Priority Matrix is often recommended to help people with ADHD plan better. That is because implements a simple, time-tested methodology to help busy people focus on what matters. This post is part of a series that asks experts to share their prioritization tips and techniques. Many of these apply to all of us, whether you live with ADHD or not.
Goal setting is a top-down process
The key to effective goal setting is to start with your highest level aspirations, and then break them down to smaller components. Then keep repeating until you have actionable tasks to work on each day. This way, you will know that what you’re working on is ultimately linked to what you want to get out of your personal and professional life. To this point, Chris Kille of Capital Bankcard South assures that organization is key: “Clearly articulate your annual, quarterly, monthly, and even weekly goals. Keep them easily accessible. Use a daily planner, or notebook, to track daily tasks and track progress.” In this series, we will see that many people like coming back to physical tools as a tangible reminder to come back to when in doubt.
Set goals for the day, month and year
This point builds on top of the previous section, with concrete recommendations as to how to think about short and long term goals. Ben Spielberg is the founding neuroscientist and CEO of TMS & Brain Health. He argues for the pinnacle importance of goal setting for the day, month, and year: “When people don’t set goals, they typically end up floating through life, shifting from job to job without really forging a path for themselves. When you set goals, you become the one who controls your ultimate direction in life.” Remember to review and update your goals periodically. At least, once a year, in order to keep them current.
Small wins help your motivation
Starting with grand goals is ideal, but if you keep them too ambitious, it’s easy to drift and lose focus in your day-to-day. Steve Anevski, CEO of and Co-Founder of staffing platform Upshift, offers the following approach to help stay motivated: “I suggest setting a manageable goal so that you have something to work towards. Create a minor task list for each day and reward yourself whenever you accomplish something, it’s the little things that help you grow and move forward.” Celebrating small wins is critical to getting satisfaction from your work life. Then you can use the momentum to get going.
More soon!
As part of our current article series, we will continue sharing tips and recommendations from successful professionals living with ADHD, as well as experts who help them make the most of their busy lives.
If you haven’t tried Priority Matrix yet, take a look now. You might like what you see.