Every day, we are bombarded with numerous distractions, ranging from Zoom meetings that impede our work to constant social media updates.
By the end of the day, you may feel as if you’ve accomplished nothing and that your to-do list is now longer than it was at the start of the day.
Finishing a task can seem overwhelming or even impossible if you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What kind of job to find if you have ADHD?
ADHD affects people differently depending on the type of ADHD they have. Some people may be more hyperactive and impulsive, while others may struggle with inattention.
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is essential for determining what type of work will be the best fit for you.
Why is it difficult to complete tasks when you have ADHD?
ADHD symptoms include difficulty focusing, concentrating, and maintaining attention.
According to a research article in the Journal of Neural Transmission, people with ADHD have problems maintaining focused attention for long, uninterrupted periods. As a result, people with ADHD struggle to remain focused and on task while performing various daily activities.
When compared to individuals who do not have ADHD, people with ADHD have difficulty focusing on one task for a duration of time and divide attention trying to focus on more than one task.
This means that if you are going through ADHD, you might be unable to focus on one or multiple tasks for an extended time.
6 Tips for Remaining Productive with jobs for people with ADHD
If you have ADHD and are wondering how to stay productive, consider the following suggestions.
- Determine the best organisational strategy
When it comes to organisation, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution. You may have to experiment with various techniques before finding the right method.
You can experiment with the following organisational systems:
- a paper plannerÂ
- a wall calendar or an online calendarÂ
- a journalÂ
- a whiteboard organisation apps
This suggestion helps in finding jobs for people with ADHD. Once you’ve found a strategy that works for you, commit to it for at least 30 days. Please bring it with you wherever you go. Fill it with all of your information. It will eventually stick.
- Make a plan for your day the night before
Rather than waking up and trying to figure out what you need to do, plan your day the night before. Place it in a prominent spot where you can view it first in the morning, such as your nightstand, bathroom mirror, or a clothes closet. You’ll know exactly where to begin your day this way.
- Obtain momentum
Take a look at your to-do list. Consider what will be the most comfortable way to power through all tasks. Then consider what will be the most difficult. Begin with something easy, find a rhythm, and then move on to the complicated stuff.
Others may prefer to prioritise their list by identifying the top three priorities and focusing on completing these first.
Whether you start easy or hard, make sure to prioritise the tasks that will make you feel the most accomplished. You’ll have more motivation to keep going this way.
- Work in instalments
Set a timer for 45 minutes on your phone, or ask Siri or Alexa to do it for you.
Work hard and concentrate on a single task for 45 minutes without checking emails, social media, or anything else. Take 15 minutes to relax when the timer goes off.
On the other hand, boredom and a limited attention span are constant challenges for those with ADHD, so a job with a lot of variety is essential for staying focused. This could mean that your tasks vary daily or that training and education are critical to your role, allowing you to grow at all times.
- Plan a brain dump
When attempting to complete a critical task, it is natural for your mind to wander.
If an idea or to-do list item comes to mind, grab a small notebook and jot it down quickly before returning to work. You can let the thought go now that it has a home outside your brain.
- The pace of the job
A fast-paced workplace culture is ideal as a job for people with ADHD because it helps to reduce boredom and combat a short attention span.
Jobs requiring a lot of action and intensity necessitate quick thinking and adaptability, as well as the use of strengths common in people with ADHD.
Living with ADHD can make it challenging to concentrate and finish a task. However, you can complete your tasks with the appropriate tools and resources. While it may take some time, it is possible to increase your productivity. The key is to stick to the techniques that work for you unless they become second nature.
