The 24 hour rule can be very helpful to people with Attention Deficit Disorder. The basic idea of the 24 hour rule is to wait 24 hours before giving somebody an answer. This is especially helpful to those with Attention Deficit Disorder because of impulsivity. Quite often people with ADD give answers with out really thinking about what may be involved.
Waiting 24 hours can give people with Attention Deficit Disorder time to process what may be involved. They can also double check to see if what was asked of them might interfere with other commitments or issues in their lives. Quite often something that sounded great "at the moment" may not seem that great the next day. The 24 hour rule is also great to use when thinking about making purchases.
I'll get back to you in twenty four hours with a comment. That is if I remember 24 hours from now that I made this comment.
Posted by: Dr. John | Wednesday, February 08, 2006 at 12:17 PM
This is one of the best things I have learned and have been able to incorporate into my daily living--to wait, to stop and think, to not send that e-mail or to give myself time to re-read something I have written -like at least a day. I even have learned to hold my tongue--to just not blurt out things that are potentially harmful. (My mother has got to be full blown ADD-she has been sending what we all call poison pen letters for decades and we all have fallen vicitm and she has alientated so many people. Now she e-mails-yikes. I used to throw her mail away unopened and told my kids to do the same. Now I have to delete the e-mail.) Back to me -- I have told my son to stop and think before committing and before talking and talking and talking... I was just diagnosed with ADD at 55 and I have been struggling with having him tested although I know the answer-but I tell him - tell people you have to ask me before you commit to something or do something or join something.
Posted by: Candy | Friday, February 10, 2006 at 05:18 PM
Hi - I understand poison pen letters. I've written a bunch of them and destroyed my share of relationships. One of the greatest challenges is impulsivity. Responding to a letter, phone message, or e-mail without enough forethought. The 24 hour rule is critical when it comes to reacting to missives. Gives you time to cool down and think before responding.
Posted by: Jim Smart | Friday, July 07, 2006 at 01:22 PM
I like the idea of the 24 hour rule, in my case it really applys to saying yes to helping people or taking on more then I can do, I have ADD and not checking my calendar has gotten me in to more trouble with scheduling! Being verbally implusive isn't as much of a problem or I am not aware of it as much eek. I often don't say things I really should for fear of offending someone.
I tend to use a journal for "sound off" letters, I write it all out just as I want to say it, then rip it up and flush it and start over and tone it down. With e-mail I write it and save it to the draft folder and come back to it.
Posted by: Ann Potter | Saturday, July 08, 2006 at 11:16 AM