As someone with ADHD, you've probably experienced the frustration of falling out of your hard-earned daily routines many times, and you're not at all alone with this. Life has its way of throwing curveballs at us, and sometimes our carefully crafted schedules can go haywire.
Here's the question: Did it ever help beating yourself up for something that's inevitable? Probably not. Instead, let's try to embrace the fact that we get off track sometimes, and prepare for those moments when we need to get back on track.
Acceptance Is Key: Let's remember that getting side tracked is completely normal. It happens to everyone, whether due to unexpected deadlines, family emergencies, or even just plain old distractions. Acknowledging that life is full of ups and downs, and slip ups will happen can help. Take a deep breath, forgive yourself, and move forward.
Use Your Inner Detective: When you find yourself off track, it's time to investigate. Ask yourself, "What caused this derailment?" Was it a busy period at work? Did you neglect self-care? Did your schedule change? Identifying the triggers and understanding why you veered off course can help you create strategies to prevent similar situations in the future.
Start Small, Start Now: Getting back on track might feel overwhelming, especially if you've been away for a while. The key is to start small. Pick one simple task to tackle today, something achievable that will give you a sense of accomplishment. It could be as small as making your bed or clearing your desk (no perfectionism needed here). By accomplishing one task, you'll start building momentum to tackle the rest.
Make a Revised Plan: Now that you're ready to get back in the game, it's time to revise your plan. Take a moment to reassess your routines, schedules, and priorities. What worked for you before may need some adjustments. Consider the lessons learned from your "inner detective" and incorporate them into your new plan. Remember, flexibility is your friend, and adapting your routines as needed will help you stay on track.
Rally Your Support Squad: You do not need to go through it alone. Reach out to your support system – friends, family, or fellow ADHDers who understand the struggle. Share your challenges and ask for their encouragement and accountability. Sometimes, knowing that someone has your back can make all the difference in regaining your focus and motivation.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: We're all too familiar with the ADHD perfectionism trap. But instead of striving for flawless execution, celebrate progress. Recognize the small wins along the way. Each step forward counts, no matter how small. Be kind to yourself, give yourself credit for the effort, and let go of the need for perfection.
Loosing motivation with ADHD happens to everyone, but what sets us apart is our resilience and determination to get back on track. Embrace the imperfections, learn from your slip-ups, and use them as stepping stones to build stronger routines. Remember, life is a wild ride, but with a little humor and self-compassion, you've got this.
So, let's dust off those schedules, refresh our routines, and get back to it together. What's your first step to get back on track today?