Am I the only one who struggles with Details at work

[creativemindforme]

As a designer, I often find it challenging to be “detail-oriented.” I’ve put in a lot of effort to improve this skill, but it still feels difficult for me. I’m wondering if anyone else shares this experience. If you do, what strategies do you use to overcome these challenges?

[STEM_Dad]

You are definitely not the only one.

This is common for people with ADHD, and is even included in the diagnostic criteria for the Inattentive and Combined presentations of ADHD (together these two presentations make up about 75% of people with ADHD).

I have always struggled with details at work, school, home, and in social activities.

I recently looked over my report cards from K-12 school and read all the teachers' comments, and it was evident that I've always struggled with details (and other Inattentive ADHD traits, like time management and absentmindedness).

What you can do about it is to develop systems, habits, routines, checklists, etc. I'm in a new job, and the processes written by my predecessors have been very helpful, so any even semi-complicated but regular processes ought to be documented (written out, screenshots, video recordings, or whatever works).

Some people with ADHD go so far as to outsource the management of details to someone else, e.g.:

• hiring a personal assistant or virtual assistant (even part time for a a couple of hours per week)

• contracting to a specialist like a bookkeeper

• or just working out a separation of responsibilities with a colleague (I knew a pair of nurses who did this, and one of them had ADHD)

The more that you can offload to your working environment to help you, the less you will have to worry in your mind about the details.

[GirlInTheCorner in reply to STEM_Dad]

Ditto! Thanks for the advice. I am also in a new job that requires a lot of attention to detail. Unfortunately, because of confidential info, I can't ask someone to help me. I do find that if I read documents aloud to myself, or if I use a screen reader, I pick up more detail.

In designing, are you able to ask for help?

Anyone else with advice out there?

[Pro-masker in reply to GirlInTheCorner]

I'm very much like this with tv programs and films, as much to some ppl having subtitles can distract them...I cant take in what's going on unless I read the subs aswell...this helps to keep me concentrated...visual and written, I can take it in so much better...I'd struggle to concentrate and just end up picking holes in the program looking for CGI bloopers or notice things that are absolutely useless to me, before I know it I've missed what the film was even about but I'll never be able to unsee the irrelevant parts if I was to watch it again...more annoying then anything else..

[creativemindforme in reply to STEM_Dad]

Thank you for the advice, It feels great not feeling alone in the struggle. I find I am really good at the "designing" aspect but the corrections and working in a data management system I struggle with especially when I have to learn a new skill super fast. I am going to start asking for written instructions and step to steps instead of just and remembering verbal instructions.

[Pro-masker]

So for me, I'm a brickwork restorer and perfectionism is a real struggle...I always forget to take breaks...I find if I walk away for 15mins have a coffee then go back I can carry on...silly mistakes are always easier to rectify...I'm a nightmare for missing small bits I have to just keep going over stuff till I've done it ALL...so my advice is to break it down into sections and do small bite size parts...have plenty of SMALL breaks...we can get stuck on 1 thing for far too long so walk away come back go again... try not to think of it as one big painting but rather a colour by number, do 1 colour at a time...hope it helps

[CHADDMOM]

Maybe using a graphic organizer to keep your ideas on a page that has specific way to enter the information. This way you can show exactly what you have been planning and great ideas. You can also create lists on your phone. What ever it is it has to be external.

All things that generate interest in your project, will help you to stay detailed oriented. Explore all facets of your job. Don’t let your ideas get lost or get old. What are some of the ways you have found that sparks your interest? These are the things that will drive your detail orientation. If you’re working with a boring project, you might need some extraordinary ways to generate more interest.