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For people with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), using positive thinking to conquer frustration can be a challenge. But there are ways to turn everyday difficulties around, take control of your life and develop a more positive attitude
Positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder do not essentially go hand-in-hand. Many people with ADD build up negative thinking patterns. They become devastated by daily challenges and often feel overwhelmed. This negative outlook makes it even more difficult to manage those challenges and move forward.
Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on strengths and accomplishments, which naturally increases motivation and happiness. In turn, this allows them to spend more time making progress, and less time feeling down and powerless.
The following guides provide practical suggestions that you can use to help you shift into more positive thinking patterns:
Take Good Care of Yourself
It’s much easier to be positive when you are exercising, eating well, and getting enough rest. When your body transmits signals that it is fulfilled, your mind will surely follow.
Emphasize the Positive
Remind yourself of all the things you have to be thankful for. If you are focused on the things that are right in your life, then the challenges and stresses don’t seem quite as bad. Taking just sixty seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make a big difference.
Don’t Guess
At times, the fear of not being liked or accepted can lead us to think that we know what others are thinking. These fears are usually false. If you worry that a friend or family member’s bad mood is due to something you did, or that your co-employees are secretly gossiping about you behind your back, speak up and ask them. Don’t waste your valuable time worrying that you did something incorrect, unless you have proof that there is something to worry about.
Definitely … Not!
Try to avoid doing thinking and speaking in absolutes. Have you meet head-on on a partner with “You’re ALWAYS late” or complained to a friend “You NEVER call me”? When you think and speak in absolutes like ‘never and ‘always’, you can actually make the circumstances seem worse than it is. Acting in such a way can program your brain into believing that specific people are incapable of delivering what you expect from them.
Let Go of Negative Ideas
Don’t let your thoughts over power you. If you feel negative opinions or thoughts are taking over, take a moment to detach from the thought, witness it, and let it go. Never follow it, and never let it follow you.
Squash the “ANTs”
In his book “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,” Dr. Daniel Amen mentions “ANTs” — Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are negative ideas that are usually reactionary. For instance, if you see a group of people laughing and automatically think that they’re laughing at you, that is an ANT. If your supervisor calls a meeting and you react by thinking it must be terrible news, that too is an ANT. Delete those thoughts as soon as you notice them.
Lovin’, Squeezin’, & Touchin’
You don’t need to be an authority to be able to realize the benefits of a good hug. Positive physical contact with loved ones, friends, and pets is a proven instant pick-me-up. Touching can also evoke warmer emotions from the persons you contact. In one research study, a waitress touched some of her clients on the arm as she handed them their checks. The waitress obtained higher tips from these customers than from the ones she didn’t touch!
Be Social
By increasing social activity, you decrease solitude. Surround yourself with happy, healthy people whenever possible. Their positive attitude will have a positive effect on you.
Volunteer
Everyone feels good when they volunteer for a worthy cause, or help another individual. You can volunteer your time, your talents, or your money. The more positive energy you put unto the world, the more you will get in return.
Use Pattern Disrupts
If you find yourself ruminating or moping, you can force yourself to stop by interrupting the pattern and doing something absolutely different. Rumination is similar to hyper-focusing on something negative. This excessive worry is not solution oriented, rational, nor productive. If you discover yourself in a rumination rut, try changing your physical environment. Go for a stroll, or sit outside. Try a creative activity, pick up a book, listen to some music, or call a friend.
By making adjustments or taking steps to your day-to-day outlook, it is possible to combat negativity with positive thinking. For people with Attention Deficit Disorder, this exercise is important, especially in the corporate world where protocol is everything.
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