Three Ways to Make a Decision and Get Things Done
If you're a person with ADHD, chances are decision-making can at times be overwhelming and can delay getting things done. Bowled over by too much information and choices, it can be difficult to figure out what to prioritize. You may get frustrated and put the decision off, make a quick decision you later regret, or let the situation make the decision for you. 
Here are 3 ways to get you on the road to better decision-making so you can get things done.
Know What You Want to Accomplish
- Know the outcome you want to achieve.
- How will you know you’ve gotten there?
- What steps are required?
- What resources can you count on to support you?
Quick Tip:
Establish milestones along the way to measure your progress and reward yourself for each milestone.
Sue's Story:
Sue wants to write a book about living with ADHD, but there are so many things she wants to write about. She first needs to decide on an outline. She set out to write the steps that are required. She figures out that she can use her library for information and ask some colleagues to read the first draft of her outline. After her colleagues read her first outline, Sue takes her colleagues out for lunch to celebrate the first milestone in writing her book.
Focus on What’s Important
- Be clear on your priorities and stick to them to figure out what’s important to you
- Determine the most important criteria: Price? Convenience? Design? Function?
- What’s the scope and size of the decision?
Quick Tip: Limit the number of options to consider before you decide.
Emily's Story:
Emily is replacing the roof in her home and calls five contractors to get bids. Each contractor provides a bid with detailed information. Emily goes over each bid meticulously and is overwhelmed with how each bid is similar in price, but vastly different in every other way. Emily decides her most important criteria is convenience and decides to narrow her scope to the contractor who can work with her schedule.
Reframe Black and White Thinking
- Turn negative thoughts into focusing on the positive.
- Pay attention to your strengths.
- Beware of should’s and rules that get in the way of being flexible.
Quick Tip: Avoid perfectionistic thinking that creates circumstances that make your decision for you.
Spencer's Story:
Spencer is researching flights for his trip. He has lots of flights to choose from because he began his research well in advance of his travels. He has trouble deciding which flight is the perfect time to travel so he puts off making his decision. Soon some flights go up in price, which begins to narrow his choices but he still has several to choose from. He sees he has various seating options on the remaining flights so he still holds off on deciding what flights he wants. Finally, more flights go up in price and he is forced to choose the only flight left. The decision is made for him.
Decision-making can be overwhelming for the ADHD brain when confronted with lots of information and choices.
• Know What You Want to Accomplish.
• Focus on What’s Important.
• Reframe Black and White Thinking
What strategy do you want to try?
Need help in addressing the challenges that are getting in the way of your decision-making in reaching your goals?
Contact me for an ADHD Strategy Session.
All the best,
Transforming Parents Lives
As a mother of three grown kids who have learning disabilities, anxiety and ADHD, I understand the challenges of living with ADHD, disorganization and distractibility. I'm committed to helping other adults who are going through what I’ve seen my kids go through and what I've lived through with them myself. Given support and a chance to explore you can make changes to live your life with more calm and joy.
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