Motivation

[Jengirlmama]

When I took a job as a special Education teacher, my house became a complete mess, due to coming home exhausted with homework and the need to help my ADHD kids with theirs. On weekends I spent hours on lesson plans. Stress and children’s needs led me to quit but I have such a hard time doing housework. I am filled with guilt disgust and lack of motivation. I am easily distracted. How do you get over this? There are also times when I get creatively inspired and it’s an itch I have to scratch and can’t stop until it’s done. When I was just a teacher’s assistant and in good health, I took very good care of our home.

[GatsbyCat]

Hi Jengirl Mama~

Don't be so hard on yourself!! Being a teacher, mom, and housecleaner are 3 full time jobs!

Sounds like you need to do a few different things:

1) decide if you want to be a teacher or assistant?? Is the difference in salary worth it? Could you hire a housecleaner 1 or 2 a month if you went back to teaching?

2) Do you want to go back and be an assistant? You don't have to stop working totally outside of the house unless you want to... Sounds like you had things under control with that situation.

2a) How old are the kids and can they help you by doing chores too? What grade levels? Maybe if you want to remain a teacher, they could remain after school (yeah, when that's back in session) or do online tutoring.

You can't do everything yourself, otherwise you will just be exhausted and cranky.. (Yes, I know from experience when I can't stop doing something "hyper-focus" and then I am sooo tireeeeed)

3) Recommend you look at "Get Organized" newsletter. Maria is a GREAT organizer, and has lots of ideas to help you. Her website is getorganizednow.com/

One thing she recommends that I use is to take 1 room a day, and then rotate through them all.

You can take whatever you need from her site. Maybe one of her systems could be your "master" plan.. There are other great adhd organizers too... just google..

Lot's of us ADHD'ers are very disorganized, so it is a hard thing to put a good plan in place. I'm doing better by focusing on 1-2 things EVERY day without fail (PRIORITIES) , and adding 1-3 less important things. It's just a daily list for me, seems to be working so far. Timers for fun stuff, otherwise the hyperfocus will kick in.

Guilt, disgust and lack of motivation!! Very well said; and yes I have experienced all as well. One time I let the stove get so DISGUSTING it took me 2 weeks to clean it off. Now, I am anal about the stove and wipe it every day.

Please take those small steps for yourself, and your family. You really can do it. Clearly, you are an intelligent, compassionate woman who is quite capable. (Remember you've done it before!!). You will feel so much better about yourself.

One small step at a time. You are a great example for your children. Best wishes on your continued success!!

[sherrisuzie]

Thank you for your openness I really struggle with the house and motivation too (and the associated self judgement). Thank you also to GatsbyCat for great advice - I'm definitely going to check out that website and try your other tips.

[Jengirlmama]

Found out I have some form of bipolar. Started on a mood stabilizer.