As an ADD Coach, I usually begin my conversatio with new and potential clients by saying, Tell me about yourself and why youre looking for coaching. Most people a wer with a long list of their ADD challenges. Very few people a wer that they are looking to discover, enhance, or utilize their strengths. This is a big part of coaching, and a part that many people need a lot of help with.
Unfortunately, many ADDers end too much of their time focusing on what they think they do wrong. This is understandable; as most of us have ent a lifetime learning how to deal with attention inco istency, impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional reactivity, and other challenges that our ADD has presented. However, few of us actually take time to a reciate our ability to manage these challenges and bounce back from the difficult times. And when we dont balance the good stuff with the not-so-good stuff, we can become frustrated, unmotivated, and unha y.
Every single person in this world has strengths and interests things we do well and things we like to do. Learning to focus some time on those strengths and interests can help lift the irits and self-esteem of ADDers. Here are some ways in which you can increase the time you end thinking about your strengths and interests:
* Make a list of all your accomplishments in life both large and small and post this list where youll see it often
* Make a list of all the things you do well, and all the things you like to do and post this list, too
* Keep a journal or notebook in which you detail all your daily succe es
* Accept every compliment you receive with a smile and a thank you
After you have ent some time thinking about your strengths and accomplishments, you can take this knowledge and self-awarene a step further by setting some small goals for yourself that involve your strengths and interests. If youre good with people, maybe youd like to try volunteering at a homele shelter or senior center. If you like dancing, perha you can take a cla every week.
We all deserve to end time doing what we like to do, and not just what we have to do. So allow yourself to a reciate your strengths and interests, and treat yourself to the luxury of enjoying them! Chances are, it will make you a much ha ier person.
Je ifer Koretsky is a Profe ional ADD Management Coach who hel adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She encourages clients to increase self-awarene , focus on strengths and talents, and create realistic action pla . She offers a 90-day inte ive skill-building program, worksho , and private coaching. Her work has been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times Magazine and The Times (UK). To su cribe to Je ifers free email newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit http://www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm
- Mentors and Coaches: How to Find a Great Mentor
- Mentors and Coaches: How to Be a Great Mentee or Learner
- Personal Strategic Planning
- Different New-Years Resolution - Pass-It-Forward
- Coaching vs. Directing - How Does Improv Theater Suggest You Should Lead Your Te
- Change the Words and Change the World
- The Tolerance Effect
- Emotional Dependency or Emotional Responsibility
- You Have A Choice
- Discovering Your Passion and Purpose