Simply Getting Things Done

From an InsideADHD.org subscriber

As an adult with ADHD, I’ve found that my poor short-term memory can really get me into trouble. At work, I would frequently miss important deadlines because I was convinced that I could “remember” what my boss assigned to me, as well as its due date, in my head. Even remembering a simple phone call from home telling me to pick up dinner on my way home, was something I was convinced my memory could handle. Needless to say, this system wasn’t going to work. I realized I had to move my tasks from inside my head onto something outside my head. I found a solution that is fool-proof for me:

Keeping a simple “To-Do” list can work wonders.

At the beginning of each week, I start a new list of tasks that need to be done, and their due dates. After completing a task, I cross it off.

Here are my suggestions to begin using To-Do lists:

• Keep it simple. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed by a list that’s too long.
• Prioritize. Mark your list using different colored highlighters for each tasks, where each color represents the urgency of the task.
• Keep the list with you at all times so that you make a habit of writing down new tasks IMMEDIATELY.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of getting things done, and crossing off items on your list!

Crossing off items from my To-Do list is one of the most satisfying feelings ever!

Have you found an effective way to keep track of your tasks? Click here to respond.