Welcome back! It's good to see you again. Please note that I am now publishing all new material at my hub site: In Context Blog

Here is a selection of links for you to peruse, prior to beginning my new series on Getting Things Done with ADD. Enjoy!

GTD and the ADD Link

The key here, and what lightens my own heart, is the description that the GTD process is so natural, and indeed it is. It captures the natural way that we all think and allows us to distribute our thoughts (cognitive distribution is now what this is called) into a system that we choose and trust. Yes, the GTD process is like any game of tennis or golf. It requires practice if you want to master the skill. It is a game that can be transformative and fun if you are willing to play, especially if you are a person with AD/HD.

Adult ADD Strengths

This is one reason I think that it may be appealing to ADDers. People with Attention Deficit Disorder need (and simultaneously resist) structure. I believe it works best when they can create the structure that works for them. One thing I notice when I coach ADDers around time management is how different we are, and there is not one solution that fits all. I believe that’s one reason (there are many more) why many ADDers have trouble with time management, they try to take a system designed for someone else and make it their own without adapting it to their needs and what works for them.

A New Cult for the Info Age

It’s the challenge of mastering that system that gives GTD its appeal for many busy computer enthusiasts, said San Francisco musician and web consultant Merlin Mann, another convert.

“The problems of overload and attention deficit that seem to be spreading so rapidly these days have been staples in the geek world since time immemorial,” said Mann, whose popular 43 Folders weblog offers a cross section of time-management “shortcuts” and has introduced many to the new productivity craze.

“I wouldn’t say I was disorganized so much as just overwhelmed (by) the constant e-mails and disruptions,” he said. “GTD has improved the quality of my work, if for no other reason than it’s helped me get much better at saying ‘no.’”

ADHD & GTD

I tend to look at one of the ways ADHD effects me as looking at a pyramid through a fog. Those without ADHD can easily see the base - all the little things they need to do and build, but the tip of the pyramid isn’t that clear to them. While those with ADHD can see the top very clearly, but the base is obscured. We can see the goal, but have a hard time with the steps that lead to the goal.

For that reason, I think GTD, if you have the patience to work it out, offers a framework that can be of benefit to those with ADHD. David Allen basically layouts a template where you list out what is important to you, and then the action items you need to do in order to reach your goal. While this may sound similar to many other “To Do List” type planners and programs, Allen does a good job of framing things in a way that concentrates on what is important, as opposed to what isn’t.

I’ll bet that you can guess where this is going. Come back this afternoon for Getting Things Done with ADD. There will even be a new microchannel!