Have you gone through life uncomfortably? Have you had relationship issues? Career issues? Trouble with addictions? The signs and symptoms of what you may have experienced weren't readily evaluated by doctors until sometime in the 1980s, leaving those that grew up before wondering why they were having a hard time trying to cope. But don't feel bad when you learn that what you've had is ADD, just because it's labeled a "disorder." When you realize that attention deficit is what may have been your issue all along, it's probably going to be a moment of clarity and relief. But if you suspect attention deficit is your issue, then here are some great tips to help you:

1. Make sure you have a diagnosis. Though you can take some preliminary test online to see if it's attention deficit that's plaguing you, you won't know for sure until you see a professional. What you think is attention deficit could be something else.

2. When you're sure you have ADD, realize that it's not a bad thing. Did you know that there are scientists who have postulated that attention deficit could be the next evolution of the human brain? Shed the negative feelings you have about attention deficit because it really makes you awesome.

3. Support groups for attention deficit can be very helpful. You can share stories, insights, coping techniques, etc. that can really help you to move forward.

4. Understand that traditional jobs may not suit you. Think outside the box for jobs that are in the problem-solving, creative, or entrepreneurial arenas.

5. Use lists, alarms, notes, and color-coding to help you deal with keeping appointments, getting household chores done, buying groceries, or other things that you may forget.

6. Make use of deadlines to help you get things done. This will help you to combat ADD procrastination.

7. Dopamine levels in your brain might be lower than normal. Exercise can help you to boost the levels of dopamine and your ADD symptoms might lessen.

8. Be sure that the people you're around all the time understand that you have ADD and what that means. They won't be so quick to judge you for things you can't control.

9. When you have a huge project to do, chunk it down into a series of tasks. When you do this, you'll be less likely to avoid doing them.

10. Support other people with ADD. Teach them coping mechanisms that help you. Helping them will help you to feel good, too.

If you're new to ADD, these tips are just starters. Find more information on each of these ideas and you'll be better able to deal with your attention deficit, and the more you learn the more you'll realize that you're not alone.