Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Episode 93: Swantje Lorrimer

Feb 22, 2025

41:59

Welcome to episode #93! We’re thrilled to be joined by Swantje Lorrimer today.

Swantje Lorrimer has built a career spanning multiple industries, including academic research, film productions (Star Wars, The Fall Guy), and ADHD coaching. After struggling to fit into traditional job structures, she embraced freelancing, creativity, and adventure as the key to thriving with ADHD.

In this episode, we explore dopamine-seeking behavior, unconventional careers, ADHD-friendly productivity strategies, and why neurodivergent people often struggle with traditional routines.

Welcome to the show, Swantje!

Questions

JN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?
Realized later in life after seeking ADHD coaching for her children

Initially dismissed the ADHD coach’s comments—until she recognized her own patterns
Diagnosis made everything in her life make sense

JN: What was it like growing up undiagnosed with ADHD?

Left home at 16 to move to Finland with no prior knowledge of Finnish
Sought big, high-stimulation experiences—milking goats in a hippie commune, working in hospitals, etc.
Always chased dopamine hits—leading to an adventurous but unpredictable career

JC: What was your career path before becoming an ADHD coach?

Worked as a costume designer on major film productions like Star Wars
Freelanced in theater, opera, and academic research in philosophy
Struggled with structured, repetitive jobs, always seeking new challenges

JN: How did getting diagnosed with ADHD change things for you?

Stopped feeling like a failure—realized her brain just worked differently
Understood that she needed flexibility, novelty, and control over her work
Learned to embrace her ADHD instead of fighting against it

JC: What led you to ADHD coaching?

Saw her own children struggle with neurodivergence and wanted to support others
Realized her background in academia and creativity gave her a unique coaching perspective
Studied ADHD coaching in New York and now runs Doing, Doing, Done

JN: What productivity strategies work for you?

Avoids SMART goals—prefers a fluid, adaptable approach to projects
Uses dopamine as a guide—choosing tasks that naturally engage her brain
Outsources and delegates when possible instead of trying to do everything alone

JC: What productivity strategies DON’T work for you?

Strict routines & time-blocking—every day is different, so flexibility is key
Rigid linear task completion—she works best by jumping between ideas
Overcommitting to projects without energy management—learned to say no strategically

JN: What does your morning routine look like?

No fixed routine—every day is different
Loves starting the day with deep focus work when possible
Goes to the gym when energy allows, without rigid expectations

JN: How do you wind down at night?

Drinks hot cocoa and reads a book before bed
Engages in creative activities like bookbinding and illustration
Prioritizes listening to her energy levels rather than forcing structure

JN: Where can people connect with you?

Website: https://www.doingdoingdone.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swantje-lorrimer-14172558/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567285666137

JC: Final words for the audience?

“Your brain isn’t broken—stop trying to make it fit neurotypical standards.”
“The world needs neurodivergent thinkers—find your own way to thrive.”