ADHD: The Impact of a Taxed Working Memory on Procrastination
Nov 18, 2020
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Two ADHD coaches, Jeff Copper and Elaine Taylor Klaus, discuss the impact of a taxed working memory on procrastination. They explore the role of ambiguity and how some environments can be more productive than others. They shed light on why many strategies don't work and offer insights for improving focus and productivity. The podcast also delves into the challenges of completing tasks with ADHD, the importance of critical thinking, and understanding the source of working memory challenges. A must-listen for those struggling with procrastination or seeking effective strategies.
Individuals with ADHD often escape or procrastinate when faced with tasks that overwhelm their working memory, but having someone else in the room to engage in conversation can alleviate the burden and improve productivity.
The lack of interaction in virtual work and social isolation can make it harder for individuals with ADHD to engage their working memory, but creating an interactive and conversational environment can enhance productivity and reduce the cognitive load.
Deep dives
The Impact of Working Memory on Procrastination
Working memory, the ability to hold thoughts in your mind while organizing and sequencing them without forgetting, plays a significant role in procrastination. Working memory allows us to juggle thoughts and retrieve knowledge, but for individuals with ADHD, it can become overwhelming. When faced with a task that requires too much thinking or effort, people with ADHD often escape or procrastinate. Having someone else in the room to ask questions or engage in conversation can help alleviate the burden on working memory and make thinking and problem-solving easier. By understanding the role of working memory and finding ways to support it, individuals with ADHD can improve productivity and overcome procrastination.
The Need for Interaction and Conversation
Interactions and conversations with others play a crucial role in learning, problem-solving, and clarifying thoughts. Through conversation and bouncing ideas off one another, we gain clarity, challenge our thinking, and solidify our thoughts. In an era of virtual work and social isolation, the lack of interaction can make it harder for individuals with ADHD to engage in conversations that trigger their working memory. Without the opportunity to talk through their thoughts and ideas with others, the task at hand can become overwhelming and lead to escape or distraction. Creating an interactive and conversational environment, either by engaging with a coworker or family member, can help alleviate the burden on working memory and enhance productivity.
The Importance of Clarifying and Chunking
Clarifying the task at hand and breaking it down into manageable chunks can significantly aid individuals with ADHD who struggle with working memory. By asking questions and gathering all the necessary information, the individual can gain clarity and reduce ambiguity. Breaking the task into smaller, more digestible parts makes it easier for working memory to handle and reduces the cognitive load. Additionally, discussing and bouncing ideas off others during this process can further enhance clarity and problem-solving. By problem-solving for working memory and providing support in chunking and clarifying tasks, individuals with ADHD can overcome the challenges associated with focus and productivity.
Technology and Its Impact on Working Memory
While technology can offer tools and solutions, it can also create challenges for individuals with ADHD. When relying on digital systems, it is important to understand how they affect working memory. For example, organizing files and documents in a computer might require the individual to access and manipulate visual imagery. However, the lack of color coding or clear visual cues can make it harder to retrieve and process information. Additionally, digital environments may strip away the natural structures and interactive elements that aid working memory. Recognizing these challenges and exploring strategies like incorporating color coding, visual cues, or interactive platforms can support individuals with ADHD in more effectively managing their working memory and improving productivity.
Got ADHD? Do you procrastinate? You have to listen to this podcast. Attention and ADHD coach Jeff Copper (www.digcoaching.com) talks with ADHD parent coach Elaine Taylor Klaus (www.impactparents.com) about the role, impact, and influence that ambiguity and an overburdened working memory have on procrastination. Jeff and Elaine illuminate legitimate reasons you procrastinate and put a spotlight on why some environments are more productive for you than others. Secondarily, the insights help to explain why many of the tips, tricks, and strategies don't address ambiguity or relieve working memory and why they don't work. If you procrastinate or are drowning in a sea of strategies that are not working, this is a show you don't want to miss.
Attention Talk Radio is the leading site for self-help Internet radio shows focusing on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD), including managing symptoms of attention deficit disorder, adults with ADD, or adults who have children with ADHD. Attention Talk Radio, hosted by Jeff Copper, attention and ADHD coach, is designed to help adults and children (particularly those diagnosed with or impacted by attention deficit disorder or its symptoms) in life or business who are stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated. It will help adults and children get unstuck and moving forward by helping to open their minds and pay attention to what works.
Attention Talk Radio host Jeff Copper is an ADHD coach. To learn more about Jeff go to www.digcoaching.com.
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