Explore strategies for project completion with ADHD, from managing interruptions to leveraging brain functions. Learn about the Adrenaline-Anxiety Approach and transition to a more sustainable, individualized monotropic approach. Discover tips on creating structure, managing daily life, and finding balance, along with insights from the Love Your Brain course.
Transitioning from adrenaline-anxiety to monotropism can lead to sustainable work processes.
Building a personalized project management process tailored to individual needs is crucial for productivity.
Deep dives
Project Completion Challenges and Strategies
Completing projects, especially passion projects, can be daunting for neurodivergent individuals like those with ADHD. Many rely on an 'adrenaline anxiety' approach to get things done, often working last-minute to harness the pressure of impending deadlines. Despite its effectiveness, this method can lead to burnout and neglect of other life aspects. While external support and traditional productivity advice may enhance this approach, transitioning away from pure adrenaline anxiety can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling work process.
Transitioning to a Gentler Approach
Transitioning away from high-pressure methods can lead to a period of decreased productivity, which may feel unsettling for individuals used to the fast-paced adrenaline-driven work style. Known as 'monotropism,' focusing on one project at a time aligning with current energy levels is encouraged during this phase. Seeking support from ADHD communities, coaching, or peer groups can aid in navigating this transition and embracing a slower, more intentional approach to productivity.
Developing Personalized Productivity Processes
Building a sustainable and personalized project management process is essential for neurodivergent individuals. Understanding brain states, minimizing decision fatigue, and leveraging strengths rather than fixating on weaknesses can enhance productivity. Creating adaptable plans, managing interruptions effectively, and incorporating self-care into daily routines are key components of maintaining project momentum in a way that aligns with individual needs and energy levels.
Empowering Project Management Skills
Encouraging experimentation and self-understanding are pivotal in overcoming project challenges. By mapping brain states, harnessing strengths, and managing energy levels effectively, individuals can navigate project beginnings, middles, and ends with greater ease. Recognizing and addressing fear of failure or success, collaborating with others for support, and integrating rest and self-care practices into project management processes can lead to sustainable and fulfilling outcomes.
AuDHD brains face many challenges when it comes to projects. It's something I've put a great deal of time and learning into, both personally and professionally.
This episode covers many ideas and approaches that tend to work for us.
Key Takeaways:
We usually learn to use what I call the Adrenaline-Anxiety Approach. While effective short-term, it can lead to burnout and other issues.
A monotropic approach is more sustainable and individualized... and it can feel slow at first.
Experimentation as a core tool
Creating just enough structure and safety to get going, without getting bogged down (loose planning)
Working with the brain states you have
Managing interruptions, inputs, and daily life
Finding the balance that works for you
The episode also walks through the Love Your Brain course, designed to help AuDHDers understand their mind-body system, work with brain states, and navigate project challenges. The course emphasizes self-compassion, experimentation, and building processes tailored to individual needs.