The Real Python Podcast

Thriving as a Developer With ADHD

Sep 20, 2024

Chris Ferdinandi, a dedicated advocate for those with ADHD, shares his journey and insights drawn from running a website and podcast on thriving with ADHD. He discusses effective time management strategies and the unique productivity challenges faced in meetings. Chris highlights how coding aligns with ADHD traits, fostering hyperfocus and engagement. He emphasizes the power of downtime for creativity and offers tips for managing distractions, particularly in remote work settings, encouraging a mindset of embracing imperfection in productivity.

01:06:30

Creator website

Episode guests

Chris Ferdinandi

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

ADHD can enhance productivity in coding by utilizing fast feedback loops that provoke dopamine spikes and encourage hyper-focus.

Meetings often disrupt productivity for developers with ADHD, creating a 'temporal dead zone' that hinders task initiation and workflow.

Effective time management strategies, such as blocked-off work periods and manageable tasks, can significantly improve focus and productivity for individuals with ADHD.

Deep dives

Understanding ADHD's Impact on Development

ADHD significantly influences productivity and focus in developers. The disorder is characterized by difficulties in regulating attention, stemming from a biological deficiency in dopamine production. Coding can be an ideal career for individuals with ADHD due to the fast feedback loops it offers, which can provoke dopamine spikes and induce hyper-focus. This ability to engage deeply with coding tasks allows ADHD individuals to excel in environments that may otherwise hinder their productivity.

Intro

2min

Coding: A Thriving Career Path for Individuals with ADHD

3min

Navigating Focus with ADHD

13min

The Power of Downtime for Creative Problem Solving

2min

Navigating Workspaces with ADHD

15min

Navigating Remote Work and Learning GUI Development

4min

Embracing Imperfection: ADHD and Productivity

24min

Exploring New Interests Beyond Programming

2min

What are strategies for being a productive developer with ADHD? How can you help your team members with ADHD to succeed and complete projects? This week on the show, we speak with Chris Ferdinandi about his website and podcast “ADHD For the Win!”

Chris struggled with productivity early in his career as a developer. He shares systems and strategies he’s discovered to harness the focusing power of ADHD.

We discuss time management, meetings, and maintaining productivity in a hectic world. Chris also shares resources for learning more about defining ADHD, self-evaluation, and how to keep getting things done.

This episode is sponsored by InfluxData.

Course Spotlight: Build a GUI Calculator With PyQt and Python

In this video course, you’ll learn how to create graphical user interface (GUI) applications with Python and PyQt. Once you’ve covered the basics, you’ll build a fully functional desktop calculator that can respond to user events with concrete actions.

Topics:

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:02:30 – Defining ADHD and how it aligns with coding
00:05:47 – Analogy for focus
00:06:51 – Can you sense the change in focus?
00:07:46 – The challenge of meetings
00:11:45 – Tips for managing time
00:15:44 – Capturing notes and defragging
00:18:48 – Sponsor: InfluxData
00:19:33 – Downtime and interruptions
00:25:26 – Remote work and focus
00:33:16 – Sitting still and meetings
00:37:39 – Video Course Spotlight
00:39:13 – Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly
00:47:36 – Prototypes and working on interesting things
00:50:26 – Deadlines and pomodoro timers
00:54:21 – Have your symptoms changed over time?
00:56:18 – Starting ADHDftw.com
00:59:12 – Decision to keep podcast episodes short
01:00:01 – Deciding on medication
01:02:02 – Resources available
01:03:29 – What motivates you to continue to learn programming?
01:04:06 – What do you want to learn next?
01:04:55 – What are other ways to follow your work online?
01:05:28 – Thanks and goodbye

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The Real Python Podcast

Thriving as a Developer With ADHD

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding ADHD's Impact on Development

Challenges of Meetings and Time Management

Effective Strategies for ADHD in the Workplace

The Role of Environment in Productivity

Resources and Tools for ADHD Management

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
& Export

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

The Real Python Podcast

Thriving as a Developer With ADHD

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Understanding ADHD's Impact on Development

Challenges of Meetings and Time Management

Effective Strategies for ADHD in the Workplace

The Role of Environment in Productivity

Resources and Tools for ADHD Management

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
& Export

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Discover
highlights