Organising can be a challenging task for anyone, but for individuals with ADHD, it often feels like an uphill battle. This month in the ADHD Sweet Spot membership, we are delving into the difficulties faced by those with ADHD when it comes to staying organised.
In my work as an ADHD coach, I see time and time again how organising can be a struggle for my clients.
One client, for instance, was stuck with mess in her lounge room. As we discussed the possible solutions, she knew what she wanted to do. She had one of those square storage units, like a bookshelf with space for tubs or baskets, and it was perfect for keeping all the lounge room mess. She pictured it fitting neatly in the hallway near the front door.
BUT, the problem was that the space near the front door was filled with random items. Where should they go, we asked? They were in the hallway mostly to return to other people, or to be stored in the garage… but you guessed it, the garage was a disorganised mess. We can see here how a seemingly small organising task can quickly snowball into something much larger. It’s no wonder we avoid it all together!
So what was the outcome of our coaching session together? It turned out to be a project plan (like the format you can access in the membership). We listed the steps involved in getting the garage re-organised, and we also looked at the energy and executive functions that would be needed.
This client created a step-by-step plan that included getting her husband involved, organising care for her kids for the day, and planning music and a fun reward at the end. It was something she and her husband really wanted to do, but it had seemed too big and overwhelming until we talked it through together.
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There are a few things that I like to keep in mind when it comes to organisation.
First, it’s important to acknowledge that organisation does not define our worth as individuals. Our value extends beyond the tidiness of our physical spaces. While we advocate for a less messy environment, it is crucial to recognise that our worth is not tied to our level of organisation. We can disentangle the judgments and criticisms we may have internalised from our past experiences and understand that our worthiness is inherent.
At the same time, there are benefits to maintaining an organised space. Our surroundings often reflect the state of our minds. For individuals with ADHD, the challenges of overwhelm and information overload are heightened. Clear thinking and mental clarity can be hindered by a cluttered environment. Developing organisational skills and habits can serve as a form of self-care, offering a sense of freedom, mental clarity, and making energy available for other endeavours.
Another important thing to remember is that while organisation may be hard, it's not impossible!
This is especially true when we aim to find what works best for us and are equipped with the right tools to keep us on track.
If you feel like you would benefit from more guidance and support to design your own approach to organisation, the ADHD Sweet Spot Membership may be for you. Every Monday we come together for organisation sessions where as a community, we support each other to stay on track. I would love for you to join us!
