ADD & Self Analysis
For me, the challenge in working through the many obstacles of ADD was to be aware of who I was by engaging in self analysis, such as with counselors, personal coaches or just thinking. I found the simplest way was to develop a list of criteria by which I could reflect back on regularly and analyze my self with. Basically, a self grading system. Here is the list that I use every Sunday night for 10 minutes:
Avoiding Conflict – did I avoid conflict in certain situations? What could I have done better? What did I do well?
Fun – whatever I did, did I have fun? If not, why?
Problems – what problems did I encounter and how did these occur? How can they be avoided?
Value – What value did I offer in particular situations, actions or conversations?
Win-Win – What situations was I involved in where my efforts could have been better and benefited all?
Patience – Did I lack patience in a particular experience? Where did I show patience successfully?
Intimacy – Did I allow myself to communicate and open up in intimate situations, letting someone else get what they needed from me?
Defensiveness – was I defensive or over reactive in any situations? If yes, why?
Dealing with Change – What changed? Why did it change? How did I handle it?
Familiarity – Is my familiarity crossing the line of complacency? Is it OK or do I need to shake it up a bit?
Balance – is my life balanced? If not, what needs to change?
Kindness – did I perform any acts of kindness? Could I have been kinder in a situation?
Celebration – did I take any time to celebrate what I have in my life and appreciate my surroundings?
Laughter – was I laughing? If not, why not?!
Disorganization – how was my organization and structure recently?
Telling myself the Truth – was I kidding myself and not being honest with a decision I had to make?
Hard times – how did I react? Good? Bad?
Thoughtfulness – what thoughtful actions or comments did I experience? Was it me? Was it someone else?
Rewarding Ourselves – what is my reward for doing something well?
Being Spontaneous – did I loosen up and just roll with it, live on the edge a little?
It only takes a few minutes to sit and think through this list. However, that time is a valuable educational thinking process that helps to determine my direction and actions for the coming week. It makes me aware and alert of all the criteria by which I measure myself. I hope it assists you, or someone you know. Good luck!