ADHD and resolutions are not always a successful combination.
Actually, making resolutions can be guilt inducing due to our past histories. We start out with good intentions but quickly lose track of what we have resolved to do or do differently. Part of this is our less than stellar memories and part is our lack of stick-to-it-ness.
Many of my clients approach the new year with a heavy heart because they feel they should think about trying to change but at the same time feel it is not likely to happen. It is especially depressing because when you have ADHD people are constantly telling you that you need to change. Like I said ADHD and resolutions are not a good combination.
I say forget ADHD and resolutions. They are a dead end combination.
Instead, think in terms of intentions. Write your intentions down and check in with yourself quarterly if your intentions are still the right ones for your situation as your situation is at that time. No use an intention that no longer fits what is happening in your life at the current moment.
- Intentions have nothing to do with the pass/fail paradigm of resolutions.
- Intentions are flexible and respond to situations as they change.
- Intentions are about having your eyes newly opened to something or somethings that you haven’t really been observing prior to this.
With newly opened eyes, some change will naturally happen. Just be flexible and let your intentions take over.
What are your intentions? Feel free to comment. Subscribe to my blog. My intention is to blog a minimum of once a week but I am hoping for twice a week for 2014. Your comments may help me stick with it. You never know?
Abigail Wurf, M.Ed, CLC
ADHD and Executive Functions Coach
Abigail Wurf works with adults, couples and parents affected by ADHD or executive function issues (see definition below) in a coaching and/or consulting capacities. Her clientele also includes college and graduate students struggling to make it through their programs.
She conducts workshops and speaking presentations on executive function issues such as productivity, planning, prioritizing, goal setting, time management, task initiation, emotional disregulation, focus, meta-cognition, working memory, self inhibition and flexibility/shift.
Abigail’s work also includes presentations on ADHD, specific executive functions or theories of executive functions, invisible disabilities, resiliency and motivation.