At first glance, it would seem that positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have nothing to do with one another. But many of us with ADD develop negative thinking patterns because we become frustrated by our challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. This negative outlook then makes it even harder for us to manage those challenges and move forward.
Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on our strengths and accomplishments, which increases happiness and motivation. This, in turn, allows us to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and stuck.
The following tips provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:
1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It's much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don't seem quite as bad when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.
3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions
A fear of not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to assume that we know what others are thinking, but our fears are usually not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member's bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them. Don't waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.
4. Refrain from Using Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner "You're ALWAYS late!" or complained to a friend "You NEVER call me!"? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' makes the situation seem worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.
5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don't follow it.
6. Squash the "ANTs"
In his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," Dr. Daniel Amen talks about "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like "Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me," or "The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!" When you notice these thoughts, realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!
7. Practice Lovin', Touchin' & Squeezin' (Your Friends and Family)
You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study on this subject had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She received higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn't touch!
8. Increase Your Social Activity
By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!
9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.
10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It's never productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented, it's just excessive worry. Try changing your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.
Jennifer Koretsky is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She encourages clients to increase self-awareness, focus on strengths and talents, and create realistic action plans. She offers a 90-day intensive skill-building program, workshops, and private coaching. Her work has been featured in numerous media, including The New York Times Magazine and The Times (UK). To subscribe to Jennifer's free email newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, please visit http://www.addmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm
WE ARE ALL THINKING ALL OF THE TIME.Can you believe... Read More
An affirmation is a positive assertion, a solemn declaration, a... Read More
Changing Negative Thoughts into Positive Thoughts is a key lesson... Read More
With the probable exception of some basic instincts ? or... Read More
Thousands of dollars will be yours, just by using your... Read More
"Putting ourselves down, is an insult to our worth." --Helen... Read More
When we were children, we were fearless. We would stick... Read More
One Friday in November, I began a journey from New... Read More
Yuk!One thing, I really have a problem with is criticism.... Read More
For the twelve hundred hostages, most especially Timur Kasumova.It's a... Read More
THOUGHTS are powerful. The power of THOUGHTS cannot be underestimated.... Read More
In many ways the Star War movies are simply a... Read More
Many people would say that it is absolute madness to... Read More
How are you? That's a loaded question, and I'll tell... Read More
There was someone I used to work with who, well... Read More
Do you realize that what we believe about ourselves, affects... Read More
Near the end of December 2004, I received an email... Read More
Keep focusing on the fullness of your life: Keep remembering... Read More
Would you like to be confident in the things you... Read More
As a financial economist my motivation has long been to... Read More
So, is this really where you thought you'd be? You're... Read More
Your ability to forgive those who have hurt you in... Read More
? If it takes me to periphery (Drifted into continuous... Read More
For some reason, most people find it easier to think... Read More
P.M.A - so what is it? Some people will automatically... Read More
What does it take to succeed? How can you move... Read More
Why do patients who are given placebo pills report that... Read More
One of our most active senses is sight. What we... Read More
"Those people who think they can do something and those... Read More
Aging is a matter of the mind.The years may creep... Read More
Dr. Phil says each of us has a personal "truth"... Read More
Yea, I know........I hear you saying "that's easy for you... Read More
You don't need to a piece of paper to prove... Read More
Are you the kind of person who dwells on your... Read More
In his all-time bestselling record The Strangest Secret, author Earl... Read More
If your life is difficult--if it's challenging, exasperating, and vexatious--... Read More
Did you know that our thoughts may be influencing our... Read More
The Alchemists of old worked over many years, centuries, in... Read More
There is a growing appreciation of the impact of psychic... Read More
Bosses can't control many things at work. In fact, they... Read More
The power of positive thoughts to affect one's experience of... Read More
"Thinking is responsible for man's primacy on earth today. Existence... Read More
The summer I was 20 years old, I worked as... Read More
Thinkers know better than to be racist. It's generally understood... Read More
Being a mom can take a toll on your body,... Read More
You've heard the buzzwords: Attitude is everything! Change your perspective!... Read More
"Where are your bananas?" It seemed like a logical question... Read More
"The difference between a stumbling block and a stepping stone... Read More
Quote of the week:"Of all the attitudes we can acquire,... Read More
So how do we find meaning? The first step is... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |