Conversation with Paula Engebretson - Why Can't I Publish Consistently?
Jul 26, 2024
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Paula Engebretson, a coach specializing in ADHD, uncovers her secret to consistent publishing amidst ADHD challenges. She emphasizes the importance of only taking on projects that resonate as a 'full-bodied yes.' Paula shares how her personal mission fuels her motivation and highlights the impact of rejection sensitivity on creativity. The conversation explores balancing structure with spontaneity in content creation, the significance of a compelling 'why,' and redefining what consistency means for authentic engagement.
Paula Engebretson emphasizes the importance of a 'full-bodied yes' to sustain motivation and drive successful content creation.
The podcast discusses how adapting coaching techniques to individual learning styles fosters engagement and promotes autonomy for clients with ADHD.
Deep dives
Understanding ADHD and Personal Journey
Coaching individuals with ADHD or ADHD tendencies involves recognizing the unique challenges they face within traditional structures that often don't align with their way of thinking. The speaker discusses their own ADHD diagnosis, which brought a significant sense of relief, transforming a previously overwhelming struggle with working memory and deadlines into a clearer understanding of their needs. Realizing that their difficulties were not due to a lack of intelligence, but rather due to working memory impairments and the necessity for accountability, proved empowering. This perspective shift allowed for the implementation of tailored strategies that align better with the individual's brain function and learning styles.
Navigating Coaching with ADHD Clients
Coaching clients with ADHD often means addressing their need for structure while accommodating their desire for autonomy. Many clients seek a balance between regimented guidance and flexibility, desiring a structured syllabus yet resisting strict rules. The coach emphasizes the importance of providing varied learning styles and options within programs, allowing clients to engage in ways that feel comfortable to them. This approach promotes self-selection into specific strategies, fostering a sense of control that can motivate clients to participate actively.
The Impact of Routine and Emotional Regulation
Routine plays a crucial role in maintaining consistency in content creation and emotional regulation for individuals with ADHD. Establishing specific times for tasks can help mitigate the all-or-nothing thinking often experienced by those with ADHD. The conversation highlights that achieving a 'full body yes' is essential for sustaining motivation and avoiding entitlement around content and task completion. The coach discusses how effective routines were created intentionally from empowering decisions, ensuring that personal interests drive engagement rather than external pressures.
Embracing Flexibility in Content Creation
For effective content creation and consistency, it's important to redefine what consistency means on an individual level. Embracing flexibility allows for bursts of creativity, where one can create multiple pieces when inspiration strikes without the pressure to maintain a rigid schedule. Those with ADHD may benefit significantly from approaches that focus on spontaneous engagement rather than stringent deadlines. Finding support in delegating tasks or utilizing tools that help manage content flow can streamline the process, making it more enjoyable and less stressful.
Paula Engebretson coaches people with an ADHD diagnosis (or ADHD tendencies). Since I know she has ADHD, and since I may or may not be a member of her target audience, I've been surprised at how consistently she publishes her newsletter and podcast. People like her (me) are not supposed to be as reliable as she is. But she shows up like clockwork. I asked her to come on the show to talk about how she does it.
My key takeaways were: 1. Why Paula won't take on a project unless it's a "full-bodied yes". 2. How her personal mission keeps her motivated. 3. How my own lack of consistency probably stems from #1 and #2.
Connect with Paula: I'm Busy Being Awesome (website and podcast)
Announcement: On May 1 I'm holding my first "Office Hours with Mark". Office Hours creates space and time for my fellow coaches to connect with me and get support. Go to https://mrkbtlr.com/office-hours to opt in for details.
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