8 answers
Jay
Student
Clymer, Pennsylvania
2
Questions
Asked
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People with ADD/ADHD, how do you beat deadlines?
I'm in a journalism class with strict deadlines but because of my ADD i struggle to meet them on time. what could I do?
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8 answers
Ciara-Beth Griffin
Experience Analyst
14
Answers
Galway
Updated
Ciara-Beth’s Answer
I suffered for many years, and tried every piece of clichéd advice known to man. Even now ADHD is a constant battle for me, my doctor does prescribe me medication for it, but medication alone doesn't fully control my ADHD, so here are some of the things that help me stay on top of things:
The first thing I do is talk to whoever has set the deadline. I explain that I have ADHD, and how it affects me. This usually leads to a dialogue where the other person might ask some questions about ADHD, or ask if there's anything they can do to help. Some people even offer suggestions of things that have been helpful for other folks who have ADHD and have been turning in work on a deadline. I find it helpful if I can schedule regular check-in calls with the person I'm supposed to turn in the work to give me smaller checkpoints to help me stay on top of the work ahead of the deadlines.
Other people have already mentioned breaking the work down into smaller chunks, but on top of doing that, I also find it helpful to start the next chunk of work when I'm still in the mindset of working on things after finishing a chunk. Even if it's just one or two sentences (or something equivalent), because I've already started on the next chunk, it makes it easier to convince my brain to start working during my next work session because I'm not starting from scratch.
Background noise. I need to either have a TV show or some music playing in the background when I'm working, otherwise, my brain feels like it's having too many thoughts, and I (somewhat ironically) feel like I can't hear myself think.
I also need to make sure I have everything I might need in my workspace before I start working. As soon as I have to go and get something (a glass of water, more paper, a better pen), the likelihood of me getting any work done becomes incredibly slim.
How-To-ADHD is a brilliant Youtube Channel for learning how to manage ADHD and it's related experiences, so if you haven't looked into it before, I highly recommend it!
The first thing I do is talk to whoever has set the deadline. I explain that I have ADHD, and how it affects me. This usually leads to a dialogue where the other person might ask some questions about ADHD, or ask if there's anything they can do to help. Some people even offer suggestions of things that have been helpful for other folks who have ADHD and have been turning in work on a deadline. I find it helpful if I can schedule regular check-in calls with the person I'm supposed to turn in the work to give me smaller checkpoints to help me stay on top of the work ahead of the deadlines.
Other people have already mentioned breaking the work down into smaller chunks, but on top of doing that, I also find it helpful to start the next chunk of work when I'm still in the mindset of working on things after finishing a chunk. Even if it's just one or two sentences (or something equivalent), because I've already started on the next chunk, it makes it easier to convince my brain to start working during my next work session because I'm not starting from scratch.
Background noise. I need to either have a TV show or some music playing in the background when I'm working, otherwise, my brain feels like it's having too many thoughts, and I (somewhat ironically) feel like I can't hear myself think.
I also need to make sure I have everything I might need in my workspace before I start working. As soon as I have to go and get something (a glass of water, more paper, a better pen), the likelihood of me getting any work done becomes incredibly slim.
How-To-ADHD is a brilliant Youtube Channel for learning how to manage ADHD and it's related experiences, so if you haven't looked into it before, I highly recommend it!
Georgia
Student
Cashmere, Washington
2
Questions
Updated
Georgia’s Answer
I know I shouldnt be answering a question here, but if it' something small, like reading or writing, I sometimes eat a chocolate chip or cracker or something for every line or page or paragraph I read/write. If it's studying, I have no idea. I never study :)
Hey Georgia, I've gone ahead and turned your comment into an answer because I think it's super helpful! I've also heard of this trick. I think the same concept can be applied to studying so for example, if you do a practice math problem/answer a study guide question/ review a page of notes, you can reward yourself with a little treat!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
George Wilson
News & Editorial Photographer
1
Answer
Orlando, Florida
Updated
George’s Answer
The motto of a news photographer is "you can be an hour early, but never one minute late". I keep a small reporter's notebook with deadlines , event times and schedules. I also update my phone's alarm to sound at a fixed amount of time before the deadlines. This continual routine keeps me focused on the task in front of me.
Craig McCann
Associate Director of Inside Sales
1
Answer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Craig’s Answer
Living with ADD/ADHD has been a lifelong journey for me. Meeting deadlines can be a challenge, and I often found myself racing against time. However, I've picked up some useful strategies along the way that have made a difference.
Play with Deadlines:
This strategy involves a bit of mental gymnastics. You need to convince yourself that the actual deadline is earlier than it really is. For instance, if something is due on Friday, trick your mind into believing it's due on Tuesday. This gives you additional time to review your work and ensure its quality. I've always found the race against time exhilarating, and this method allows me to enjoy that thrill. The trickiest part, however, is persuading yourself to believe in the adjusted deadline.
Break Down your Tasks:
Setting multiple mini-deadlines for different parts of your project can be quite helpful. You might still have some tasks left towards the end, but a significant portion of the work will already be done. For example, aim to complete part 1 by Monday, part 2 by Tuesday, and so on. By Friday, you'll find that you've already accomplished a lot.
Celebrate Early Completion:
Rewarding yourself for finishing your work ahead of time can be a great motivator. Find something you love and treat yourself to it during the time you would have otherwise spent scrambling to meet the deadline. For instance, in my younger days, I was a big fan of video games. If I finished my tasks early, I'd spend the extra time gaming. Alternatively, you could withhold something enjoyable until your project is finished, and then reward yourself with it once you're done.
Lastly, don't forget to keep an eye on your diet and vitamin intake. A healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the effects of ADHD.
Play with Deadlines:
This strategy involves a bit of mental gymnastics. You need to convince yourself that the actual deadline is earlier than it really is. For instance, if something is due on Friday, trick your mind into believing it's due on Tuesday. This gives you additional time to review your work and ensure its quality. I've always found the race against time exhilarating, and this method allows me to enjoy that thrill. The trickiest part, however, is persuading yourself to believe in the adjusted deadline.
Break Down your Tasks:
Setting multiple mini-deadlines for different parts of your project can be quite helpful. You might still have some tasks left towards the end, but a significant portion of the work will already be done. For example, aim to complete part 1 by Monday, part 2 by Tuesday, and so on. By Friday, you'll find that you've already accomplished a lot.
Celebrate Early Completion:
Rewarding yourself for finishing your work ahead of time can be a great motivator. Find something you love and treat yourself to it during the time you would have otherwise spent scrambling to meet the deadline. For instance, in my younger days, I was a big fan of video games. If I finished my tasks early, I'd spend the extra time gaming. Alternatively, you could withhold something enjoyable until your project is finished, and then reward yourself with it once you're done.
Lastly, don't forget to keep an eye on your diet and vitamin intake. A healthy lifestyle can help mitigate the effects of ADHD.
Amrita Kumar
Journalism Student
1
Answer
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Updated
Amrita’s Answer
As a current journalism student who also has a history of struggling to meet deadlines, I fully understand what you're saying. But over time, I have found that a system that works well for me and though it will be different for everyone, I believe some of this could apply to you as well!
Talk to your teachers or professors, because communication is SO IMPORTANT. Actively communicating with them and engaging in discussions related to ADD/ADHD and how it can affect your work is extremely beneficial. Your teachers are always here to help you, so talking to them will offer both of you a sense of trust and support! Check in with them regularly and know that these conversations are helping you/will help you in the long run!
Utilize your phone! Social media is incredibly consuming and because of how distracting it can be, it is easy to overlook the other incredible tools that your phone has to offer. Use your calendar, reminder, notes app, and anything else you can find so that way everything is just in one place on your phone! It helps me keep track of things easier. Sometimes I find it helpful to text myself as well so I won't forget anything important for upcoming assignments.
Establish mini deadlines and break your work up into chunks. If needed, once again, your teachers are there to help you and I'm sure they would be more than willing to help establish these deadlines with you if necessary.
I hope this helps! You got this!
Talk to your teachers or professors, because communication is SO IMPORTANT. Actively communicating with them and engaging in discussions related to ADD/ADHD and how it can affect your work is extremely beneficial. Your teachers are always here to help you, so talking to them will offer both of you a sense of trust and support! Check in with them regularly and know that these conversations are helping you/will help you in the long run!
Utilize your phone! Social media is incredibly consuming and because of how distracting it can be, it is easy to overlook the other incredible tools that your phone has to offer. Use your calendar, reminder, notes app, and anything else you can find so that way everything is just in one place on your phone! It helps me keep track of things easier. Sometimes I find it helpful to text myself as well so I won't forget anything important for upcoming assignments.
Establish mini deadlines and break your work up into chunks. If needed, once again, your teachers are there to help you and I'm sure they would be more than willing to help establish these deadlines with you if necessary.
I hope this helps! You got this!
Justin Ukrainski
Supervisor
1
Answer
Shamong, NJ
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Live and breathe by your calendar. Use a calendar that works best for you, whether it is a digital calendar like Google or if it is a daily planner book. Write down your deadlines and any and everything pertaining to your daily routines. The rule to live by is that if it is not on your calendar it doesn't exist. Look at your calendar every night before you go to bed for the next day, and look at it again first thing in the morning. It may take a while for you to get into the consistent behaviors, but you have to keep at it.
Add any tasks, any deadlines, any meetings, anything and everything regarding personal and school/professional events. Manage your time. If you are scheduling something, look at your calendar before committing to a time and day.
Add any tasks, any deadlines, any meetings, anything and everything regarding personal and school/professional events. Manage your time. If you are scheduling something, look at your calendar before committing to a time and day.
Gregory Rodriguez
Copywriter
7
Answers
Coral Springs, Florida
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
Most professors have to have a clause in their syllabus that accommodates students with disabilities. They can do anything to accommodate a student just as long as it doesn't completely change the content of their curriculum. I would look st your syllabus, and check if your professor has that in there ( they can get into big trouble if they don't). Then politely email them explaining your circumstances as well as providing them proof of disability. I hope this advice helps, good luck on your project!
Meghan Fisher
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Meghan’s Answer
Split your large project into tinier bits to make it more manageable. Then, set personal deadlines for each of these mini tasks. This will aid you in meeting the deadline for the overall project. For instance, if your deadline is a month away, start by drafting an outline. Next, establish mini deadlines throughout the month to gradually flesh out your outline. I hope this strategy proves helpful, and I'm sending you all the good vibes for your upcoming tasks!