We are now at the beginning of another whole new year. During this time, many people like to start setting “new year’s resolutions,” or goals for themselves. It could be to lose weight. It could be to exercise more. Whatever the case, setting new goals for yourself is very common for people at the beginning of the year.
But what if you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD? It could be pretty hard to set certain goals and stick to them throughout the year. I was reading an article on the ADDitude magazine website that it’s best to try new small, simple habits one day at a time. This takes the pressure to fulfill strict goals during the new year. Here are several reasons why this may be a better approach.
Makes it Easier to Make Changes
The ADHD brain is different from a non-ADHD brain in that it could get overwhelmed easily and lose focus. That’s why setting new year goals such as losing weight will be hard for that person to accomplish. If you want to live a healthier life this year, try creating better daily habits for yourself such as eating fruits or veggies every day. Pick a day where you could walk for 20 minutes uninterrupted. Try to be consistent in engaging in this activity on that day.
Helps you Stay Focused on Accomplishing Big Goals
Doing one simple good habit every day makes it easier to accomplish your long-term goals. The more habits you complete each day, the more you will come close to achieving that difficult goal.
For example, suppose you want to start an online business. You could start being on the pathway to that goal by doing small things each day to get to it. Try spending the first day deciding on a name for your business. The second day could consist of finding a hosting company for your business website. The third day could involve you doing a simple activity in creating your website. Just keep doing an activity each day that will lead towards you accomplishing that goal.
Have some Purpose behind your Goals
Of course, making small changes or tasks is great, but you must know why you are doing these things. Knowing your purpose behind performing these daily tasks gives you enough motivation to do them. Going back to the previous example, what if your purpose in starting an online business was to help people live healthier lives? By constantly repeating that mission statement to yourself or writing it down in your notebook, it will serve as a reminder as to why you are trying to start an online business.
Setting hard, unattainable goals could prove to be overwhelming for someone dealing with ADHD. But if you break those big goals down into small daily changes or tasks, you will be on the path to accomplishing them.
If you’re dealing with ADHD or know someone who is, how are you making small changes to accomplish your goals this year? Let me know in the comments section below. As usual, feel free to like or share this post with someone you know is dealing with this condition.
