Managing your ADHD like a soldier
Military tactics and strategies can help to have our missions accomplished
Few things are as distant from my life as the military. Although I truly admire the operational methods and combat strategies, as well as the discipline required to carry out extremely dangerous missions, the simple idea of being near a gun frightens me so much. So, I'll explore an unknown territory for me and dive a bit about the military because my obsession with finding methods to manage ADHD is capable of taking me to other planets if necessary.
I really want to hear the opinions of people directly involved in the army, navy, or air force, as I'm sure there are many of them in our community, as well as many soldiers and officials with ADHD in the corps. How is it like to handle our symptoms in an environment so oriented toward discipline and cohesion?
Discipline is critical for the military because adherence to orders and procedures and the capacity to stay focused increase the likelihood of mission success. Besides, trust and unity among soldiers are fundamental to maintain order and control, as rules need to be strict in a setting where the safety and security of the group are potentially tested by the enemy's actions.
It's important to remember that military discipline is closely linked to core values such as integrity, honor, and duty. These values require soldiers to demonstrate commitment in their conduct, decision-making, and respect for others with the goal of reaching the highest possible level of professionalism and ethical behavior.
And you, as someone with ADHD: are you living within the patterns of integrity, honor, and duty with yourself and your responsibilities? Don’t feel guilty if you have doubts about it. It’s not a judgement. I’m sure that I’m failing in these aspects, and it’s not because I’m not an honorable person, it’s just the feeling that we can always improve our approach to life.
Our ordinary life challenges so frequently have strong similarities to those we may find in a situation of war. Life is wonderful, but it was not designed to be an easy ride. While the comparison may seem strong, it can feel adequate in many situations when we have a difficult problem to address and manage, such as the implications of ADHD for us.
So, what if we try to examine a bit of an approach that is fully dedicated to actions in a military conflict?
Mission Planning: Setting Clear Goals
In the military, every operation starts with a clear mission. Similarly, people with ADHD can benefit from setting specific and achievable goals. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable objectives can create a clear roadmap and make it easier to focus on one step at a time, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Routine and Discipline
Military life is characterized by strict routines and discipline. This is probably the most delicate point for someone with ADHD, but remember, if you were a soldier, you would need to do something here, or everyone in your battalion would be at risk. Set specific times for waking up, working, exercising, and relaxing. Consistency will help build habits that mitigate the symptoms of ADHD, providing a predictable structure that reduces chaos.
Tactical Flexibility: Adaptability
Military strategies emphasize the importance of adaptability. Similarly, individuals with ADHD need to be flexible in their approach. If a particular strategy for managing time or staying focused isn’t working, be willing to adjust and try new methods. This might involve changing the work environment, trying different time-management techniques, or using tools like timers and apps designed to aid focus.
Training and Preparation
Just as soldiers undergo extensive training to prepare for missions, we can benefit from training our minds and bodies. Cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and physical exercise will enhance focus and reduce impulsivity as they provide a better balance between our minds and bodies. Achieving a more balanced structure inside ourselves will also balance our hormones and strengthen mental resilience.
Using the Chain of Command: Seeking Support
In the military, the chain of command ensures that support and guidance are always available. Seeking support from professionals, such as therapists, doctors, or support groups, will provide valuable insights and strategies for managing ADHD. A support network is certainly helpful, motivating, and encouraging.
Intelligence Gathering: Self-Awareness
Military strategy relies on gathering intelligence about the enemy. For those with ADHD, self-awareness acts as intelligence gathering. Understanding personal triggers, strengths, and weaknesses allows for better management of symptoms. Keeping a journal or using tracking apps, for example, can help us to identify patterns and develop effective coping strategies.
Battle Drills: Practicing Focus Techniques
In the military, battle drills are repetitive training exercises that prepare soldiers for combat. For us, practicing focus techniques regularly can be beneficial. Techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break) or deep work sessions (uninterrupted, focused work periods) are sometimes helpful to train the brain to maintain attention for longer periods.
Logistics and Supply Management: Organizing Resources
Effective logistics and resource management are crucial in operations. Similarly, organizing personal and workspace environments are extremely important for ADHDers. Keeping a clutter-free, well-organized workspace reduces distractions. Planners, calendars, and to-do lists are often daunting to us, but in reality, they don't bite: at some extent, they are necessary to manage our responsibilities efficiently.
Dealing with Stress: Stress Management Techniques
Soldiers are trained to manage stress effectively. People with ADHD often experience heightened stress due to their symptoms, so incorporating some stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and regular physical activity are options towards calmness and focus improvement.
Debriefing: Reflecting and Learning
After every mission, the military conducts a debrief to evaluate what worked and what didn’t. This is an inspiration for us to reflect on our own strategies and the outcomes we are registering. Identify what techniques were successful and where improvements can be made. Making this evaluation is helpful to refine/define strategies and is crucial to ensure our continuous improvement.
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In conclusion, a military approach to manage ADHD takes into account structure, discipline, adaptability, and continuous learning. By adopting clear goals, routines, support, and constant reflection on our strategies, we open a possibility to better handle our symptoms and execute the tasks we so much need.
Applying these military principles is an attempt to simulate that we are on a combat zone and without option other than improving our focus and our productivity. Why not try that? Establishing a little military discipline can produce interesting results. After all, we all aim to turn our battles in life, especially if we have ADHD, into an accomplished mission.
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