Message from the Editor: On Time Every Time – I Wish!

Time management is hard for everyone, but for adults with ADHD it’s especially hard. If I don’t write things down and check the list frequently, I forget appointments and commitments. For example, we recently had a meeting for our ADDA editorial work group rescheduled. I write everything in a small calendar that I check “almost” daily. I checked the calendar at 2 p.m. last Tuesday and totally missed the ADDA meeting held at noon that day.

I get so frustrated with myself when I show up to doctor appointments at the wrong time – especially appointments with my ADHD doctor! My doctor was not amused. Surprisingly ADHD adults showing up to appointments six hours later than the scheduled time doesn’t happen as often as you would think. It’s hard to get an appointment to see this doctor and I had to wait three more months to see him. I was lucky I didn’t have to wait that long to get my Vyvanse refilled.

Time management is a struggle for me, but even though I occasionally screw up and get mad at myself, I find writing things down in one place is still the best method even though things still occasionally go wrong.

We always say, “Pills don’t teach skills.” No medication is going to help with time management. And while I learned techniques in counseling, I don’t use them consistently – either they don’t work for me, or because I don’t know anyone else who uses them, I feel uncomfortable with them. It’s groups like ADDA and talking with and meeting other ADHD adults that show me other methods of coping with my differently-wired brain. I find that just by being around my fellow ADDA members, I’m always learning time management and other skills that help me with day-to-day life.

I find my involvement with ADDA very informative and enjoyable. I’m even hopeful that with practice, I’ll show up to things on time every time! And you know I’ll be checking out the Planner Pads review the team at ADDA have written.

Sincerely,

Michelle Teel
Editor