Look for opportunities to automate where you want growth.
Confused? Don’t be. We are basically talking about forming habits. I like to think of this as automating things because automation takes away the decision making, which is very helpful if you are busy and also in cases where you might be resistant to change. Let me explain.
A super simple quick automation (which we could categorize as a cruncher) would be, always putting my keys in the key drawer immediately after I walk in the front door. I don’t think, I just do. Funnily enough, it did take quite likely, years of misplacing keys until I made this simple change. Nowadays I try to notice opportunities where I can add these tiny automations to make my life more organized and easier. Small=doable.
What about resistance? Take, for example, exercising regularly. It’s not easy to keep up a fitness routine, especially when many of us with ADHD struggle with sleep. But, I have found exercise to be extremely regulating for me to help manage my ADHD, so I push myself to make sure it happens. At the same time, I want to make it as easy as possible, so I have automated my morning gym routine. When making my daily schedule the night before I categorize the gym as a “muncher” because it takes a fair amount of time. Even when I don’t feel like going I end up at the gym because I have turned this into an “automation”. I don’t think, I just do. Same time, same place, same days. I will be honest, I personally need the automation of being led in a group class. I have enough self awareness and have gone through a lot of trial and error to realize that I do not push myself to work hard or workout consistently if I do it alone. A bonus is that I find being surrounded by others who are doing the same thing to be quite motivating.
I also know that when I have good social supports, I have a greater chance of success in my life pursuits and am happier.
Coming to events hosted by the social hub can become your automation for social supports and ADHD skill building, just like the gym is for muscle building. You might even make some lifelong friends. By signing up and showing up for regular planned events (automate it!), even when we feel internal resistance, we will be healthier for it. Intuitively we know that being with others who are supportive contributes to better health. Relationships are important, science has proven this. We might want to cozy in and not socialize after a long day/week at work, but being part of a community where you are accepted just for being you feels good. You might just have to experience it to believe it. Come join us, at the adhd SOCIAL HUB, you are welcome here 💛
