I have been reading about ADT, Attention Deficit Trait, lately. It was first coined in 1996 by Edward Hallowell in his article Overloaded Circuits, Why Smart People Underperform. Unlike ADD, a neurological disorder that has a genetic component and can be aggravated by environmental and physical factors, ADT springs entirely from the environment. He states that, like the traffic jam, ADT is an artifact of modern life. It is brought on by the demands on our time and attention that have exploded over the past few decades. As our minds fill with noise – feckless synaptic events signifying nothing- the brain gradually loses its capacity to attend fully and thoroughly to anything.
Here are the symptoms – distractibility, inner frenzy, and impatience. ADT prevents managers from clarifying priorities, making smart decisions, and managing their time. This insidious condition turns otherwise talented performers into harried underachievers.
ADT isn’t an illness or character effect. It is our brain’s natural response to exploding demands on our time and attention. As data increasingly floods our brains, we lose our creativity and mistakes increase.
Hallowell lists 3 simple things we can do to control ADT’s negative impact on our performance.
- Foster positive emotions by connecting face-to-face with people you like and trust throughout the day.
- Take physical care of your brain by getting enough sleep, eating healthfully and exercising regularly.
- Organize for ADT. Designate part of each day for thinking and planning, and setting up your office to foster optimal mental functioning. For example, keeping at least part of your desk clear at all times.
He suggests the OHIO rule when it comes to paperwork – Only Handle It Once. That’s my new motto – Wish me luck!
And remember…
Whatever your Goal or Dream – WE Can Make it Happen.
