Hi friends! Victoria here. If you’ve been following along, whether it’s through The Virtual Sidekick Co. or my former photography Instagram @victoriaisabeltate, then you know that not only have I been a creative entrepreneur for over 12 years, but I’m also a fellow ADHD’er. Having ADHD hasn’t been the easiest part of my life but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been entertaining.

ADHD Core Memories

Some of my fondest memories are core because of the ADHD moments that occurred within. For example, my mom and I were painting her kitchen last year. We were grooving to the music and dancing around. Moments later, my mom starts to laugh as she goes to trim a wall and realizes only half of it was painted. There I was, trimming a corner on the opposite side of the room when I was suppose to be on roller duty. How I got there, no one knows. After a solid 10 minute of hysterical laughter, we managed to get the kitchen painted.

Another is when I went to wallpaper my kitchen. This was grand because I didn’t realize it until the next morning. I woke up to see half of a wall without wallpaper and 3/4 of the kitchen knobs were replaced but the dishes were. Where my brain went, again, no one knows.

With that being said, keeping focused on work is something I have gotten decently good at. Even if it doesn’t sound like it from my memories. It’s all because of things I have purchased, systems I have put in place in my environment, and of course… a little medication. While it’s common for most with ADHD to have 900 journals, I proudly own 2. Some have 22 colors of post-it notes thinking this color will create motivation to jot down thoughts quicker, I’ve been there, we shouldn’t go back.

So here’s my go-to office items that not only sit on my desk, but are even around my home. They keep my mind zen and my work-focus on 10.

1. DESK PAD – Why would a desk pad help? Often I can even get distracted by the grain pattern in my desk. It’s wooden, real, and sometimes triggers my OCD [also diagnosed] whenever I notice an inconsistency. I will also find myself tracing the grooves or get the heeby-jeebies from the texture depending on the day.
   
2. ERASABLE HIGHLIGHTERS – I will take my love for these highlighters to Heaven with me. They are so consistent with ink but the erasable and pastel colors is what makes them pure gold. I never have to worry about highlighting crooked. The colors are also bright but not distracting so they serve their purpose well.
   
3. PORTABLE LAPTOP STAND – If you do not have one these, I recommend it GREATLY. I have two. One that always stays on my desk and one that I carry around. Whether it’s my purse or in the kitchen, I am always ready. It makes such a different having your laptop eye level. Better for focus and better for posture. Enough said.
   
4. FIDGET. FREAKING. PEN – Not to mention for my indecisive people, this one actually has a “yes” or “no” on it. It’s like a magic 8 ball. Except it doesn’t distract you from work and keeps yourself ready to write down a thought when it strikes.
   
5. NOTEPAD – But not just any notepad… one without dates, has perfect check boxes, plenty of lines, and hits on all the things. Truly ADHD friendly AND empowering when you check those boxes! I also have these on each floor of my house and I consolidate at the end of each week so I can see where I can catch up over the weekend or adjust for the coming week.
   
6. ECHO SHOW SMART DISPLAY – This is a splurge but if you’re a tech savy person who always needs info right in front of you in the mornings, just get this. It’s like a Frame TV but for your calendar and to-do list. You also can sync it with your Alexa so if you randomly have a thought, tell her to save it for you!
   
7. MECHANICAL KEYBOARD – If you’re anything like me, sometimes my ADHD focus can be effected by sound. So one of the ways I always keep myself grounded when working is to have a mechanical keyboard. It keeps me tuned into the keyboard and the work I am doing and not the external sounds. Like my kids running around upstairs.

PS: To be transparent, these are affiliate links. But I genuinely use these items DAILY. Not to mention, they helped with my ability to keep focused and centered, even on the most hectic of days.

So if you’re someone with ADHD and a business owner who struggles with balancing both, let’s be friends! Sharing ADHD memes, tips, and passions is my favorite.