by Tracie Utter CPO CPA
I believe they can. First, you need to have a doctor diagnose your ADD and prescribe appropriate medication. Without it, your ability to focus may be limited and it’s understood that organizing requires focus. It can be tedious.
In working with clients, I find that there are various degrees of ADD. Some clients have extreme cases (maybe because they don’t know they have it or not but haven’t seen a professional) and find organizing almost impossible. Others are not struggling as much so they manage, but not to their expectations (usually, they come right out and tell me “I have ADD but am on medication”). One thing they all have in common…they struggle with maintenance. Often, getting organized is tolerable, especially when you have a helper like me. But keeping up with it, including paper and time management, tends to be a problem. My suggestion to them is to continue to work with someone. A professional is preferred but a family member might be just as good. A relationship like this should help to relieve some of the stress. A good helper should be able to make appropriate suggestions and act more as a coach than an organizer.
I’m reading several books on the topic: ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life by Kolberg & Nadeau, Organizing Solutions by Pinsky, Attention Deficit Disorder by Brown and The Disorganized Mind by Ratey. From reading these books and learning first hand from clients, simplicity seems to be a common theme. Make routines simple and efficient and get rid of the clutter. For the most part, I deal with client’s paperwork and apply this theory constantly. For example, I know placing files in filing cabinets is not an option. Instead, piles are used, however, there are rules associated with the piles. Also, open containers are used as visual reminders. Colors are used to signify importance. Habits are reviewed, changed and reinforced…and discussed…and reinforced…and discussed…and so on. Designated areas are identified. Visual clutter is managed. The goal is to put both our brains together so we can come up with solutions that actually work.
Several problems these authors address are decision making, procrastination, time, being impulsive, age, memory, focus, fears and there’s more. Education is key. Understanding how the ADD mind works so that you can work with your cycles instead of against them is important. If you can’t remember where things go, then use labels or delegate. If you get so involved in something that you lose track of time, have someone call you to remind you to stop or set an alarm. Many of the solutions they suggest are simple but effective.
My experiences…
I’ve worked with several ADD clients for many years. They tend to go through a lot of emotional ups and downs. When family and money issues escalate, so does their ADD. Sitting in a chair trying to get little chores done like changing an address, investigating an expense or paying a bill requires my presence. In no way are these people lazy, uneducated or troubled. In fact, it’s just the opposite, they’re very competent people. We’ve been working together long enough to know who is better at what: I do the tedious work and they act on important issues.
Another individual I worked with a couple of times had a completely empty closet with all their clothes (lots) out in the room. Together we decided which clothes were acceptable and put them in the closet by color. The client was excited because the system was visually appealing. Unfortunately, maintenance continues to be a problem and requires a helper. However, they know this about themselves and have figured out how to compensate to get things done.
Do you have a success story? Please tell me so we can help others.
Utterly Organzied, a team of professional organizers serving Louisville, KY and the surrounding areas.