Welcome to my account of navigating ADHD in the world of bookkeeping and accounting. Over the past 11 years, I’ve grappled with the unique challenges of balancing ADHD with the demands of managing books and financial records, both in public accounting firms and the private sector. Through this experience, I’ve gleaned valuable lessons in managing ADHD in the workplace.
One of the most profound realizations was the importance of self-awareness. By understanding my strengths and weaknesses, I was able to tailor strategies that played to my strengths while mitigating my challenges. Techniques like the Eisenhower matrix and Pomodoro method became invaluable tools in my arsenal, allowing me to maximize productivity and focus.
Moreover, I embraced the power of collaboration and support networks. Whether it was seeking guidance from colleagues or enlisting the help of an ADHD coach, I discovered that I didn’t have to navigate this journey alone. By embracing vulnerability and reaching out for support, I unlocked new levels of resilience and growth.
In this blog post, I’ll share the experiences, insights, and strategies that have not only transformed my work approach, but also empowered me to thrive despite the challenges.
Taming Time Management Challenges
Time management has been a constant battle for me throughout my career. In the early years, I often found myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks and struggled to prioritize effectively. This led to a cycle of last-minute rushes and burnout. However, through trial and error, I discovered the power of structured systems. Detailed notes, calendar mapping, and task prioritization became my allies, providing a sense of clarity and control in a chaotic world. As I implemented these strategies, I witnessed a profound transformation in my productivity and overall well-being. What once seemed insurmountable became manageable, and I reclaimed ownership of my time. Here are some examples of how I did that:
- Using a planner with vertical days where I could plan out my days like a to-do list for each day, one week at a time, but putting the work in as a time block.
- Color coding my planner - using different colors for different kinds of work, or having different colors for different projects or clients. For example:
- Pink - cash and donations that needed to be deposited or entered
- Green - supporting tasks to complete for a major project
- Only give myself three tasks a day that have to be completed - and add in others that I would like to do if I still had energy/time
- Struggling both with time blindness and lack of energy at times, this was incredibly helpful for those times I overestimated my ability, or underestimated how long something would take to complete
Thriving in Problem-Solving
One area where I truly thrived was in solving the intricate puzzles of messy books and navigating audits with finesse. While these tasks may have seemed daunting to others, I approached them with a sense of excitement and curiosity. Each discrepancy was an opportunity to exercise my problem-solving skills and showcase my expertise.
However, it wasn’t just about finding solutions; it was about embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. I learned to view feedback and constructive criticism not as obstacles, but as stepping stones toward mastery. By approaching each task with a growth mindset, I unlocked my full potential and became a trusted resource within my organization. Below are some helpful questions to ask yourself after receiving feedback that may trigger a negative response for you or the way you talk to yourself about the work you have done.
- What are the facts of the situation?
- What was actually said (if about feedback)
- This question always helps me take out the emotion of my perception of how they said it and focus on what was said only.
- What are the facts of the situation?
- This helps in both feedback situations and where you may be talking to yourself negatively about how the day went.
- Maybe then ask, what did I accomplish today? To focus on all the stuff you did. I often found I did a lot more than I realized due to interruptions and unplanned things
- What went well?
- Remind yourself of the good things you did today.
- Maybe even talk about the things that surprised you (for good) as well.
- What can I do better tomorrow?
- Not only is this question more positive than “what went wrong” it also helps me focus on ways I can improve upon what I am already doing well
- What was actually said (if about feedback)
Advocating for Support and Embracing Growth
Perhaps the most transformative aspect of my journey was learning to advocate for myself and embrace vulnerability. For years, discussions about medication and ADHD were taboo topics in the workplace. However, I realized that my journey to success required me to break free from these constraints and embrace my truth.
By initiating open and honest conversations with my supervisors and colleagues, I not only destigmatized the discussion - I paved the way for greater understanding and support. Moreover, my journey from bookkeeper to ADHD coach exemplifies the power of embracing growth and seizing opportunities for personal and professional development. What once seemed like obstacles were merely stepping stones on the path to my true purpose. If you are struggling to start this conversation here are some tips for going about it.
- Make sure it fits the conversation. I often try to say 3 different things at one time, so in order to give myself a moment to form better thoughts/sentences I started to say something like “Sorry, ADHD brain, going faster than my mouth can keep up, give me a moment to gather my thoughts real fast.” I have found people are very receptive to this.
- Communicate. We had weekly staff meetings at a few of my positions, and if my systems were off because my office was being remodeled, or because my meds were being changed, I would just let my colleagues know that if I seemed off or forgot something, ADHD was why. I told them not to hesitate to remind me, and that those reminders were much appreciated.
- Be brave! It is hard to talk about needs and accommodations for ADHD. There is a lot of fear that people will think we are using ADHD as an excuse. But asking for help is not making excuses; it is asking for what we need so we can have success and thrive in that environment. Don’t hesitate to ask for it. The worst they will say is no, and then you are just in the same position. At that point, you can say, “okay, then what can we do to help me with xyz, as I am truly struggling here?” Most workplaces want you to succeed, and should be able to offer alternative solutions.
Wrapping Up
My journey through the world of bookkeeping and accounting offers more than just practical strategies; it offers a roadmap for transformation. By embracing self-awareness, resilience, and vulnerability, it’s possible to not only navigate the challenges of ADHD but also thrive in the face of adversity. Remember, you are capable of achieving greatness beyond your wildest dreams. Believe in yourself, embrace your journey, and watch as transformation unfolds before your eyes.
If you resonate with my journey and are seeking coaching for bookkeepers with ADHD, consider taking the first step toward transformation. Reach out to an ADHD coach who can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. Did you know some workplaces will pay for this as well? Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. Remember, the path to success begins with a single step.
