Kourosh Dini, MD, an insightful MD and author, returns to discuss his transformative "visit" technique for managing ADHD. He emphasizes the importance of showing up fully to tasks, suggesting that small, intentional interactions can lead to significant breakthroughs. Dini argues against force-based productivity, advocating for a playful approach that embraces emotion and creativity. He reassures listeners that revisiting tasks deepens understanding and fosters progress, turning dreaded chores into enjoyable experiences.
The concept of 'the visit' promotes a mindful engagement with tasks, fostering trust in our ability to take action without pressure.
By moving away from force-based work methods, individuals can cultivate a more enjoyable and sustainable approach to their tasks.
Deep dives
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Understanding the Concept of 'Visit'
The concept of 'visit' serves as a means to engage with tasks in a manageable and mindful way. Through a structured approach that involves choosing a task and committing to being present for a single deep breath, individuals can start to cultivate trust in their ability to take action. This practice alleviates the pressure of productivity by emphasizing the importance of simply showing up, creating a space to explore one's emotions and thoughts related to the task. The 'visit' fosters a relationship with oneself, prompting users to recognize their agency in decision-making without the usual external pressures.
Differentiating Between Force-Based and Fire-Based Work
Force-based work methods often stem from a lack of trust in one’s abilities, leading individuals to rely on external pressures, such as deadlines or shame, to motivate action. In contrast, fire-based work emphasizes the reactive nature of responding to urgent demands, which can create a cycle of constant stress and distraction. By introducing the 'visit' practice, individuals can step away from these high-pressure environments and instead focus on developing a more sustainable, enjoyable approach to work. This shift allows for the resolution of internal anxieties and fosters a more inviting workspace, where tasks can be approached thoughtfully rather than reactively.
Finding Joy in Work and Developing Trust
In order to cultivate a satisfying work experience, it is essential to seek joy in tasks and create moments for reflection amidst busyness. The practice of 'visit' encourages individuals to not only engage with their work but also assess their emotional connections to it, asking questions about enjoyment and personal fulfillment. This process of self-exploration leads to greater confidence in one’s future self, as it establishes a sense of trust that can alleviate the fear of failing to meet expectations. Ultimately, this journey involves embracing one's individuality and honoring personal development, recognizing that progress may not always be linear but remains an essential part of the process.
This week on Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, we welcome back the insightful Kourosh Dini, MD, for a deeper dive into the surprisingly simple yet profoundly effective concept of "the visit." Since his last appearance, we've been hearing incredible stories from our listeners about how this technique has transformed their relationship with tasks, and we're thrilled to have him back to share more. “The visit" isn't about powering through a to-do list; it's about gently engaging with a task, even just for a single deep breath, and building trust in our future selves. He breaks down the two essential elements: showing up (fully present with the task) and staying (lingering for just a moment), emphasizing that this seemingly small act can spark unexpected breakthroughs.
We all know the struggle of force-based work – the urgency, the shame, the last-minute scramble fueled by a desperate need for a dopamine hit. Dr. Dini offers a refreshing alternative with the visit, suggesting that it opens us up to a wider range of emotions and allows us to tap into our innate playfulness. This shift, he explains, can transform work from a dreaded chore into a more sustainable and even enjoyable experience. He also addresses the common worry of "over-visiting" a task, assuring us that repeated visits can actually deepen our understanding and pave the way for real progress.
Ever feel like you're staring blankly at your task list, overwhelmed by the sheer number of things you need to do? Dr. Dini gets it. He explains how visits can combat that dreaded task blindness and help us regain momentum. By regularly checking in with a task, even briefly, we maintain a connection and avoid the sense of being lost or overwhelmed. He shares a relatable analogy from his experience as a musician, highlighting how stepping away from a challenging composition can often lead to unexpected insights upon returning.
Finally, Dr. Dini reminds us that real progress isn't always measurable. In a world obsessed with quantifiable results, he encourages us to value the internal shifts that happen during and between visits. These unmeasurable moments of insight, he argues, are the true building blocks of meaningful work. Join us as we explore the power of the visit, not as a quick fix but as a pathway to a more fulfilling and sustainable way of working.