Intense Urge/Motivation to get Organized but just CAN'T.

I've now accepted the fact that people with ADHD mentally and physically CAN'T do certain things even if they WANT to do them. I already knew this, but ask anyone who doesn't have ADHD and they will think you're full of it and that you're lazy. Frustrating.

I'm trying out medications for my adhd and I'm still severely struggling to stay organized and follow through, even though I really really want to.

I have a long list of things I need/want to get done and the time frame that I want/would like to do them in, but my medication doesn't exactly help me with this, at least not that I'm aware of.

I have a part time job, but I want another one. I'm just afraid that I won't be able to handle it and I'll never have time for hobbies or ME time. My "me time" right now just consists of me sitting at my computer or piano/music room and badly wanting to look things up to organize myself or organize my thoughts to write music, and I just can't seem to ever complete anything.

I know this is part of having ADHD and I've been this way my whole life, but I still feel stuck and I'm willing to try anything to help. Therapy right now isn't an option, because I can't afford it, I'm saving up for school and to move out and It's just too much for me to handle right now.

My question is, does anybody have any methods, routines or tricks/tips that YOU do that work for getting things done?! I know there are some of you out there that DON'T take medication and just go without it and focus on controlling behaviours and emotions and things.

I've researched different techniques and things to try and self-help (bought a bunch of books...one of which is a CBT workbook but its for when you HAVE a therapist...I have looked at it but I dont know how to start it) but I'm not seeming to get anywhere.

I want to take control of my life like RIGHT NOW, because otherwise I feel like I'll spend my whole life disorganized like this, and I don't want that.

Feel free to share any success stories as well if you think it would be beneficial for me to hear.

- Meds: Concerta 18mg then 36mg--side effects, had to stop.
*Now Taking: Vyvanse 30mg - little irritable but focus is better.

A tip my t gave me was to write a list of all the things I want to do. Then break them down- like really really basic. so if one thing is to make lunch for instance, actually put "get bread. Get peanut butter. Cut fruit". Like seriously. And cross off each thing as u do it. That way it makes u continue going and it let's u see your progress. It sounds dumb because it's seems to simple but a lot of times, that is the only way for me...

Also. If its too harrd to sit down and write a list of things to be done, then carry a mini notebook with u and write it as soon as the thing comes to mind. Like that minute. Before u move on to another thing

Music, well said and I feel just that way too right now. Good for you getting it in order now

I make a lot of lists, and try to file things in folders well labelled. I think I need to hire someone to help me though, I really cannot get organized!

There are professional organizers - some add people are actually great at organizing.
There are apparantly add coaches - which i understand is more of talk therapy.

I need someone hands on and soon before I lose my business. You see I can't even wrap my head around how to organize finding someone who can help. But this day is worse than others.

If you want to post your list for organizing here, we could try to help, break it down, etc. I'm much better at helping others than helping myself.

I use yoga to focus and relieve anxiety, just did some, but still it's the organizing...

I look forward to more tips from others as well.

I just wanted you to know that I am in the same situation. I take Vyvanse 30mg three times a day and I feel like it is losing it's effect. Sometimes I can't even open my computer because I feel like it will take too much concentration. The one thing that has helped me more than lists is just stating ONE thing I am for sure going to get done. Once I do that then I can state a second thing. I just have to use baby steps to get anything done or I just get overwhelmed and frustrated and all my focus goes out the window.

I am impressed that besides working on improving your functioning, you are also addressing the acceptance of who you are. Acceptance is half the battle and makes doing the work and seeking the support that you need much easier. I have listed some resources below.
Ari Tuckman wrote the book and has an excellent website entitled Integrated Treatment for Adult ADHD. The subtitle says it all: a four-part comprehensive treatment model that includes:

• Family education as a clinical intervention.
• Effective medication options.
• Coaching for better time management, organization, and self-esteem issues.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, anxiety, and more.

A well-trained ADHD coach can help you coordinate all of these elements that are essential to a highly fulfilled life.
Ari’s latest book is the best tool that I have seen to address the increased functioning that you seek by developing routines and strategies. It is entitled Understand Your Brain, Get More Done.
Bob Hathcock

I have this problem like i have so many ideas in my head at once, that i end up doing nothing because of it.. Do the meds work similar to caffiene or energy drinks?

I also have this problem. The lists help, but also timers, oddly enough. I'll set timers to 25 minutes of work and 5 minute break, or 20 to 10 if it's more intensive. It seems to kick in my competitive drive.

I have found that when I am trying to compose (words, not music), I have headphones. I have to have loud music to drown everything out and to focus. I use my phone calendar always (I have a computer calendar, wall calendar, and desk calendar) and a to-do list. I use my different calendars for different things, like my phone calendar will ding when I need to do something at a certain time. I have a wall calendar that hangs just behind and slightly to the right (so I can see it) of my computer monitor that I use to highlight days for monthly recurring tasks - each task is a different highlighter color. My desk calendar, I write down important task that I must do on a certain day - which this one coincides with my phone calendar. I use different color pens and pencils. My computer calendar I use to sync with others like co-workers and family members so I will know what they are doing (that I may need to be aware of or prepare for). That's kind of alot. I hope it helps. I also keep things in brightly colored file folders in view that I need to refer back to - if I don't "see it" it will escape me...

Oh, I forgot. During the day, along with my desk calendar, I will write down tasks I know I can do just today. Avoid putting things you know you should do or finish but know you probably won't. Save those for a day when you have nothing else more important on your to do list.

And I don't take meds. But it helps to have close friends/family that understand and compensate (that don't have a problem reminding you) But awareness is freeing to everyone. Being able to talk about what's going on with you, especially in moments of frustration or confusion, helps me to deal better and actually feel better about myself.

Like Greenkitten I use the calendar on my phone ALL the time. I tell people when I'm making appointments not to give me the little card, I'll lose it. If it doesn't go in the phone it's like it never happened.

I also do the "break it down into tiny steps" I usually use a whiteboard and coloured markers. Mainly because I've always had a thing for writing on chalkboards and whiteboards, but it's so satisfying to cross things off the list.

The timer suggestion is also a good one. It doesn't always work for me, I often find myself staring at the time instead of doing what I need to do.

I use email a lot before a conversation of any importance. I can organize my thoughts so that I make sense. I also try to get the response from the other person in writing so that I can refer to it. I don't absorb much in oral conversations, there's usually something shiny to distract me.

If meds worked for me, I would take them in a heartbeat, but they don't so coping is all I have. Good luck.

I was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 30. By then, I had become remarkably organized. I told my therapist I had done it out of self-defense That is, I started managing my life so my life didn't manage me. It had done plenty of that! I really did it one habit at a time. If I had tried to do it all at once (I had tried that a million times), I would have just gotten frustrated and overwhelmed. You can do it too, but it won't happen overnight.

I had a lot of help from Microsoft Outlook. I use reminders, journal, and all the fancy functions to keep myself on track, and once I got a smartphone, I synced my Outlook to it so I would always have everything close at hand. I became known as an awesome secretary and an extremely squared-away individual. Now that I'm not in the workforce, I'm finding the change in organizational habits a bit of a challenge. I'm not in front of my PC all the time anymore. I still sync my phone and use reminders (I'm using Gmail and its functions now, since Android is meant to work with it), but I'm taking a lower-tech approach now by using 3x5 index cards.

Each day gets a card. On the card are four things: My task list for the day (I only get six lines, so that keeps me from trying to do too much), any appointments I have, my expenditures, and what's for dinner. This card stays with me throughout the day. I cross off my tasks, make my appointments, note my spending, and get dinner on the table. I still use Gmail as my "master" calendar/task list/etc. I fill in my cards from there and use my phone to set reminders for anything that needs to be done at a particular time. Every two weeks, I use the notes on the cards to tally up my spending to see where I need to improve and help me budget for next month. I fill out the "what's for dinner" section a few days at a time so I don't need to go to the store every day. I also note the location of the recipe (e.g. "red plaid cookbook, pg.312) if I plan to use one. If there are any tasks left at the end of the day, I move them to the next day if they're still relevant. One key advantage to the cards is that they're not as interesting as my phone, so I don't go poking around on Faceyspace when I really just meant to check my calendar. It does require that I put in some time each evening (15-20 min) to get myself squared away, but that's a good habit anyway.

I hope some of this helps. Good luck!
-S-

There is a book called ADD Friendly Ways to Organize. It is really really good and written specifically for people with ADD so it is easy to focus when reading it.,..eventhough I never finished it.