"Who's The Boss?" 10 Ways To Start Taking Control

At first glance, it would appear that positive thinking and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) have nothing to do with one another. But many of us with ADD develop negative thinking patterns as we become defeated by our challenges and frequent feelings of being overwhelmed. This destructive mind-set then makes it even harder for us to manage those challenges and move forward.

Practicing positive thinking allows people with ADD to focus on our strengths and achievements, which increases well being and motivation. This, in turn, allows us to pass more time gaining progress, and less time feeling low spirited and perplexed. The following tips provide realistic suggestions that you can use to help shift into more confident thinking patterns:

1. Take Good Care of Yourself
It is a great deal easier to be optimistic when you're eating well, working out, and getting enough sleep.

2. Remind Yourself of the Things You Are Grateful For
Stresses and challenges don't appear quite as bad when you're constantly reminding yourself of the things that are in good order in life. Taking just 60 seconds a day to stop and appreciate the good things will make an immense difference.

3. Look for the Proof Rather Than Making Assumptions
A concern for not being liked or accepted sometimes leads us to take for granted that we're aware of what other people are thinking, but our fears are generally not reality. If you have a fear that a friend or family member's bad mood is due to something you did, or that your colleagues are secretly dishing the dirt about you when you turn your back, speak up and ask them. Do not waste time distressing that you did something wrong unless you have validation that there's something to worry about.

4. Refrain from Practicing Absolutes
Have you ever told a partner "You're ALWAYS late!" or sounded off to a friend "You NEVER call me!"? Thinking and speaking in absolutes like 'always' and 'never' makes the situation appear worse than it is, and programs your brain into believing that certain people are unable to deliver.

5. Detach From Negative Thoughts
Your thoughts can not hold any power over you if you don't judge them. If you notice yourself having a negative thought, come away from it, witness it, and don't follow it.

6. Squash the "ANTs"
In his book "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," Dr. Daniel Amen talks about "ANTs" - Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are the bad thoughts that are normally reactionary, like "Those people are laughing, they must be talking about me," or "The boss would like to see me? It must be bad!" Once you notice these thoughts, realize that they're nothing more than ANTs and crush them!

7. Practice Lovin', Touchin' & Squeezin' (Your Friends and Family)
You don't have to be an expert to know the benefits of a good hug. Supportive physical contact with friends, loved ones, and even pets, is an instant pick-me-up. One research study about this topic had a waitress touch some of her customers on the arm as she handed them their checks. She picked up higher tips from these customers than from the ones she did not touch!

8. Increase Your Social Activity
By expanding social activity, you decrease loneliness. Surround yourself with fit, cheerful people, and their positive energy will affect you in a positive way!

9. Volunteer for an Organization, or Help another Person
Everyone feels good after helping. You can volunteer your time, your money, or your resources. The more positive energy you put out into the world, the more you will receive in return.

10. Use Pattern Interrupts to Combat Rumination
If you discover yourself ruminating, an excellent way to end it is to interrupt the pattern and force yourself to do something entirely different. Rumination is like hyper-focus on something negative. It is never productive, because it's not rational or solution-oriented, it's just undue concern. Try modifying your physical environment - go for a walk or sit outside. You could also call a friend, pick up a book, or listen to some music.

When it comes to the corporate world, protocol is pretty much the religion. To recognize the things to be done are the basics of productivity, but interaction and maintaining a steady mind makes up the entire path to true productivity. There are those who appear to work well even under pressure, but they're rare ones and we are human and imperfect. To get these little things like stress under our skins won't solve our troubles. Occasionally it requires a bit of courage to acknowledge that we're turning into workaholics than tell ourselves that we're not doing our best.