Procrastination On Holiday Responsibilities Can Be Problematic

November 2006 - Volume III - Issue XI

Procrastination On Holiday Responsibilities Can Be Problematic

Statement: My intent in this newsletter is to express as quickly as possible my own beliefs and opinions on matters. I have no problems with people who disagree with my opinion and have even been swayed to rethink my position from time to time. We are still taking book orders for my book "ADHD and The Criminal Justice System" and you can get my author's discount at my website. www.addcorridorcoaching.com

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NEWSLETTER

As the holiday season approaches many of us start to experience the stress and deadlines related to sending cards, shopping for relatives, and preparation for family get togethers. As we enter the first part of December it is time to focus on what we need to do and establish some goal dates on when to get them done. It is also important to establish a budget for how much we plan on spending for the Holidays. Too many of us are susceptible to impulse purchases and going overboard. So I urge you to sit down now and get your ideas written down and budgeted so that the Holidays don't rush up and bite us....as they often have me.

Decide what is important and try and simplify your life. Does your old neighbor from 10 years ago really need a card this year. Do you have any other contact with the people you send cards to? Who is it absolutely necessary to buy presents for?

Gift cards are great ideas for us with ADHD as they have a defined limit on how much we spend and most people enjoy receiving them if they are places where they normally shop. Many charitable organizations sell what is called SCRIPT and you can help them by buying the gift cards from them at face value which they have bought at a discount of 5%- 20% which is a good fundraiser. Ask around in your area. Make sure you write a nice note with the gift card and if you feel it is improper to use gift or cash get over it and include in your note an explanation that it helps you stay on budget. In addition with the wide variety of products out there you don't have to worry about buy something the other person already has. They often use them to buy items on sale after the holidays.

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Remember my advice from years past and if you have to go shopping, avoid the gadget stores like Brookstone and Radio Shack and find one or even better two other friends without ADHD to go along with you. I have referred to these friends as your shopping police.... Confide in them in advance that you would like them to help monitor your spending habits and give them permission to ask you - " Is that item on your list?" If they don't hold you accountable keep them as your friend but find someone else who will hold you accountable for your next outing. Shopping randomly or by yourself can be relaxing but is a possible recipe for disaster in impulsive spending. Make sure you don't place gifts in hiding places when you get home and then forget you bought them. This has happened to me in the past.

If you do plan to shop, watch for good sales and organize your purchase route so you are not driving all over town. Check the sale catalogs from stores for ideas. I would discourage you from buying or shopping on the Internet unless you know exactly what you are looking for as many of my ADHD clients seem to have a closet full of Internet purchases they don't use or boxes of items they have purchased on Television home shopping shows. Some of them could probably open an "AS SEEN ON T.V. Store".

Just keep in mind that this is suppose to be a fun time of the year, even though it is often filled with stress, knowing that going in can help you set up the timetables needed for the next few weeks to keep you sane and on budget.

Best wishes to all of you for a safe Holiday Season and a great 2007

I would appreciate any feedback you may have on this newsletter or helpful suggestions.

Talk to you next month

Patrick Hurley
addcorridorcoach@aol.com

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