I don't have ADHD, yet I have no idea how to implement "Only Handle It Once." How is that even possible? First, I have to figure out what it is, then I have to sort it into the correct to-do pile, then I have to sort all the other papers, then I have to let them pile up on my desk, then I have to go through them again to figure out what has to be done and recycle the stuff that's too late to handle, then I have to make decisions, which I don't wanna do, then I have to act or not act on those decisions, and then I have to either file or recycle or re-pile. Which part of that is the "only once?"
The program I adopted to handle overwhelming issues is to simply turn it off in my brain. I begin to think of something else. This requires deliberate action and practice. It becomes reflexive behavior after a period of time. The issue may remain but not wasting time stressing over it.
I don't have ADHD, yet I have no idea how to implement "Only Handle It Once." How is that even possible? First, I have to figure out what it is, then I have to sort it into the correct to-do pile, then I have to sort all the other papers, then I have to let them pile up on my desk, then I have to go through them again to figure out what has to be done and recycle the stuff that's too late to handle, then I have to make decisions, which I don't wanna do, then I have to act or not act on those decisions, and then I have to either file or recycle or re-pile. Which part of that is the "only once?"
That's how I see it, too. When it comes to mail, I have decision-making analysis paralysis!
The program I adopted to handle overwhelming issues is to simply turn it off in my brain. I begin to think of something else. This requires deliberate action and practice. It becomes reflexive behavior after a period of time. The issue may remain but not wasting time stressing over it.