Expert: Sharon Crandall - 1/28/2011

Question
Hi, I am a 17 year old grade 12 student. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in grade 4. I go through the normal struggles as anyone with ADD would in school. But latly I find myself slipping away from my homework and studying. I need some study tips that il find interesting and useful. I can't seem to study without getting distracted and abandoning my homework. I am in desperate need of help!

Answer
Hi Michelle,

Try dancing while you memorize what you are supposed to memorize. When you read something, pretend you are in a play and reading it. Also, talk to yourself because your brain is very powerful. So, never say things like, "I just can't concentrate" because your brain will believe this and make it real. Instead say, "I am great at concentrating and always remember what I read.

Set up a fun reward for yourself to do or have when you complete a certain amount of studying. Also, set a reward for being consistent in your studying for a week. Tell yourself how much fun and challenging it is to learn and to see if you can improve a little each day.

Also, be sure and have a long term goal and put pictures up on your wall to remind you of your goal. If you want to be a Dr. Find a picture of yourself and paste it up with a doctor's outfit on you and a stethoscope around your neck. Also, put words around your picture cut out from magazines such as "I am happy", "I am a great doctor!" "I am driving a beautiful Porsche."

We have to have long term goals to inspire us and short term goals with reward to keep going. Be creative and see how much fun you can make it--maybe studying with someone else and having a contest to see how much each of you remember what you just read.

Have fun!!!

Hope this helps.

Sharon Crandall
www.personalityconsultant.com