Tackling organization, clutter, and stress with hyperfocus (Wendy’s story)
Dec 12, 2023
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ADHD decluttering coach, Wendy Zanders, shares her experience of using hyperfocus to bring organization to her life. She discusses her ADHD diagnosis, homeschooling challenges, and the importance of balance and prioritizing tasks. Wendy also shares her vision of providing scholarships and support for families in need.
Cleaning and decluttering can be therapeutic and bring focus to individuals with ADHD.
Breaking down tasks, compartmentalizing, and setting realistic expectations are crucial for managing clutter and organization with ADHD.
Deep dives
Turning Clutter into Calm: Wendy's Journey as a Declutter Coach and Personal Organizer
Wendy Zanders shares her experience of finding solace in organizing and decluttering, despite having ADHD. As a child, Wendy discovered that cleaning and simplifying her room helped to alleviate stress and create a sense of rhythm. She discusses her late ADHD diagnosis and how it provided relief and clarity. Wendy emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and self-reflection in acknowledging one's past struggles. She offers practical tips, such as the Pomodoro method and compartmentalizing tasks, to help individuals with ADHD stay organized. Additionally, Wendy explores the shame associated with clutter and highlights the empathetic approach she takes when assisting clients. She concludes by expressing her desire to provide scholarships for families in need of decluttering assistance.
Strategies for Managing ADHD-Related Clutter and Organization
Wendy Zanders shares her personal strategies for managing clutter and organization with ADHD. She emphasizes the significance of brain dumping, which involves writing down all tasks or thoughts to clear the mind. Wendy advises breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable components and compartmentalizing different areas of life to enhance focus and productivity. She also advocates for setting realistic expectations and avoiding the pressure associated with New Year's resolutions. Moreover, Wendy discusses the challenges and solutions related to living with other family members and their clutter. She encourages open communication, understanding, and establishing supportive environments.
The Transformative Power of Organization and Decluttering
Wendy Zanders discusses her personal and professional journey as a declutter coach and professional organizer. She shares her own experience of battling depression and how decluttering and organizing her home played a crucial role in her recovery. Wendy highlights the importance of having empathy for her clients and creating a safe space for them to declutter without judgment. She explains the concept of 'doom bags' and emphasizes the need for processing and addressing clutter rather than hiding it away. Additionally, Wendy expresses her passion for helping special needs families and her vision of providing scholarships for those who can't afford professional organizing services.
Embracing ADHD and the Growth Mindset
Wendy Zanders encourages individuals with ADHD to embrace their unique abilities and challenges, adopting a growth mindset. She shares her personal experiences with impulsivity, distractibility, and regulating emotions. Wendy highlights the importance of forgiveness, self-reflection, and approaching tasks with self-compassion. She offers practical tips like using the Pomodoro method and celebrating small victories along the way. Moreover, Wendy discusses the importance of advocating for oneself and being an advocate for children with ADHD. She emphasizes the value of understanding each individual's unique ADHD presentation and tailoring organization strategies accordingly.
Need organization and decluttering tips? Wendy Zanders has tips for days. She also has ADHD. We don’t usually associate strong organization skills with ADHD. And yet, Wendy is a decluttering coach with ADHD. She moved to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago at 14. At first, she struggled to keep up with her classes. But then she discovered her secret weapon: hyperfocusing on cleaning to de-stress and bring focus to her school life.
Today, Wendy is a United States veteran, business owner, and mom of 2 kids who also have ADHD. When her son was being evaluated, she recognized her own symptoms in him. Find out how Wendy helps other families tackle clutter, and how having ADHD brings empathy to her work.
To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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