New here!! Organizing information?

[meeksala]

Hello all!

I am 25 and have been ADHD diagnosed for 6 years now. After working exclusively in the service industry as a bartender or server, I am now an administrative assistant to the CEO of a entertainment and restaurant company - aka my ENTIRE job is keeping track of 8 million moving parts, attention to detail and effective organization are key aspects of what I do. (I know... what was I thinking! lol)

While there are SO MANY aspects of the job that I struggle with because of my ADHD, one thing I find I particularly difficult is the creation of new documents/processes. I seriously struggle to organize information effectively if I am creating a document from scratch. Information ranges from weekly utility maintenance assignments and checklists to P&L documents for events. I often agonize over which way to lay the information out, how to style the excel document, and actually getting the document made! I can write out all that needs to be included and brainstorm all day, but actually starting and finishing the task is almost impossible. I seriously struggle with the organization of information in all categories... my email inbox, dropbox files, where to file info, etc. I am in constant anxiety that I am not keeping information grouped in a way that makes sense but the thought of re-organizing.... no thank you!

Does anyone have tips on how to handle organizing information and getting over the paralysis to actually get these tasks done?

[cellardoor10]

You might be able to find good templates to work from online. Googling p&l statement template, for example, pulls up some examples that might get the juices flowing a little better, even if you change a lot about it.

Another thing - I've found that it sometimes helps to intentionally put on my blinders - let people know I have a specific project and I will be focusing on that unless there's something urgent. Once I have made the commitment to dedicate time to something (at a specific date, time, and place), it's often easier for me to actually do it/chug through it.

Good luck!

[meeksala in reply to cellardoor10]

Thank you for the tips!

The trouble is when I end up with something that's more unique and I have to start from scratch. But I think at least hunting through templates that may be kinda similar will help creatively.

I have tried being more intentional with my time, scheduling blocks to work on specific projects and that's definitely seemed to help. I'll have to try taking it a step further and communicating that outward as well.

I appreciate the input, thanks!

[Aliness80 in reply to meeksala]

Yes, I do this all the time! I spend too much time formatting and end up having to rush the actual document content.

Lately, I’ve tried giving myself 20 minutes to find a layout and style, and then I move on to creating the document. Then, each time I re-open the document, I give myself another 10-20 minutes to make updates to the style before continuing with the document.

I also have a problem with organizing my files and emails. I end up keeping everything, like some sort of hoarder. I