SUMMARY

Congratulations! You’ve read all or parts of this book and are clearly committed to achieving your goals and better managing your life. Living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a challenge, but it is one that has many positive aspects. Throughout my professional practice, I have found that I really like working with adults who have ADHD. You tend to be interesting, creative, exciting, upbeat, and full of surprises. Sure, there are things that need some work, but I have found that with the right support, education, and encouragement, adults with ADHD can make dramatic improvements in their lives. I hope that after reading this book, you agree. I hope that you have selected those areas that are most important to you and have tried many of the strategies. You should be used to taking my quizzes by now, so here’s a final one; I hope that most of your answers will be “yes”!

Have you set at least one specific goal for your life?
Have you tried setting some weekly objectives in order to reach a goal?
Have you learned some specific things that motivate you and also discarded some things that don’t work as motivators for you?
If you are still in school, have you tried a new strategy for studying, taking tests, or writing a paper?
If you are employed, have you tried a new strategy that has helped you with timeliness, focusing, or getting your work done?
Can you think of a new behavior or insight about yourself that has helped you with your relationships with others?
Can you describe one way in which you are better organized?
Can you name one thing you have learned about managing your time?
If you think you might have difficulties with stress, anxiety, or depression, have you attempted one self-help strategy to lessen your symptoms? If that didn’t work, can you identify an outside source of help that you think you might follow up on?
If you take medication for ADHD, do you think you’re at that optimal point at which you’re on the right medication and the right dose, and your side effects are minimal?

I’m betting that you were able to answer “yes” to at least half of the 10 questions. I would characterize that as a great success! But one thing I’ve learned working with clients with ADHD is that progress is measured in small steps and managing your life takes perseverance. So here are some final tips. First, for every question you answered “yes,” celebrate your success, give yourself a big pat on the back, and relish the thought that you are capable of succeeding with adult ADHD. But be aware that new behaviors need practice, and don’t be discouraged if you backslide a bit. Get in the habit of reviewing the things that are working for you, keeping at them, and practicing them, and watch them gradually become the usual and standard way of living your life. After a while they will become habits—part of who you are, rather than behaviors you have to work at.

Second, for each of the questions you answered “no,” ask yourself if it matters. Maybe that’s not an area that you need help with. I would not be surprised if not every chapter in this book is something you want to work on. Did you find one that still needs work? Well, let that be your next goal. Tackle that area just like you did the areas that you’ve successfully changed. Read the chapter again if necessary. Admit it, did you skip the exercises or not really try too hard? Give it another try. I find it very common that my clients are successful after one or more attempts at a goal. Are you convinced that you just can’t quite manage it on your own? Perhaps it’s time to follow the advice in Chapter 10 and seek some outside help or consult some of the references in the Further Reading section. There are many good resources out there and many professionals with expertise in ADHD who can give you that extra help you need.

Finally, I want to thank those of you with ADHD who have filled my professional life. I couldn’t have written this book without you. Your stories, your hard work, and your courage are inspiring. I am grateful to be a part of your life, and I hope that this book helps you to manage your life in the best way possible.