ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life: Strategies that Work from an Acclaimed Professional Organizer and a Renowned ADD Clinician

I started writing this review 3 hours ago, and most of that time I spent wondering what I was supposed to be doing.

I can't even lend out my own copy of this book, because it's so pencilled, highlighted and dog-eared from my zillions of "Yes!" moments reading it (and re-reading specific chapters by topic to glean further help). Jam-packed with practical tips, revolutionary tactics, and NO JUDGEMENT. I spent decades not knowing what was behind my clutter, confusion, procrastination and self-sabotaging last-minute-itis, and got little help from preachy "Just do it" or vague "Maybe it's your childhood" advice books. When I finally stumbled onto this handbook, it was truly life-changing. It is PRACTICAL, DO-ABLE, and SIMPLE. It has helped me organize my house and office, streamline my chores, simplify my routine, and accept myself ADD and all. Thank you!!

I juste needed 3 things to get started: a Bluetooth and noise-cancelling headphone, a paying Spotify account and that book.It's easing to read with well-aired paragraphs, underlined main points and a summary and the end of the shorts chapter.It a feel-good-with-your-ADHD book and packed with doable goals and advises.A.must read when you finally decide to tackle the piles of stuffs at home, in your garage etc.

Once upon a time, new Organizer slaying dragons, I read the 2002 edition of “ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life” by Judith Kolberg & Kathleen Nadeau. This was my review:“I had an unusual reaction to this book by Kathleen G. Nadeau, a highly-regarded ADD coach. This is an excellent resource for ADD-abled people because it is explicitly formatted for people with ADD - they can usually read it, when other traditionally-formatted books on the subject might not work for them at all. I LOVE to read. I had a horrible time trying to read this book. It was HARD. It was almost as if, because, at least as far as I know, I don't have ADD, the book was fighting against me. That was a VERY instructive experience. Kinda like wearing a blindfold for a day to try to understand what it's like to be blind.”Now, singed veteran, I’ve just finished the 2017 edition. 2017 is disarmingly different. Most startling, I found it easier to read- and there are reasons why. The print is smaller. The subheadings, sidebars and similar are more closely integrated into the main text. There’s less italicized copy. I’d love to grab a coffee with Ms. Kolberg and Dr. Nadeau and ask “WHY?”. I’m not criticizing the changes, which I’d bet are practical, because, for example, there’s more (new) material in the 2017 edition. But burning curiosity “WHY?” nonetheless.The most compelling changes – there are two new chapters. One goes in-depth into Financial Management, and one looks at the monster’s den that is the digital world. This edition of Kolberg’s and Nadeau’s collaboration is just as funny as the old, just as accessible. And now even more critically instructive for ADD-abled people. If you have the old edition, it is worthwhile to update to the new. If you don’t have this work at all, it is valuable for people with ADD or the people who would like to help their ADD-challenged clients, colleagues, friends and family.Lauren Williams, Certified Professional Organizer(R), Owner, Casual Uncluttering LLC, Woodinville, WA USA

While I have read plenty of books about adult ADHD and how to handle it, this was certainly one of the best. The fact that it targets very specific areas of organization in a clear, ADHD-optimized format made it easy to absorb what I was reading. I've implemented many of the strategies suggested by the authors and have started to truly develop lasting routines and habits re: home and work organization for the first time in my life. In the past my attempts have been short lived (as many other ADHD adults will understand).The improvements I've seen in my home life have been wonderful. I am more productive and more comfortable thanks to having systems in place, and even when I fall out of cleaning or organizing for a while I can take comfort in knowing that I have solutions in mind for when I get back on the wagon. I keep this book handy right by my bed so I can glance at it as needed.I highly recommend this book to anyone who is ready to seriously commit to being a more organized, productive, and effective adult with ADHD!