress to overwhelm us won't solve our issues. At times, it requires bravery to acknowledge when we are becoming workaholics rather than accepting that we are not doing our best.