I'm impressed with how much you've done to stay on top of things. I think things may peter out as tools because they require so much focus and attention to pull off. Since (IMHO) ADHD begins with a hyper-alertness--a brain on steroids--and when some routine is super-imposed on top of that, that's almost too much consciousness, conscious awareness. I can't take meds so I'm pretty much stuck as you seem to be. Something like accommodation fatigue looms. And morale tanks. So commiseration is what I can offer, and also an appreciation of what you're doing already. Hooray for you. Perhaps others can chime in about your strategies and others you might try but your question hints at a morale problem I suspect many of us share. All the best, Jean

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I can commiserate with my paperwork on my desk and the condition of my daughters book bag. The only thing that helps at all is at least once a month I end up staying late and moving around my piles so I can remember whats burried. In your business I'e noticed a few clothes racks where the plans are hanging over them in packs. But not sure if that helps or not. But you should be proud of what you have accomplished and how far you have gotten. I pray my daughter is as fortunate as you

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Considering the scale of what you're working with, it sounds like you could use additional space. Can you customize what you have or are you locked in to an employer's workspace and tools? For drafting, they make hanging racks, shelving systems, file drawers all specifically sized for blueprints. Even having a small extra desk, aside from your drafting table could be helpful.

I am a CPA. I have performed audits working on anything from the top of a filing cabinet to working on huge conference tables. It is much more difficult staying organized when you are short on space.

As far as notes, post-its and calendars go, it can be easier to pick one system and stick it. Your notes are always in the same place - no hunting for them. It could be a legal pad and a paper calendar kept in a portfolio type folder. This might be easier if you are oten getting client/project documents that are too inconvenient to have on a computer. If digital works, everything goes to the computer. A small netbook can be had for under $300 today. They are fast loading and are about as big as a medium-sized book. An iPad could also do the trick. They make covers for them that could double as a folder.

Whatever system you work with, it's kind of like your keys: if you don't put them in the same place every time, you won't be able to easily find them when you need them.

Hope this helps!

-Chris

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Thanks for the tips. I have definitely been fortunate enough to have been able to expand my desk space. We have L-shaped work stations, but the person who shared my "square" is no longer working here. This doubled my counter space, which is essential. I do have some drawer space, but most of what I use is out on the desk more often than put away because I go back and forth between different projects so often. Doubling the desk space has helped immensely. My office has also started having daily morning meetings...either my ADD tendencies are contagious and we all need it to get going or the boss just read my mind. Daily revised to-do lists and q&a sessions are major improvements.

As far as organizing the full sized drawing sets I have, racks are usually pretty useful, but we are encouraged to keep any additional "clutter" from our work areas, such as hanging racks (somehow piles on top of desks aren't considered clutter). I've begun using tall paper-roll boxes to organize old sets under my desks though...major help!

Unfortunately digital reminders and to-do lists don't always work for me. I do use a Google Calendar for EVERYTHING, but as far as to-do lists, the good ol' fashioned notepad works best for me!

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Speaking as a doctor who treats ADHD, the mother of a son with ADHD, and as someone who has challenges with getting organized (LOL), I've always found that writing things down is most effective. Surely, there must be a place where you can keep notes, carry a little reminder/activity notebook, or write notes on your smartphone....

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