Did You Know Slowing Down Is The New Fast?

[Marla Cummins]

Fo many of us with AD/HD, when there is a lot on our plate, our initial reaction is to move faster. After all we have a lot to do, right? So, we go from one task to the next like Speed Racer. We may do some of the following in our efforts to get “stuff” done.

-going from task to task without actually completing any one of them
-transitioning to a new task and then forgetting where we left off on the prior task
-voluntarily adding more to an already overfull plate and then getting upset that we have too much to do
-becoming frustrated when it seems that “nothing” is getting done
-avoiding doing work that is challenging by doing, perhaps, less important, easier work

Do you recognize any of the above in how you operate when you are overwhelmed by everything you think you have to do? Often times, we can be more efficient and feel less overwhelmed when we:

-slow down and breathe, really
-review our entire to do list
-delegate, ask for help, put some items aside for now or just say “no,” when appropriate
-create a realistic plan where the focus is on completing the tasks that are important to us

At this point some of you might be thinking: “Right, got it, Marla. What I don’t know how to do is create a realistic plan.” Yes, I know that can be a real challenge! I’ll write more specifically about this next week.

Until then, remember, sometimes slow and steady wins the race.

[Riri]

I am learning to slow down right now and start using the break pedal when needed (I didn't even realise that I had one, hehe). It's still not perfect, but I'm getting there.