When I am at work, I literally do nothing until a huge issue becomes and I can tell my boss becomes visibly irritated. I guess since fear and/or deadlines imposed by people is my only motivator, I make enough progress and things are cool, but rather than finishing large projects at work, I proceed to daydream and do nothing until the next time my boss will inquire what my status is on a project. I really would appreciate suggestions on how to break this habit which will eventually cost me my job here.

I have the same problem, and it has actually been worse since I started on medication. I find it easier to focus on projects after I start them, but the old motivation to get moving in the first place (fear) isn't there like it used to be, so it's easier to space out whenever I'm not in the middle of something.

One thing that helps a little when I catch myself doing that is to just pick one small, easy to finish part of the larger thing and think, "Let's just finish this one part right now and get it out of the way."

Sometimes that's enough of a kick to get myself moving. Not always, but it's at least more helpful than thinking about the whole thing and how much I have left to do, and feeling overwhelmed by it. That feeling is usually what leads to me daydreaming or finding some other distraction in the first place.

I think Fish's suggestion is a wonderful one the only thing I want to add is that why I think ADDer tend to procrastinate until they are "in hot water" or wait until the last minute.

I think the adrenaline caused by having an irritated boss gives you the ability to focus on the project.

I think the adrenaline caused by having an irritated boss gives you the ability to focus on the project.

Agreed. I have known for a long time that I can only really function in crisis or emergency situations or when there is some great amount of risk present. It just makes me come *alive* and I perform beautifully. Now if I could just figure out a way to make my life like that ALL the time... then this whole AD/HD thing would actually work out great.

Teach yourself Project Management?

e.g. Pareto Charts, checklists, Priority A/B/C/D setting.