The ADD Mind Game: Capture those thoughts!

Everyone knows that the ADD or ADHD mind is a rapid-fire one.
What many might not know, is that a lot of those thoughts are valid concerns, ideas and important reflections. I'd say only about 10% are of the Squirrel-On-Speed wacky variety.

Unfortunately, maintaining a consistent train of thought is difficult with the condition, regardless of whether meds are involved (which is a topic for another post). If you can't hold a thought in your head long enough to go from idea to execution, it leads to all sorts of mental baggage just chock full o' frustration.

It doesn't matter if the idea is a breakthrough in solving world hunger or just that you need to get that long-overdue oil change. The result is the same when you lose a thought you know you'll never get back or get back only when it's too late.

Enter the Notebook
Capturing those thoughts as you have them is the key to breaking the broken-thoughts cycle. If only there was a way to make sure those thoughts don't disappear before you've really thought about them. If only I had a capture tool that was small, quick and accessible at all times.

I've found that carrying a little notebook is the key to winning this battle. I carry a small Moleskine brand pocket notebook everywhere I go. This little (3½ x 5½") book and a pen never leave my side (or my bag). You can use any brand of notebook you like. Spend what you feel good about spending. But the key is size and your ability to have it on you at all times.

Get the habit
It take some effort and a little discipline, but the rewards are many. The steps are simple.

1. Jot down everything you think is worth jotting down.
   
2. Look at it later.
   
3. Bask in the glow of your peace of mind.
4. Repeat.

Benefits and perks
The rewards reach far beyond remembering that 4-month-late oil change. Writing down your thoughts, especially repeated ones, clears the headspace for new ideas and alleviates you of a ton of mental baggage.
Soon you'll find yourself developing a great idea or plan beyond the fleeting embryo stage. It's about taking a thought and running with it, instead of running after it. Just another way of reaching the ADHD nirvana that is a complete thought.

Get out there and start jotting!

Until later,
Carlo