Adult ADD: Motivational Focus -- Keystone In A Happy Life
Successful, happy people are successful and happy in large part because they have the ability to create a healthy motivational focus. When we maintain a healthy motivational focus, our goal-oriented thoughts, actions, and behaviors lead us to specific actions that move us towards goals.
ADD doesn't stop anyone from being successful or happy: instead it challenges people with ADD on how to be successful and happy when faced with ADD challenges. One way for the person with ADD to maintain a healthy motivational focus is by using motivational focusing strategies.
What is Motivational Focusing?
Like many people with ADD, I came across the concept of motivational focusing in a book called "Successful, Happy People." In the book, author James Patterson explains that motivational focusing is a method for "maintaining a productive, goal-oriented focus on what you want to accomplish and how you are going to accomplish it."
Many people with ADD have such great difficulty at maintaining this focus that they think they need medication in order to function well. However, what they really need is some practice using these strategies so that they can learn how to maintain that focus themselves.
Why Motivational Focusing Is Helpful To People With ADD
In order to maintain a healthy motivational focus, you don't want to give in to your low energy state. This will only lead you back into your low energy state and make even the smallest task seem overwhelming. The trick is to stay positive...yet still be realistic. That's where the saying "it's all in moderation" comes into play. You need to balance your positive thinking with realism without falling into a victim mentality or an "I can't do this" mindset.
Also take note: if you have ADD, you have already been told that you have difficulty focusing on one thing at a time (often called "multiple tasking"). This is indeed a problem with ADD. However, the good news is that you have been told that this is a problem you can solve through practice...so give it a try.
How to Use Motivational Focusing Strategies Effectively
Here are some tips on how to use motivational focusing strategies effectively... I've based this list of tips on James Patterson's book "Successful, Happy People."
In every situation: When you are in an attempt to do one thing at a time, before you do anything else--before even trying to think about what it is that you want to accomplish--first take the time to identify any obstacles or challenges that might make your goal impossible or difficult.
It's like this: before you do anything else, list the obstacles and challenges that might prevent you from achieving your goal (e.g., "I have to write a report for class"...before dinner, I've got to make sure it is typed up and I've got plenty of time to proofread it"). Once you have identified these problems, then focus completely on fixing or working around them.
It's like this: before you do anything else, list the obstacles and challenges that might prevent you from achieving your goal (e.g., "I have to write a report for class"...before dinner, I've got to make sure it is typed up and I've got plenty of time to proofread it"). Once you have identified these problems, then focus completely on fixing or working around them. Focus on your long-term goals: Once you have fixed the problems that are standing in your way, turn to the goal itself (e.g., "I'm going to write my report for Professor Smith" or "I have to get ready for dinner"--before dinner and before I do anything else).
Once you have fixed the problems that are standing in your way, turn to the goal itself (e.g., "I'm going to write my report for Professor Smith" or "I have to get ready for dinner"--before dinner and before I do anything else). Renew your focus regularly: If you notice that your motivational focus is slipping, then take a quick 5-15 minute break. Then return to work and refresh your motivational focus again.
If you notice that your motivational focus is slipping, then take a quick 5-15 minute break. Then return to work and refresh your motivational focus again. Use the "Focus Needs Filling" technique: Whenever you are in an attempt to maintain a productive, goal-oriented focus on what you want to accomplish (e.g., "I am going to write my report for Professor Smith"), place a reminder in the back of your mind that the only way you can accomplish this goal is by focusing on it until it has been accomplished.
Whenever you are in an attempt to maintain a productive, goal-oriented focus on what you want to accomplish (e.g., "I am going to write my report for Professor Smith"), place a reminder in the back of your mind that the only way you can accomplish this goal is by focusing on it until it has been accomplished. Take breaks: If you don't take breaks, your motivational focus will eventually begin to slip...and before you know it, your motivation will be gone.
If you don't take breaks, your motivational focus will eventually begin to slip...and before you know it, your motivation will be gone. Evaluate your progress: Along the way, you need to constantly evaluate your progress. Stay encouraged and avoid negative self-talk.
Along the way, you need to constantly evaluate your progress. Stay encouraged and avoid negative self-talk. Repeat motivational focusing strategies: Continue using motivational focusing strategies until the end of your project is reached (e.g., "I'm finished with my report!").
For more information on what I've mentioned here, read James Patterson's book "Successful, Happy People.
How to Maintain Motivational Focusing Strategies
Use this book as a reference guide: Whenever you are trying to focus on one thing, always re-read the "Tips for Using Motivational Focusing Strategies" list above. Then practice the strategies until you get a very good handle on how to use them effectively and more importantly, how to maintain them. By using these strategies regularly and consistently, they will become an easy part of your daily routine--you'll do something similar every single day without even thinking about it. When you're in this state, it will be easy to stay focused even in the most challenging of situations.
The key, of course, is to NEVER stop using the "tips for using motivational focusing strategies." They really do work.
And when you are using the strategies regularly and consistently, you will feel less stressed and more focused...and your life will be easier AND more productive.
Warmly, Craig Morris
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Conclusion: How to Be Motivated When You Have ADD: It's Simple & Easy
If you want to learn more about motivational focusing strategies, you will find everything you need to know inside my book "Advanced Secrets of ADD Success."
Here is exactly how to begin... Order your copy today. When you do, I'll also immediately send you all 5 free bonus gifts that come with the book!
For more information on how I can help, go here: ADHD Experts. Or, to find out how to get a FREE 60-minute executive coaching session with me via telephone or Skype, go here: CraigMorrisCoaching.com/free-coaching.html.