The 24 Hour Rule

[misty]

misty


The 24 hour rule can be very helpful to people with Attention Deficit Disorder. The basic idea of the 24 hour rule is to wait 24 hours before giving somebody an answer. This is especially helpful to those with Attention Deficit Disorder because of impulsivity. Quite often people with ADD give answers with out really thinking about what may be involved.

Waiting 24 hours can give people with Attention Deficit Disorder time to process what may be involved. They can also double check to see if what was asked of them might interfere with other commitments or issues in their lives. Quite often something that sounded great "at the moment" may not seem that great the next day. The 24 hour rule is also great to use when thinking about making purchases.




John

Do I have to wait 24 hours before I reply to your posts Dawn ?

[lostmyshoe]

Speaking of impulsivity, I just blew it today. I got my February schedule for work yesterday and they gave me enough work for 3 people. Of course I freaked and emailed my boss about getting some help, which I definitely need. I probably should have used the 24 hour rule. I did wait 12 hours though. Oh well. Haven't heard back from my boss yet. Guess I'll have to wait until Monday.

[charliegirl]

Well, you didn't run screaming the minute you saw it. That has to count for something.

As long as you asked him nicely for extra help, you probably waited long enough. You have mentioned
before that you thought you would need some help, so I'm assuming you had already thought about what you should say and the best way to approach him.

Just curious here, did you figure out a tactful way to ask?

[lcdc1]

The 24 hour rule is probably a good thing in a lot of circumstances, but i am the type of adhd'er that seems to have to open my mouth?
It is like some deep seeded need to not appear incompetent or something?
It is a lot better with medication, but there are those times that things just come out even on concerta. Sometimes if it is a significant thing - i have a passion to do something and if i wait 24 hours or longer - the passion seems to be gone!!
Along with practicing waiting sometimes i also practice being an active listener - in the past i had an idea in my head and it had to get out and i would tune people out until i got it out!!! Now I make sure i am processing what i heard by rephrasing parts of what they say or asking questions to make sure i really got what they say. It helps - but i always am reminded when i slip into old bad habits that I will always be adhd no matter how hard i try?
I am still working on forgiving myself and not being too critical of my slip ups cause i think that causes me the most problems in life now that I am mastering the patience and listening part.

[lostmyshoe]

Thank goodness everything worked out and my boss emailed me and the other merchandisers she manages. She mentioned in the email how she was getting calls and emails from all the merchandisers about the heavy schedule. She was able to work it so we can spread the work out throughout the month instead of so much in a week. So far, so good but I am tired and I've got 2 more busy weeks. I'm so glad she and her assistant are so great to work with. I knew they wouldn't hang me out to dry. I just had to be a little patient, which sometimes I'm not. lcdc, I'm working on my impulsiveness all the time and forgiving myself when I screw up is a very important part of the process. I am actually suppose to be working right now but it's been so long since I've been here. So sorry. Next month should be better after all the crazy resets are done. I'll pop back on as soon as I can. Busy night tonight too.

[charliegirl]

Its great that they managed to get it so you can spread the work out over a month. Its too bad you have to push yourself for the entire month but hopefully you will feel like you are having a vacation when its all over and things go back to normal. LOL