10 Tips for Practicing Positive Thinking as a Tool for Managing ADD

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

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


All Your Problems Are Based In False Beliefs!

All the problems that any individual has in their lives... Read More

Dealing With Negative People Made Easy

I was playing tennis today with one of my tennis... Read More

An Unquestionable, Positive Demeanor - How to Maintain it

Near the end of December 2004, I received an email... Read More

Five Ways to Stay Positive in a Negative World

In view of the increasing negative events happening around the... Read More

Anger And Your Health

HOW YOUR OUTLOOK INFLUENCES HEALTH AND ABILITY TO CONTROL ANGERJane... Read More

Lessons From Anakin Skywalker: Making Better Choices Through Recognizing And Managing Our Fears

In the latest and final Star Wars saga, Anakin Skywalker... Read More

Be Selfish and Save The World

Why do we help others? There is a whole lot... Read More

Are Your ANTs Taking Over Your Life?

One of the first things that I work on with... Read More

CHANGE: Do You Do It? or Does It Undo You?

It has been said that CHANGE is THE only constant.... Read More

Short Cut to Self-Confidence: Say Yes to You!

You are the only one that can give confidence to... Read More

Be Thankful for What You Have Got

Did you know that the 911 equivalent in the UK... Read More

Simplifying Simple

I have a 440-page guide on how to simplify my... Read More

Halt All Complaining

Have you ever thought about you have a lot to... Read More

Thanks For The Rejection!

It sounds a little masochistic, but I actually appreciate being... Read More

You Cant Plant Apple Seeds and Expect Oranges

Cheri decided that she wanted to grow an apple tree... Read More

Develop Yourself - The Power Within

Living without limits. Living your life to the fullest. Living... Read More

Dispell Anger in 2 Simple Steps

"It really works!" "Well, I'll be?!"BJ like so many others... Read More

Managing Your OCD, Panic Attacks, and Obsessive Thoughts

There are times that we encounter fearful thoughts that can... Read More

Let Go of Resentment

Maureen worked in an office with twenty other people, processing... Read More

The Ultimate In Positive Thinking?

I will never forget an evening in 2003, when I... Read More

Self-esteem Boosters: 5 Action Points

? Make a list of all your accomplishments in life... Read More

Positive Mental Attitude

Look at this glass on the table in front of... Read More

Magic Mirror Exercise

Good morning I love you.This is a basic exercise, which... Read More

Gratitude: the ICE that Fills Your Half Empty Glass!

Are you completely happy in your life right now? Honestly?... Read More

The Problem With Affirmations

Do you know the problem with affirmations? You know, the... Read More

How to Stay Positive in a Negative World

Gail's StoryGail is a friend of mine and she was... Read More

Thought Patterns To Create Success

Let's say you're ready to change some aspect of your... Read More

As A Man Thinketh...

"For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is... Read More

What Every Manager Should Know About How to Look Beyond His Attitude

Once we understand the difference our attitude makes in our... Read More

Lunacy at its Finest ... Crazymakers and Intimidators In Your Life!

Did you ever run into that person that just nags... Read More

The Power Of AND

Not Amen, just so we're clear on that.AND.The little connector... Read More

Penury Perpetuates Poverty

So...you might just believe I hide behind computers creating and... Read More

The Inner Dialogue

Do you talk with yourself? When we hear people talking... Read More