Paperwork 101 for Procrastinators – Make it More Stimulating

In “Tips for Tedious Paperwork – Part 1” I talked about setting the stage for making it easier for ADD / ADHD Adults to start dealing with boring paperwork.

Now you need to get your brain engaged in the the task, so you don't drift off while I'm doing it.

Go to your ideal environment for focusing

Do you focus better with stimulation around you? For me, as for most adults with ADD / ADHD, the best environment for working on boring paperwork is a cafe or a public place.  I'm sure this is why Starbucks became so successful:  it allows people to work for hours in a location more enjoyable than their own home or office.  If I know I'm going to take my boring paperwork to Starbucks, I won't procrastinate so much in doing it.

• I prefer a self-service cafe to a restaurant because I'd like to be able to remain as long as I need to without being interrupted by a server.  That's not as easy in a restaurant where servers are responsible for waiting and cleaning tables and closing out checks.

• Avoid cafes where you know a lot of people who will want to chat with you.  That defeats the purpose of getting the boring work done!   I've suggested to some ADHD coaching clients in Manhattan (where there's a Starbucks every few blocks) that they take the work to a Starbucks in a neighborhood where they're not well known.

Of course, this solution won't work for all ADD Adults. You might be someone who gets SO distracted in a public place that you can't concentrate at all.   If that's the case, you might want to change your environment to one that's less stimulating.