Planning is My Superpower AND My Disability
I’m writing this post as my partner sits in the next room ready to facilitate a virtual meeting with a large group of people. I’m trying to figure out how to focus. The steps so far are closing the door, pouring more coffee, turning off phone & watch notifications, and putting on white noise. Can you relate?
I am an adult with ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. This statement is not a joke; it’s a reality for me. This manifests in diverse ways like underestimating time, being unable to sit still, difficulty in finishing tasks, paying attention during lectures, and getting overwhelmed by large projects. I was not diagnosed as a child; however, I vividly remember getting my first planner and thinking it was the greatest thing in the world. I finally had a place to organize and sequence my life beyond dumping all my thoughts in a journal. I cannot explain the amount of calm I felt with each calendar entry. Can you relate?
ADD falls under sensory processing disorders, which is a broad spectrum of challenges that occur when our senses do not adequately respond to external stimuli. For instance, I struggle with sensory modulation, which means I can be over or under aroused by stimuli (ex. Lights & noises). My brain experiences difficulty in regulating the stimuli or turning down the volume of it. I see this happen when I am driving the car with one of our kids. If the child is talking, music is playing, and traffic is bad, I get very anxious and feel unsafe. Can you relate?
For those who know me, you may be surprised with my ADD revelation. Typically, people describe me as “highly organized and efficient.” If you’ve collaborated with me, then you know that an Excel spreadsheet is my best friend. I always have an internal laugh when I hear that feedback because my organization is a major coping skill for my ADD. Being able to sort information and tasks into predetermined categories and places allows my brain to rest and my body to sleep at night. Can you relate?
I’m sharing this information because I plan to unveil my own planning tips and tricks throughout 2022 on the Loftis Partners LinkedIn page. Whether or not you have ADD, you will find ways to improve your efficiency and find sustained growth in your everyday life. I also want to offer hope to those who are challenged in the same way and operate in the business leadership space. Each person with ADD must develop their own plan for managing their attention, and we all need a supportive community to be ourselves and share best practices. Can you relate?
Check back here monthly to see an updated list of tips shared on our LinkedIn page. Or join us on the LinkedIn page to share your thoughts and planning tips.
1. Choose your most important roles.
3. Build a reflection practice.
Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash