Welcome to episode #73 We’re thrilled to be joined by Andrew Arboe today. Andrew Arboe is a self-advocate with a professional work background consisting of public school, private school, nonprofits, and online programs. Andrew is also a public speaker known for talking throughout New England about autism and his personal experiences.Welcome to the show Andrew!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical? 5-6 y.o.Temple Grandin on the sceneInto video games/pokemonUpper elementary school started getting challengingWhat challenges did you face? Processing emotions when the environment is chaotic (raised voices)Unsure what to do after school - didn’t want to do tech/ITWhat strengths are you leaning into now?Explorer personality - play archetypeJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? 1 to 1 work in special education:Public schoolPrivate schoolHelping with social skillsE.g. helping with cooking - organising recipes etc.Letting go of expectations about NT work/driving abilitiesWriting/Public speaking/advocacy in different states - personal experience“Red mage”Studying psychologyJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? Niche games Exploring different cities/coffee shopsClassic movies: The Red Shoes, It happened one nightAnime movies on big screenPuppy (9 month old German shepherd)JC: Productivity tips  What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? CoffeeBreaksMeditation app - breaksDrivingGet ahead of work (e.g. reading history of psychology)Study music - anime movie music (peak fire)What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Be careful about substance usage (even caffeine)Policing people about incorrect language usageBREAK JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? Get up at 6 - take dog outEat bagelHave coffee at workJC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? Video games to wind downRead book (Stuart Brown - Play book)Midnight sleepJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-arboe/Website: https://andrewarboe.weebly.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewarboespeaker5/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience? Don’t police people unnecessarily - be kindStart with small stepsThink of like leveling up like GokuDon’t give upMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

Welcome to episode #72 We’re thrilled to be joined by Will Soward today. Will works creatively in a diverse field of digital media. He's invested in making online education more accessible for neurodiverse learners and the Web a better place to learn. Will talks about UX and accessible UI design with communities in the design and education space. He has 7 years as a UX designer under his belt, 12 years as an adult educator, and 20 years designing and coding front-end. Will is currently the Lead UX/LX Designer for Tait Communications in Aotearoa, New Zealand.Welcome to the show Will!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical? Dyslexia 11ADHD adultWhat challenges did you face? Masking - asking questionsAcademic - Rote learningSit still and listenSpeakingWhat changes have come post diagnosis?Context: why does it matter?More acceptance - stoicism - out of my controlEnvironmental changes - clutter, to do listsWhat challenges do you still face now?Rabbitholes during meetingInterruptingsolutionisingWhat neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Jump ahead to solve problems quicklyCreativityHyperfocusJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? Tait - accessibility designOnline learning - development + designMake it better for ND adultsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? Renovating house (last 8 yrs)Martial arts - forced calm and focus - karate -> taekwando -> BJJ -> muay thaiJC: Productivity tips  What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? Philosophy: stoicismBreathing: calmingFlywheel to build up motivationListsKey priorities for the weekReprioritiseAlarm 30 minutes before need to leaveWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Eat that frogBREAK  JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Reprioritise listJC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? Finish in evening at 5pm to make space for relationship - shut laptopJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willsoward/Website: https://willsoward.com/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience? Learn more about neurodiversityMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

Welcome to episode #71 We’re thrilled to be joined by Michelle Ridsdale today. Michelle is the visionary force behind Kaboose, an innovative app designed to foster a sense of community for autistic individuals and those embracing neurodiversity. Drawing from her own personal journey and lived experiences, Michelle is a dedicated advocate and volunteer within the autistic community. Witnessing her own son grapple with isolation and disconnection, she was inspired to create a platform that addresses these challenges head-on.Welcome to the show Michelle!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical? Son diagnosedI'm very socialDaughter: ADHD and AutismSignsRoutinesMaskAutistic meltdownWhat challenges did you face? Not many friendsSon gravitated to adults no kidsWhat changes have come post-diagnosis?Self acceptanceLess verbalWhat challenges do you still face now?ADHD - too many internal convosGetting upset over small thingsWhat neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?HyperfocusLearning more about routines and quiet workJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? Friends, mentors, jobsTribesSongs on repeat TikTokLimit the number of people in groupJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Work = special interestReading = mystery/nonfiction Let It Go by Dame Stephanie - autistic feelsJC: Productivity tips  What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Calendar - colour codedKaboose = purplekids = different colorssocialLists (notebook, phone)Tasks in calendarWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Mindfulness leads to more stress BREAK  JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? Dog follows routine tooWalk at 6 amShowerCoffeeStart the night beforeClothes and food organizedJC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? Ready yourself the night beforeMenu planJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleridsdale/Kaboose on app storeskaboose.app - https://www.kaboose.app/kaboose_app - social mediaJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience? More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

Welcome to episode #70 We’re thrilled to be joined by Kristian Mikhel today. Kristian is a co-founder of Paper and Pain, a creative collective for good, a PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, and an accessibility designer. He's been sharing his experience living and working with ADHD, advocating for equal digital rights and inclusive experiences, and helping products that benefit humans and communities.Welcome to the show Kristian!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? Diagnosed in 2023, but has struggled with concentration, focused work, and motivation since junior school.Initially, he wasn’t aware of the condition.His level of acceptance was a lot lower when he was growing upIt was thought to be a kids-only condition.What challenges did you face? Trying to calm myself down, feeling agitated and nervous constantly for no good reason, leaving tasks incomplete, and getting bored.Family wouldn’t understandSitting in one place for an hour was really difficultWould want to split a task up.Initially, he thought his inability to complete tasks was depression.A feeling of rolling in the fog before diagnosis.Defense mechanismAgainst feeling ofNot being “motivated enough.”What changes have come post-diagnosis?Just knowing that you’ve got ADHD and having a diagnosis that explains that it’s not you, it’s your disability, helps a lotIt’s like putting on glasses and now your vision is better.When you know what your dealing with, it’s sometimes as good as half the solution.Feeling well supported.What challenges do you still face now?The feeling of guilt for not being productive enough, constantly trying to find new things to keep me excited, access to medication (hello, Australian healthcare)The rushing mentioned below can be tough to manage.It’s like driving really fast and then braking hard over and over again.What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?I don’t think I would call them “strengths”, but I’ve learned to complete things very fast to avoid getting bored, so sometimes, I would finish a massive project in a few hours and have the rest of the time to myself (well, I end up filling it with other projects, so that’s barely a win).Self-awareness of attention spanNeed to get a task done in 20 minutes otherwise, he’s going to get bored.The analogy of a match being lit needs to get stuff done before the match burns out.JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on? PhDFocus on improving communication about air qualitybuilding a design agencyHelp out non-profits and well-being orgs with designwriting articlesPublish where?host a podcast (Paper and Pain)write a newsletter (The Accessibility Apprentice)Questions:How do you balance PhD with the other commitments?Understanding that there is life beyond work and commitmentsLogistically:Still trying to work it outTrying not to stick too rigidly to a routine.LooselyA few hours of fun in the morningCoffeeMake breakfastWatch TVWhile in a cheerful moodSolving the biggest problemsLiterature reviewsLater onFocus timersWhere did the name Paper & Pain come from?Why air quality comms - particular interest in that problem?JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? Is there such a thing as an off-time? Wants to prioritise these things that make life beautifulWorking outGetting out of the houseReading Usually has 5-6 books simultaneous1-2 are research pieces.Light fiction: 100-year Swedish man who jumped out the windowClassicsHemmingway, TolstoyFukow? Foucault? (spelling?)HobbiesTrying new things - ask him about the most exciting thing he has tried.I recently moved to Tassie, a lot of nature and walking I read a lot (and sometimes, I even finish the books I pick up), watch good movies, cookI’m an incredibly social creature if I don’t get to spend time with other people, my condition gets worse very fastJC: Productivity tips  What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Paradoxical strategy: try not to focus on productivity because otherwise, it ends up being a checkbox mentalityInstead, focus on areas of interest (e.g. enjoys literature review)Ignore tasks that don’t add value - ruthlessly removeThe best I could come up with, I minimize distractions by spending some time setting up my workstation, muting all notifications, and setting timersWorkouts and a good diet help, but maybe don’t work out during work hours?What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?I don’t like making plans in advance, especially when they’re too detailed: breaking big tasks into subtasks causes you to lose track of the work. Too much meta work. You end up chasing the to-do list instead of enjoying itUsing AI to optimize calendar/to-do list: removesCounting hours: results matter more than time spentI can’t meditate (too boring), although deep breathing exercises help a lotI don’t build my life around a productivity app: everything gets abandoned really fast, the best productivity app is a Moleskin notebook and a penBREAKJN: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? Anti-routineChanges things upSometimes voluntarilySometimes involuntarily (e.g. sleeps in)Challenges the Zuck, Steve Jobs idea of taking away decision fatigueThese folks probably have enough diversity in other areas of their lives.As much coffee as I can fit in one cupI spend time cooking breakfast, it’s a neat ritual, and it’s something to look forward toI used to eat things quickly and move on, now I take my time, and read a nice book instead of reading the news or swiping through socialsTries to reduce screen timeBe intentional with when it happens.News is excluded.JC: How is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? I’m terrible at that, I tried everything: from minimizing distractions 30 minutes before bed to working out late in the evening to falling asleep exhausted, but nothing worksI don’t think I switch offA lot of anxietyDistracts with passive entertainmentScreensWhy not watch a show in the evening?Intends to go to bed early and wake up earlyRarely gets both right.JN: Where can people connect with you or find ...

Welcome to episode #69. We’re thrilled to be joined by Christa Seals today. Christa is a serial entrepreneur from her teen years and has extensive military experience, Christa has always positioned herself as a leader and mentor, consulting high-caliber executives, managing special agent HQs, and scaling her businesses. With her specialized understanding of human nature, team performance, and how high-producing talent operates, Christa is in the unique position to provide team building, performance enhancement, and skill development for high achievers within a demanding industry.Welcome to the show Christa!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? Her deep interest in her curiosityBringing biology books on camping.Deep focus while playing violin (so immersed in it that she’d end up with a bruise on her chin)When I was younger I felt like it was there but it didn’t manifest until I had multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBI).The last one really triggered it the worst and caused me to go through a multi-month clinical treatment.Shifting between periods of hyperfocus and then having a lot of trouble focusing.What challenges did you face? Speech, memory, and dealing with common situations, I was easily overwhelmed, and easily triggered.Some days able to concentrate well at work, other times unable to get anything done for days straightDidn’t tell anyone about the TBI or health issues.Didn’t want them to be an identifier.A leader with similar issues opened up which helped Christa feel less alone.The identity of being a small female in the militaryFeeling the need to prove herself.What changes have come post-diagnosis? AcceptanceI have slowed down immensely in comparison to when I was at the peak of my military career. I have started self-examining myself before most if not all situations so I can best prepare. What challenges do you still face now? Impulsivity, I naturally get easily excited about new things but that causes me to be impulsive (i.e. TEDx). I also have a lot of hobbies that I find hard to balance.How can you give yourself grace while being in a disciplined environment like the military?Military is pretty standardized, and not compatible with neurodivergence.Some leaders like the creative leadership of a neurodivergent individual.What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now? My creative lens. It took me a while to realize that I see the world differently and that’s truly a gift to share with the world. I have helped clients, friends, and family look at things completely different than what they approach problems with and that helps them overcome and find solutions.What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Writing book Business CoachingDentists, Professors, AI developersProvide structure, help set goalsSOPsPaper => Digitalworking on my TEDx talk. Being audacious: have balls of steelNecessary to create changeHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Depends on how much off timeI have. I love squeezing in coffee dates, or a quick trip to a beautiful view. If I have a bit more time then I love travelling, taking my family to find hidden gems in new places. Exploring: finding the views that no one really knows the locationProductivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Listen to ASMR: helpful for productivity at work and household choresWhat does ASMR stand for again? - autonomous sensory meridian responseNot sure, but it’s often used as an ambient soundtrack to relaxReminds her of grandmother humming the rosary.NowPainting sounds of the brushRummaging through bags: makeup bags, craft bags.Location cued productivity:Working from home doesn’t helpThinks about housework/home improvement projects at homeSelf study/reflectionExamines consciencePrayer/meditationBrain dumping ideasDon’t work through lunch - useful recharge time.What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Chronodiscrimination: not everyone wakes up at 5 am and jumps out of bedShe does much better if she wakes up without an alarm - peak productivityBREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?It has evolved several times after testing my own productiveness in different scenarios. Has had to adjust with parenthood.I used to start by making coffee and sitting on my balcony while I read for 20 minutes, and then it transitioned to going to the gym first thing in the morning. But that changed after I had my son. Now that my son is 3, I take him to school so I am most productive by taking a shower, getting dressed, getting ready down to my shoes, and then waking up my son to get ready so I’m not overwhelmed trying to get both of us ready at the same timeWakes up with the sunI also allow my body to sleep in if I need to, but then I kick off the same way. Shower to get productiveGets into the outfit for the energy levelSweatpants are to relaxEmotional support drinkSomething warm before meetingsEnergy drink if need to start focusing immediatelyConsciously sits down for lunchAs soon as done with food, gets set for the next thingStart slow and then ramp upHow is your sleep?Self-experimentation:Things that didn’t work wellYoga before bedHot teaExercise before bedThings that workedBrain dump creative thoughts so can sleep - better than trying to suppress the thoughtsASMRReminds her of grandma praying with rosary beads in a low voice - Other experiences:Coworkers typingPainting soundsMakeup bag rummagingWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christaseals I answer all my DMs Website: https://www.christaseals.com/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Early birds are not superior to night owls/third birdsSelf-study as much as you can - use yourself toMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearapp...

Welcome to episode #68. We’re thrilled to be joined by Steve Grace today. Steve Grace is the CEO & Founder of The Nudge Group, empowering high-growth companies to thrive on a global stage with a unique fusion of recruitment expertise and powerful storytelling designed to expand your reach and impact worldwide. He is also the Founder of Nudge Productions creating high-quality content to tell stories through every medium from creating & managing podcasts in both video & audio, newsletters production & management, photography, and documentary/filmmaking.And lastly, he is the publisher of both Balance the Grind & Startup Life: Unscripted and host of both the Give it a Nudge and Daily Grind podcasts.Welcome to the show Steve!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?  I could talk for hours about this, how it affected me mentally, etc and how it affects my work, why I do what I do, etcWhen did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? About 13-14 years oldStarted with a diagnosis of an extreme form of dyslexia.What challenges did you face?Ridicule, stress, being differentAccomplished siblingsWhat is it like now?Love it, I will tell you whyStill finds it difficult to read. Took a while to readHad to learn the shape of every word.Finds it difficult to read handwriting.Found recruitment because it was all speaking (a lot easier than writing).What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?every single one I canDifficult to separate the neurotypical strengths from the idiosyncraticShort and sweet communicationWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on? Recruitment businessProduction CompanyPodcasts: Give It A Nudge: features startupsDaily Grind: hacks to improve diet, exercise, career, sustainabilityWebsiteBalance the grind: work-life balanceFilm makingFilming war games for military startupsThe Pillars: private clubFounders and family offices get together and build stuffThe goal is to build 20 Canvas and 5 AtlassiansCasual club: can wear a t-shirt; avoiding being stuffy. BYO kilt.How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?With my business Balance the Grind balance, is important to meWork-life balance looks different to different people.Teenagers occasionally want to spend time with him (at the ATM)Sport/exercise:Exercise 6 days per weekKeystone habitI did a half ironman last yearI love the ocean, live at Tamarama, learning to surf very late in lifeMediaTravel (going away on a boat) What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? Get up early (how early - callback on sleep question) - sleep makes a difference to clarityRead for 30 minutes (though sometimes gets lured in by phone)High performance coffee - “before you speak”Green juice (reviewing them for Balance the Grind)Breaks up the day with movement (e.g. walk to next meeting for 1hr and make phone calls)Don’t spend more than 45 minutes on one taskDrinking water - gives him a lot of energyPlanning which I hate,Some standard old-school ones like doing what I hate firstLo-Fi Beats I am tryingBreathworkTurn email off + keep phone awayEmail yourself notesUse Siri to email 4 different notebooksCandidate interview notesClient requirementsThe Daily Grind: research guests beforehandIdeas bookAccountability MeetingMonday morning check-in with teamNot in trouble but feel embarrassed/fulfilled if you do it Measurement:Woop bandCGMWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Focusing on one thing - everything is connected“Don’t make lists”COMMERCIAL BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Get up at 5.30 am (earlier in Summer than Winter)Solar-powered human (moved from UK to AU for the sun)Drink half a bottle of waterJuiceCoffeeWake up teenagers (x2)Read for 15-30 mins (print them out in A4)Shower, shave, contactsGym (3x weights, 1x run, 1x swim)Protein shakeWork - no meetings before 11 amHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? Goes home around 6 pmCheck emailsWork until 7ishDinnerWork until 9 pmScrolling/bad TV/moviesGo to bed at 11 pmFalls asleep quicklyCan’t sleep past 7 hoursWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Website: https://thenudgegroup.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegrace/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevegraceg/Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Lofi musicReframe any limiting beliefsMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

Dr. Megan Anna Neff, a neurodivergent psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights, dives into her personal journey of discovering her autism and ADHD. She shares insights on navigating sensory overload and the challenges of social interactions. The discussion highlights the importance of flexible productivity strategies, especially hyperfocus, while addressing autistic burnout. Dr. Neff also provides techniques for improving sleep quality and managing personal rhythms, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches tailored to neurodivergent experiences.

Welcome to episode #66 We’re thrilled to be joined by Rebecca Arnold today. REBECCA ARNOLD, JD, CPCC, PCC, is a professional, certified coach and the founder of Root Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a holistic leadership coaching firm for ambitious professionals. She has worked with 100+ leaders in the fields of education, medicine, law, academia, and social-impact organizations. She is an attorney by training and has collaborated with organizations from Google and Harvard to Top 100 law firms and K-12 school districts. She’s known as a “straight-talkin’, big-hearted” coach. Her book, The Rooted Renegade: Transform Within, Disrupt the Status Quo & Unleash Your Legacy, shares the path to holistic success for mission-driven leaders. It’s a #1 Amazon bestseller and Kirkus Reviews called it, “A wide-ranging and impressively holistic approach to achieving personal and professional success.” Welcome to the show, Rebecca!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity?When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? About age 42- which I’m finding is more and more common among my peers (women with ADHD). I have been treated for anxiety and depression for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I had a child with ADHD that I recognized the symptoms in myself and was able to get a diagnosis. This seems like a common experience for parents of children with ADHD because there’s so much more awareness now than when we were children.What challenges did you face? Getting started and focused has always been difficult for me, but I did very well in school because of what I now realize were maladaptive coping mechanisms. I procrastinated and stayed up all night finishing assignments in high school, college, and law school.This led to me getting to the point of hallucinating in the middle of the night working on finals in law school because I’d stayed up for multiple nights in a row.When I had kids and started work again, the tasks built up more and more and I could no longer rely on procrastination. I ended up burning out because of massive anxiety overload and sleep deprivation.I’ve since learned that the effects of anxiety mimic ADHD medications, so of course many of us who are undertreated for ADHD use anxiety to self-medicate. Many of us also have anxiety as a separate diagnosis, so I do want to make that clear. In a world that doesn’t understand or value neurodiversity as it should, anxiety seems to be an obvious byproduct.The anxiety-fueled productivity masked what was going on underneath.It was tough to sleep. Combined with adrenal disease, it was really challenging - led to burnout of 8 months.Writing the book, especially editing required support from othersCan edit things forever.Hard to cut through the pressure of doing things aloneWhat is it like now?I have medication that works- yay!And I’ve learned so many hacks that help me work with my ADHDHacks wax and wane over timeAccountability buddiesI’m really choosy about the type of work I do because I know that if it plays to my strengths and talents, I’m fire and if not, it’s torture. I’m also very intentional about ways to generate motivation (connecting a task to my purpose, considering who the work is for and its impact, allowing myself to get excited and follow my energy- instead of treating my to-do list like my boss).What neuro-exceptional strengths are you leaning into now?I’m great at coming up with new ideas for my coaching business Many people post-pandemic have ADHD-like challenges with focus, procrastination, and productivity, so I’m able to share with my neurotypical clients strategies that support me (and they work for them too)I can get a lot done when I’m motivated, so I capitalize on that. Deep empathyCan be a distraction as well as a superpower.Tangentiality means she can join dots and see patterns easily.Creating own rules (came from being socialized as a woman, pressure to be perfect). Rebelled against perfection.What "work" projects are you concentrating on?I’m focused on spreading the word about my book, The Rooted Renegade because it’s packed with practical tools and strategies that I know will support people.The impetus for the book was videos that Rebecca was releasing during pandemicMessages for videos translated to bookFramework for holistic successCalming emotionsExistential peace - align work with purpose, habits with goalsRelational peace: positive relationships with self and others (instead of sucking us dry)50+ toolsTalk to the book while writing itDoing deep work with my executive and leadership clients.Running my business in ways that fulfill me like being aligned with my purpose, hiring people who are values-aligned, and building time and space into my schedule for deeper work, connection, rest, family, and play. JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? (5 minutes - T+25)Productivity tips What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours? Examples: creating energy/focus-aligned to-do lists, doing focused work at particular times of day, working in noisy environments for tasks that require focus or that I’m avoiding, having accountability partners who cheer me on and ask how my projects are going, batching tasks I’m avoiding, work blocking, getting enough sleep and eating well, strategic breaks, lovingly telling on myself, and so much more!Accountability partners Time of day: 9am-12 best time to GSD2pm energy dipChanging environments - Going to coffee shopsCoffitivity - streaming coffee shop noise (link to come)Movement breaks:Take the dog for walkGet coffeeGoals posted on wallVision BoardBeing able to see goals helps with object permanenceSuck SandwichWork on something funWork on something really hard/suckyWork on something funFocus/energy - aligned todo-lists. E.g. Checking in on how the focus is and then picking the lists that are aligned with the level of focus.What is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?I resist project plans, spreadsheets, task lists, and things that feel overly constrictive. Instead, I create these in ways that serve how my brain works (stickie notes/drawings/color)I don’t like having a set schedule- I crave novelty, so I mix up my schedule all the time.“Do the most important thing first”- nope. It’s hard for me to figure out what’s most important and if I hate that task, I can’t start with it or it affects my entire morning. Instead, I use what I call the “suck sandwich”- I do a task I enjoy for a short time, then work on the task I’m dreading for a bit, and finish with something I enjoy.BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?I don’t have a morning routine, other than showering, dressed, having coffee, getting kids out the door to school, and then getting to work. Sometimes I run before I work. Sometimes I walk. Sometimes I get right to it. Depends on the day. Routine changes all the time to combat routine fatigue.Start with...

Welcome to the Focus and Chill podcast, episode 65. Today, Jeremy Nagel and Joey Corea talked about niching down for work, and clear to neutral.QuestionsNiching down - freeplane/ZohoWriting a book for specific people (Tim Ferris approach)If those people don’t like it, it’s a failureUser stories and personas - make them real not Be an apprentice/journeyman firstClear to neutralClosing tabs at end of dayTab limit: 5 tabsSave in Pocket instead?How do you order them?Setting an internal proposition?Low information dietHow do you consume content?Fractal reading?Read content around the author (interviews with author)“Leave future self breadcrumbs”Write plan for the next day the night beforeClearing deskResetting donations/subscriptions (pause credit cards)Hemingway starting in middle of sentenceZone 2 cardioADHD meds/stimulantscaffeineMore from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbear10 News First: Melbourne Inventions Helping Those With DisabilitiesConnect with Jeremy:Jeremy’s LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: jeremy@focusbear.ioConnect with Joey:https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/

Welcome to episode #64. We’re thrilled to be joined by Damien Diecke today. Damien is the founder of the School of Attraction and The Dangerous Man. He is the author of the award-winning book Sincere Seduction. He's been a coach and professional speaker in over 25 countries. He was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 10 and struggled until he started his company at the age of 25, which he’s still running today 15 years on. Damien has developed unique working styles to enable him to be productive. Many of his clients have ADD and he’s here today to share these working styles and how his work can help those with ADHD and ADD.  Welcome to the show Damien!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical?Other people realised long before I did - as a kid you don’t thnk about these things as much - except I never had friends in primary school which hurt a lot. I never ‘felt’ neurodivergent until I was an adult - even though I had been medicated as a kidDiagnosed at 10What challenges did you face? Couldn’t keep focussed on university, dropped out of a double degreeCouldn’t complete anything that I started - DJ work, courses, study, business ideas etc. When people knew I had ADHD they told me certain things I couldn’t do - I learned to be obsessed with finding a way to turn the ADHD into a strength, a way to use it to my advantage - this obsession has served me well I think.Feeling misunderstoodOften had only one friendStruggled with homeworkWondered what trouble he was going to get intoWhich knocked the love of learning out of himUniversity was tough because the pressure to achieve was no longer there.What is it like now?I suppose it’s a part of who I am - I live a life where it’s completely integrated and accounted for - I just live a little differently but don’t feel it’s a negative in any wayI had to learn to adapt because most useful drugs are off the table for me - hormone disregulation issues. I default to logic when things get emotionally hardLoves learning againStill loses interest in things that are repetitive (e.g. some board games).Schoolofattraction was the only thing that he was able to see throughThe difference was that he was able to get a lot of praise (because everyone wants to get better at dating).Consistent progress: 5 minutes per day.What neuroexceptional strengths are you leaning into now?Definitely hyper-focus… I can get amazing amounts of work done in short periods of time when I get into hyper-focus area. Knowing strengths:Great at designing and building websites. Not great at writing sales emailsNow delegates work that he finds hard to hyperfocus onI also hyper focus on electronic toys (drones) - Why is this useful? I buy and sell toys on a profit - so it’s a side-hustle I can only pursue because I’m hyper focussed on the toys and the marketplace they live in - I see the trends and take advantage of playing with new electronic toys for a while. Because I had to learn to be hyper-structured - it’s useful in a business context - at least a lot of the time.What "work" projects are you concentrating on? Two parts:School of AttractionDating coachingGoal is to be confident but not manipulative (not pickup artist style)Men’s retreatsPersonal development work separate from dating coachingHard to sell spirituality/self development - easier to sell dating coaching (but actually dating goes better if you do self development)Helps to dissolve illusion that a partner will solve self esteem issuesDealing with inner demonsAdvertising and PR mostly - I have spent too long focussing on what I’m good at and not other parts of the business that need attention. So my hyperfocus righ tnow is on designing ads, landing pages, and writing copy - thank god for AI it helps a lot with ideas. How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time? I fly FPV racing drones, watching movies, photographyFPV (first person view)Exercise (helps with hormone dysregulation).Goes to a gymGoes with his partner but only because they’re partneredDoes weights (but doesn’t do much for mental health)Lot’s of readingAvoiding alcohol (since 21)Bars / clubsSpending time with partnerNoveltyCars / buggiesRecommends that people find hobbies that force you to be part of a communityProductivity tips  What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours? I’m hyper-structuredStart work at the same timeMy whole day is the same every dayOn Sundays plans out entire week down to 30 minute levelLong term goalsI have to block entire days dedicated to hyper-focus tasks otherwise I can’t even consider starting them. I have to bounce my thoughts off other people to really process themVerbally processing - doesn’t need feedbackWhat is some unhelpful productivity advice that doesn’t work for you?Pomodoro technique  - better to stay in hyperfocusBut needs breaks during creativity crashesTaking walks every hour or twoBREAK What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time? I eat the same thing every day until I get bored of it - adding a new decision every morning would create cognitive fatigue that would make starting with work harderI avoid dopamine activities prior to starting workReduce decision fatigueHow is your sleep? How do you switch off at night? My sleep is often rough - not sure if that’s about neurodivergence - or my hormone dysregulation - maybe those are related, who knows? I read at night in bed, takes about an hour to get to sleepDoesn’t watch TVBecause my brain is always firing on overdrive, waking up in mornings is almost never an issue even with just a few hours sleepWhere can people connect with you or find your work? schoolofattraction.comyoutube/schoolofattraction School of attraction podcastDo you have any final words or asks for our audience? I think it’s hard to give overall advice to neurodivergents because all forms of neurodivergence are spectra, and more than that the symptoms between identical diagnoses tend to be vastly different as well - everyone is a bit unique. In many ways I still don’t consier myself neurodivergent because that feels like a way of seeing myself that would just hold me back - this is probably not the ideal advice for everyone, but for me, it was important to my success.    Actually I think that it’s good advice for EVERYONE NT and ND - Create a life where you can capitalise...