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Are you the kind of crafter who moves from one project to another without ever really finishing anything?

Do you get really excited about a new craft, then lose interest about halfway through?

Is your closet filled with half-finished projects that you hope to complete "someday"?

Then you may have Crafter's Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)!

According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), the core elements or principal characteristics of ADD (and its counterpart, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. And while it "is a highly prevalent, worldwide disorder estimated to affect... 3-6% of adults," many adults live with AD/HD daily and aren't aware of it because the symptoms are the typically same as those of an overly stressful life.

AD/HD is believed to hinder a variety of actions and abilities, including but not limited to:

* Decision making and problem solving
* Short-term memory
* Organizational and time management skills
* Attention span
* Emotions, motivation, and activity levels

While, the study of AD/HD is, in itself, and important topic that makes a valid discussion, this article is designed to specifically address the issues of AD/HD as they relate to crafters.

* Decision making and problem solving

This will display itself as a feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of craft techniques and choices available to you, and the inability to decide what to create first.

* Short-term memory

Those with crafter's AD/HD may discover they can't remember where they left off when they last worked on a project, or they may find they have to re-read the instructions every time they come back to even a simple craft.

* Organizational and time management skills

Organizing your craft space and projects, and managing your crafting time in order to get the most done in the least amount of time may be a real challenge for those who suffer from crafter's AD/HD.

* Inattention and loss of interest

As mentioned earlier, moving from one project to another without completion, or getting excited about a new craft, then losing interest halfway through are both symptoms of crafter's AD/HD.

* Emotions, motivation, and activity levels

Crafters with AD/HD are often heard to say, "I'm just not in the mood to craft today," or "I just don't feel like it." While these statements don't necessarily signal AD/HD, when coupled with other symptoms as mentioned here, it's possible you do suffer from AD/HD.

While AD/HD cannot be presumed, it may be suspected, and while a true diagnosis should be left only to a medical professional, there are some lifestyle changes that may help you to improve your crafting performance, if you believe that you likely suffer from this malady.

==> Learn strategies for time management and organizational skills

Read books and articles on how to better manage your time and organize your life and apply the principles you discover. In extreme cases, see a life or professional coach to help you set goals and boost productivity.

==> Work within your range of talents and strengths

Select one or two crafts you like best and work on those. While you may enjoy other crafting techniques or longer lasting projects, work on only those crafts that consist of the techniques you like best and shorter projects that can be completed quickly.

==> Improve your health habits

Be sure you get enough sleep, eat properly and get plenty of exercise. While these habits are important to every area of life, they are especially helpful in controlling the symptoms of AD/HD.

We may look at crafter's AD/HD tongue-in-cheek, but the underlying principles of true AD/HD as found in adults *do* apply in the crafting realm. By recognizing the symptoms and following these simple guidelines, you can overcome your AD/HD tendencies and accomplish more with your crafts than you ever dreamed possible.