10 Ways To Manage The Challenges And Move Forward

At the first glance, it seems that positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have nothing to do with one another. However, because we become frustrated by our challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed, many of us with ADD developed negative thinking patterns. This negative outlook then makes it even harder for us to manage those challenges and move forward.

Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on ones strengths and accomplishments, which increases happiness and motivation. This, in turn, allows you to spend more time making progress, have less time feeling down and stuck.

To help you shift into more positive thinking patterns, following these practical suggestions and tips can help:

1. Take Good Care of Yourself

It's much easier to be positive when you are eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.

2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful for

Stresses and challenges don't seems quite as bad as it is when you are constantly reminding yourself of the things that are right in your life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a huge difference.

3. Look for the Proof Instead of Making Assumptions

A fear of not being liked or accepted by others sometimes can leads you to assume that you know what others are thinking, but your fears are usually not the reality. If you fear a friend or family member's bad mood is due to something that you did, or that your co-workers are secretly gossiping about you when you turn your back, then speak up and ask them. Don't waste time worrying that you did something wrong unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.

4. Refrain from Using Absolutes

Have you ever told a partner "You're ALWAYS late!" or complained to a friend "You NEVER call me!"? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' can make the situation more worse than it is. So don't program your brain into believing that certain people are incapable of delivering.

5. Detach From Negative Thoughts

Your thoughts can't hold any power over you if you don't judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, detach from it, witness it, and don't follow it.

6. Squash the "ANTs"

In his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," Dr. Daniel Amen talks about "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are usually reactionary, like "Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me," or "The boss wants to see me? It must be bad!" When you find yourself have such thoughts, you should realize that they are nothing more than ANTs and squash them!

7. Practice Loving, Touching & Squeezing (Your Friends and Family)

You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets is an instant pick-me-up.

8. Increase Your Social Activity

By increasing social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with healthy, happy people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!

9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person

Everyone feels good after give a hand to others or give help to others. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.

10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination

If you find yourself ruminating, a great way to stop it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something completely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It's never productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented, it's just excessive worry.

When you face such situation, try to change your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or turn on some music.

Thus, to achieve your life success and start to taking control of your life, thinking positively is indeed important.