Brendan Mahan, host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast, discusses the 9 parts of a transition, including managing distractions and understanding emotional states. The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of transitions to effectively start and end tasks. They also explore challenges in decision-making during transitions and the impact of effective communication. Additionally, they mention an upcoming book on the Wall of Awful, targeting those who want to overcome challenges and make lasting changes. Seek help for ADHD and recap the top tips for transitions.
Transitions involve multiple components and should be addressed holistically, considering the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects.
Transitions are not limited to major changes but also include micro transitions within smaller actions, requiring decision-making and decisive actions to smoothly move from one task to another.
Deep dives
The Nine Parts of a Transition
Transitions involve multiple components, such as stopping the initial task, moving to the next task, and starting the new task. Each transition can be broken down into three stages: the current task, transitioning out of the task, and transitioning into the next task. It is important to acknowledge and address the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of transitions to navigate them successfully.
Recognizing and Navigating Micro Transitions
Transitions are not just limited to major changes, but also occur within smaller actions. Micro transitions, such as getting out of the car or switching tasks within an email, often go unnoticed. However, they can still create challenges and require decision-making and decisive actions to smoothly move from one task to another. Being aware of these micro transitions can help minimize difficulties in transitioning between activities.
Understanding the Impact of Transitions on Emotions
Transitions have a significant emotional impact, especially for individuals with ADHD. Emotions can affect how effectively we transition from one task to another. It is essential to recognize and acknowledge the emotional aspect of transitions, as suppressed emotions can lead to frustration or derailment. By understanding our emotional states during transitions, we can better manage and navigate these changes.
The Importance of Seeking Support and Asking for Help
Transitioning between tasks can be challenging, particularly for individuals with ADHD. It is crucial to seek support and assistance when needed. Asking for help and delegating tasks can make transitions smoother and enable individuals to navigate them more effectively. Getting support not only lightens the load but also creates an environment where transitions become more manageable.
Today we’ve got a real treat, I’m talking to one of my favorite people, Brendan Mahan of the ADHD Essentials Podcast. I last had Brendan on to talk about the Wall of Awful, his model of how everything that we do can be made harder from repeated failure. It’s a great episode and I’ll link that in the show notes if you want to get caught up on that.
I asked Brendan back on the show because while we were at the International ADHD Conference I got talking to him about a different model of his and that’s the 9 parts of a transition. Now I understand that the idea of 9 parts of a transition can seem a bit daunting, but what I think the most salient point of this episode is, is that transitions are far more than what we initially think they are. Because of this we often underestimate what goes into making those transitions. But I’m getting ahead of myself here, in our conversation today, Brendan breaks down this model and we also explore strategies for managing distractions and understanding our emotional states. Checkout Brendan's podcast ADHD Essentials Feel free to ask me a question on my Contact Page Find the full show note at HackingYourADHD.com/167This Episode's Top Tips
Understand that each transition includes multiple components, not just the physical move from one task to another. We need to consider not just the stopping, moving, and starting components of a transition, but also the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects as well.
And just to hammer this piece home, we need to recognize and address the emotional aspects of transitions, as they play a significant role in the process. This is especially important when we’re switching contexts, like going from work to family stuff.
It’s also important for us to understand that sometimes not all the parts of a transition are going to be all that impactful - some parts of the transition are going to be easy. But when we do struggle with moving onto the next thing it is important that we can step back and try and identify what’s going on and where we’re finding that resistance.
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