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

Welcome to episode #51 We’re thrilled to be joined by Giles Dickenson-Jones today. Giles is an independent consultant specializing in public policy (economics), international development, and data science. Giles was diagnosed with ADHD in his early teens and was shuttled off to one of the few schools he hadn't already been kicked out of: a boarding school in rural NSW. Giles leverages his ADHD by combining his interdisciplinary range, creativity, and expertise in data analytics to help clients tackle tough public policy problems.Welcome to the show Giles!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Grew up in rural NSWDiagnosed with ADHD amidst being shuffled across schools.Initially confusedInitially thought it meant he wasn’t getting enough attention.Coping strategies didn’t stickInterpreted it as lacking in something as an explanation of why he was different.How he sees it now:Knows he was differentWas working ahead to fit inStrong sense of justice, hyperfocused on thatActing outGetting approval from othersSo eager to fit inSomehow not be theCool kidDorky kidAlmost got into a Montessori-style schoolBut mother wanted tougher disciplineHow neuro divergence led to the current line of workAnalytical framework hooked himEconomics sticks its nose into everythingRange, EpsteinHow has your neurodivergence affected your financial life?Special interest in finance including personal finances - complicated Excel model + savings modelHow has it affected your relationships?Enjoys socialising but won’t organise itWork often gets in the way.Blind to the need of tending to relationships.Interested in peopleLikes the diversity and variety of Lunchclub What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Independent economic consultantProgram evaluation of social policies, e.g. how to help more students graduateHow can we make the policy stronger (without incurring additional costs)?Board member of local NFPPolicy Analysis Lab Online course teaching policy analysts how to use data scienceHow to work with messy dataHow to clean it upHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Quit drinking in 2015Found it difficult to continueReplaced it with art classesCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Set up day similar to 9 to 5 jobGet up at 6 amGo to the gym (do boxing)Review to-do listWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Normally external deadlines push him to hyperfocusSofter deadlines are harder (e.g. finishing the online course)Go to the library for focusTurn on hyperfocusKeep desk distraction-freeSimple structures/routinesMomentum method - get started with easy tasksMake tasks really small (break down responding to an email into - read email, write email, hit send).Reduce friction for good habitsHiring freelancers - keeps him accountableSimilar to body doubling.What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Watching videos while having meals (lowers boredom threshold)How do you switch off at night?In theoryGet to sleep by ten.Loose during the holidaysPracticallyKeeps the 6 AM boxing classFunFitnessDiscipline, consequences for staying up lateWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for dealing with your brain?Apps:OneNote for organizing notesExcel for To Do listsChat GPTFocus Coach: ADHD Coach GPTAskly Pocket for reading later (on Kobo)Read aloud (proofreading own work, reading websites)EtsyBooks:“Deep Work” Cal NewportRange by David Epstein“How to have a good day”Where can people connect with you or find your work?Etsy store - Turkey cardsLinkedInWebsite - gilesdj.com?Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?The emperor has no clothes: the person you are putting on the pedestal has foibles and got where they are through a combination of hard work and good luck. You can get there too.Joey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #50 We’re thrilled to be joined by Brent Huras today. Brent Huras is a Productivity & Flow State Coach whose practice evolved from the single purpose of answering the question: "How can I get myself to do my work?" To this end, he has spent the last two decades reading, studying, philosophizing - and eventually - coaching on the answer to this mysterious question. His studies have taken him along multiple paths including psychological and spiritual ones which have culminated in his body of work that he calls Sustainable, High-Level Productivity which he describes in his work on YouTube, TikTok, and blog. He currently operates out of Stratford Ontario where he serves 1-1 clients and small groups.Welcome to the show Brent!QuestionsCan you tell us about your brain? When did you realize that your brain was different? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Suspected undiagnosed ADHDBulk of clients are people with ADHDWhen they describe their experience, he felt it resonated.Brought it up with his parentsSaw challenges in himself that wasn’t evident in his peersFocusing at micro and macro levelAble to start but losing focus in the hour.Or not being able to see project through to the end of the week.How he learned the strategiesEverything leads to mastery (wanting to be really good at something)Give himself to something so he is free to focus and go deep on something.Reframe that he’s not missing out on something.Developing skills/mastery opens up other opportunities further down the road.What’s the realization like?It was a slow realizationIt’s not what you choose, it’s that you do choose.How has your neurodivergence affected your financial life?Family very disciplined around moneyHe inherited that mindset - frugal Enthusiastic about investment opportunitiesSometimes good: early investor in BTCSometimes bad: bought PSYK and it didn’t go wellHow has it affected your relationships?Quick to love peopleNot necessarily a bad thing - assumes positive intent.Sees the becoming/potential.What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Raising toddler 1 on 1 coachingGroup CoachingHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Raising toddlerWatching become a person.Not quite like raising a cat.There’s frequently a “new person”Serve the evolution of humanitySignaling to other people that it’s ok to step into purpose.CoachingWisdom traditionsPractices of enlightenment and awakening.Deeper and more grounded layers of peace.Playing piano.What forms of exercise do you do?Gym 3x a weekGet a run in per weekKen Wilbur’s stuffMeditation and working out complement each other.What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Try and wake up before daughterDo meditationCatching up later in the dayFind a time to meditate ideally before the morningIdeal routine (past routine)Get upMeditateExerciseShowerJournalingPrioritizes mindfulness throughout the dayMindfulness is not just on the meditation cushion - be mindful when leaving a room, getting into the car etc.What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Getting self to do the thing:Flow stateRemove the judgment that some tasks are flowy and others are tedious (e.g. doing tax return can be fun)“Compressed ease” - expectation that it should be going fasterIt will take as long as it will takeSlow down - let it take as much time as neededCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one bad habit you have removed from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Smoking cigarettes + DrinkingWhat’s your sleep like?No sleep issues, sleep well.Toddler wakes them up sometimes.How do you switch off at night?Trust that there is nothing to think about right now.What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for dealing with your brain?Books:Falling into Grace - A.. Shanti QQQThe power of nowThe universe always has a plan Matt KahnWhere can people connect with you or find your work?hello@brenthuras.comTikTok: spiritual awakening/flow/high levelYouTube channel: qqqDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Radical self-trust: notice when the brain tells you that you’re missing something/doing something wrong. Suggest to yourself that you know what you’re doing.Joey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #49 We’re thrilled to be joined by Denise Lim today. Denise is a PhD student at Griffith University, where she is currently investigating factors that contribute to academic motivation amongst intellectually gifted students with ADHD in secondary schools, a population she is extremely passionate about given her lived experience and challenges during that time. Denise has completed a Bachelor of Science with a psychology major, her psychology honors, followed by a graduate certificate in educational research, which provided her with the foundation for her PhD. In 2022, she worked with a team at The Matilda Centre at the University of Sydney to conduct the world’s biggest umbrella review of COVID-19 and mental health outcomes, which was published in March 2023. She enjoys spending time with her two Guinea pigs Squashi and Squishi, has won multiple state and national titles for chess and table tennis, and recently ranked in the top 10 for speed jigsaw puzzling in Australia.Welcome to the show Denise!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?During school, grades were very inconsistent, particularly with compulsory subjects. B+ average but never got B+ - always had really good days where she smashed it (particularly oral assignments) and other days where she got low marks even though she was trying really hard the whole timeTeachers said things like “I can see you’re really smart. You’re so good at Chess. How come you can’t…?”Grade divergence got worse as demands escalated during high school and uniAt the end of her first degree, a friend shared that she had been diagnosed with ADHD and that inspired Denise to seek a diagnosisPost diagnosis and treatment (meds), her performance in honors + subsequent tertiary study has been consistently high distinctions. She’s learned to work with her brain instead of against it.What "work" projects are you concentrating on?PhD research looking into motivational theory for twice exceptional (intellectually gifted + neurodivergent) studentsThe goal is to come up with a personalized motivational framework for each student so they can perform at their bestHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Speed puzzling (started during COVID to ward off depression and is now something she loves doing)Table tennis + Chess coachingWhat does your start of work routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Jigsaw puzzling - a form of mindfulnessListens to textbooks via Voice Dream. Currently listening to “Handbook of self-determination theory”Both activities get her in the zone for deep workWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Multimodal input/output: uses whiteboard/iPad/iPhone/laptop depending on the type of work and how she’s feelingWobble chair to give her movement during meetingsWorking on trains: go from one end of the train line to another - being in motion helps her focus (planes are also good but expensive)Rewards: get bubble tea after a deep work sessionBody doubling: shut up and write sessions where several students get together and write (no talking)COMMERCIAL BREAKHow do you switch off at night?Feed Squishi and Squashi (guinea pigs)What resources (books/audiobooks, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Apps:Voice Dream (text-to-speech app)BooksAtlas of the Heart by Brenee BrownSensory toys:A multitude of spinners mostly from KaikoWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Griffith Uni pageDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Talk to other people about your neurodivergence. If her friend hadn’t shared with Denise, it would’ve taken Denise much longer to realize why everything was so hard. Pass on that gift to others.Joey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #48 We’re thrilled to be joined by Yvonne Heimann today. Yvi was born and raised in Germany where she caught the entrepreneurial bug early on, working in her parents’ business and owning her own pub by the tender age of 22.Yvonne left the safety net and security she had in Germany to pursue her own dreams. Since moving to the US in 2007, Yvonne’s goal has been to help empower entrepreneurs so they can successfully run a sustainable business while also enjoying life.Her own life-changing challenge came in 2014 when she lost her husband to cancer. Yvonne was determined to resume her passion for building “bulletproof businesses” that can withstand anything.Welcome to the show Yvi!QUESTIONSCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realise that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Struggled with by-the-book teaching style in schoolAfter moving to the US, became aware of ADHD and found it explained the trials and joys of her brainDivergent thinking is a big asset for her work with clients - sees things from a different perspectiveMicrodosing 2 times per week helps with cognitive overload (too many tabs) and anxietyHow has your neurodivergence affected your financial life?In business, she’s great at starting things but polishing/last mile is hardLearning is to delegate the integration workAdvice to only focus on one thing has been unhelpful. She’s been able to form a cohesive niche from doing many different thingsHow has it affected your relationships?Got told in the past: “You’re too intense/loud”Moving to the US has made it easier to find people on the same wavelength She now warns new clients “This is how I am” and puts out authentic content so she attracts people who like the way she is What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Coaching for digital entrepreneurs who are open to change and want help systematising their businessRecently published a book “Mastering the Basics of ClickUp: Get Up and Running in No Time: Easy project management using repeatable processes”YouTube channel + Boss Your Business podcastHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Fitness: 1-mile circuit around her neighborhoodGoing to the beach: amazing sunsets in San DiegoExperiencing food: tamale cooking classWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Coffee on the patio - sitting and thinkingReadingJournalingGymWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?No client meetings before 10 amWork mode on the phoneEliminate decision fatigue: plan the night before (in the future, she’ll hire a business manager to help prioritise)COMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Using phone too much (uses parental controls to help)How do you switch off at night?Sleep:Avoid hot baths late at nightAvoid alcoholCold roomWeighted blanketBrain dump ideas (voice notes)Luna app for sleep: bedtime stories + painting a sceneAura ring to track dataWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Books:Her book: “Mastering the Basics of ClickUp: Get Up and Running in No Time: Easy project management using repeatable processes”The One ThingAtomic HabitsApps:Luna sleep appWhere can people connect with you or find your work?askyvi.comDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be kind to yourselfJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #47 We’re thrilled to be joined by Dr. Siobhan Lamb today.Dr Lamb has worn many hats during her life. Neurodivergent herself, with a neurodiverse family, she spent twenty years as a teacher in STEM and Diverse Learning and is now principal of Embrace Difference, a business supporting neurodivergent children in the education system, including the provision of professional development in educational settings and advocacy services. Dr. Lamb is all the Head of Neurodiversity at a mainstream school in Sydney.Welcome to the show Siobhan!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and selective mutism at age 7Was well supported and was able to thriveParents encouraged her to be herself at home but also explained societal expectations to help her around othersWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Embrace Difference: advocacy for children kindergarten to year ⅘Helps kids who get suspended due to dysregulationWorks with teachers + parents to identify patterns in behavior that precede a meltdown so that it can be addressed proactively (e.g. go for a walk outside/go to a quiet space)Head of neurodiversity at mainstream schoolWorks with ND students at her school in a similar way to plan how to make the environment suitableThe goal is for ND students to be able to say “I feel like I belong here”Runs workshops on executive functioning and organizational skillsHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Loves board games (could start a shop!)Azul, Patchwork, Dungeon Mayhem, Everdell (longer), Kindomino (good for young kids), a little wordy, splendor, sequenceBias towards short (sub 20 minute) games due to time constraintsWalks, moviesWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Organise lunch etc. the night beforeShower to wake body upMedsUse clocks to remind you when to make a habitSome clients use the box of habits (e.g. put a toothbrush in the box and transfer it to another box when you’re done)What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Go with the flow - on days that she’s on, smash the admin. On other days, she works with children as it gives her energyTry to maximize chances of being on by:Getting plenty of sleepGoing for a long walk before starting workAvoiding emotional conversationsCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Losing items. Solution: big notebooks that are easier to see. Use dropzones.How do you switch off at night?Walk and showerKeep a notepad next to bed and write thoughts down to combat ruminationWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?“Power of Habit” by Charles du HiggBouncy ballsVisualisation and verbalisation courseUpward diary/plannerWhere can people connect with you or find your work?embrace-difference.com.auDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Make as much of your life habitual so you can spare your working memory for creativity.Use visualisation techniques to boost the capacity of working memoryJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #46 We’re thrilled to be joined by Eric Tivers today. Eric Tivers is a trained Licensed Clinical Social Worker turned coach and is the Founder and CEO of ADHD reWired. Since 2014, Eric has produced over 500 episodes of his Podcast, ADHD reWired. He's a leader in providing online group coaching and community-based growth programs for adults with ADHD.  His coaching and accountability groups were recognized at the 2019 International Conference on ADHD as an innovative program of the year. Eric also runs a virtual coworking community for adults with ADHD called Adult Study Hall. You can learn more about ADHD reWired at www.adhdrewired.comWelcome to the show Eric!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Got diagnosed in college: struggled with study (divergent thinking during reading made it difficult to absorb content)Saw psychiatrist after two semesters of struggling: off the charts inattentive ADHDPrescribed Adderal and it made a huge difference: doubled his GPAPerfectionism reared its head, especially during grad schoolObservations about ADHD over the last 20 years:It was stigmatized in the past (e.g. not safe to disclose at work)Language: used to be person-first language (person with ADHD) - now it’s “ADHDers” or “I have ADHD”Superpowers? Important to work on challenges as well as lean into strengthsWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Intensive accountability groups (12 people support each other)Structured content + peer-to-peer supportLong term planningSelf compassionFocus on resilience instead of consistencyConsistency is a lagging indicatorHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Used to be a mountain bikerPickleball - ADHD friendly because you can just show upMusicWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Depends on whether have son or not6.30 am wake up (every day because oth)High protein breakfast (same each day)Workout most mornings (exercise for the brain)ShowerSimilar lunch each day (make it the night before)What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Saying No to a lot of projects: “The less I do, the more productive I am”Identifying peak hours for productivityLeadershipCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Working non-stop - helped by having a son and knowing about the power of breaksHow do you switch off at night?Don’t start any creative project after 5 pm/6 pm (will ignore cues of hunger/bathroom)Make lunch before making dinner (hunger is a motivator to do it fast)Get son ready for bedGo for a motorbike rideWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Community (adult study hall)Podcast (ADHD ReWired)YouTube: Justine McCabe (lots of due diligence to make sure it’s evidence-based)AudiobooksWhere can people connect with you or find your work?adhdrewired.comDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be kind to yourselfJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #45 We’re thrilled to be joined by Richard Wray today. A genuine pioneer in new media, Richard has over 25 years of experience in sales, market analysis, project management, and customer relations. He helps organizations and individuals achieve success in multiple areas. His passion is exploring the intersection of innovation and intelligence, and how artificial intelligence can transform businesses and livesWelcome to the show Richard!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?ADHD leads to unpredictability: at times killing it - amazing creativity - at other times struggling with basic skillsCareer has facilitated novelty - jumped into the deep end with a lot of jobsE.g. interactive TV football project for Sky TV - but didn’t know much about football. Learned quickly!Creating artificial pressurePomodoro techniqueExternal accountability - tell other people about the goal especially people who might give negative feedbackGet dogs to motivate you to get outsideJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Producing AI/entrepreneurship podcastsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Running (but not ultras)DogsMoviesJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Prepare for interviews with US guests at 7 amBreakfastMedsGroomingWrite scriptDays when don’t have interviewsA bit different each day Morning routine: only do things that must be done in the morning (e.g. shave)ExerciseJN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Using AI:Pixel Rich: AI version of Richard. E.g. episode “Chat GPT for work-life balance”Ask ChatGPT for a schedule for your weekPomodoro techniqueWrite a to-do list for that day (only what is achievable in one day) and make it visibleMarkerboard next to coffee machine: wife can put chores on that listTime blockingCOMMERCIAL BREAKJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Alcohol (work-related socialising + pain from injuries)JN: How do you switch off at night?Be with people - have funWhite noise/pink noise drown out external noisesJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Sleep headbands with speakers for white noiseSensory toys (but don’t annoy other people)CoachingJoin local support groupsJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?https://aiadvantage.show/https://evolvepreneur.app/JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be prepared for mourning “What if I’d been diagnosed earlier?”Joey’s creativity course

Lauren Petrullo, a former Disney Innovation Catalyst turned social commerce specialist, shares her journey navigating ADHD and neurodiversity. Diagnosed at a young age, she discusses the challenges of balancing academics, sports, and medication. She offers insights into her entrepreneurial ventures, including her inclusive beauty brand, and the importance of personal coping strategies. Lauren also humorously addresses screen time management and her passion for language learning, showcasing her vibrant, multifaceted life.

Welcome to episode #43 We’re thrilled to be joined by Andrew McDonald today!Andrew goes by the moniker, The Neurodivergent Copywriter. He helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs to build successful marketing outreach campaigns that honor who they are, allowing them to reach their true potential. Andrew is neurodivergent himself. He understands how challenging typical marketing strategies can be for neurodivergent individuals. So, he offers guidance in avoiding high-stress, sleazy, hard-sale strategies. Instead, Andrew focuses on building strong customer and client communities around businesses run by neurodivergent individuals, ensuring these businesses thrive and remain sustainable.Welcome to the show Andrew!QuestionsJN: Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Always felt like he didn’t fit inBut only identified in the last few years.Has had CPTSD for decadesOCD has been a lifelongRSDAnxiety and depressionIntrovertedDoesn’t mind being around people.But not his happy placeWent against the common advice of building a businessUntil stumbling on a neurodivergent entrepreneur summitAble to find what was congruent withSkill setPersonalitySome things that didn’t workFake it until you make itCold prospectingE.g. not being a fan of cold emailsBecause of rejection sensitivity - there’s a lot of rejection in cold emails.Took a different route. Used the content / inbound marketing approach.Coping mechanismsCoping with stressTaking strategic breaks (a day or a couple of days)MeditationAwareness of mental stateSelf-compassionGot there through experimentationJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Works with ND entrepreneursBecause he had a tough journey himself with unhelpful neurotypical advice: “Reach 6 figures in 6 months working from home in your pajamas”Helps ND entrepreneurs build communities that know like and trust them - they’ll be better qualified, stick around for longer, and refer youSustainable salesGradual growth allows time to build up business systemsJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?SportSports addict. Watching sports every dayRugby league: St HelensBroncos fanBasketballSoccerBoxingEnjoys sports but finds it tougher as we get older.But the rest of the family isn’t into itMoviesParticularly old stuffLearning languagesSpanishSpeaks Italian and FrenchJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Wakes up around 10 amEspresso (coffee)Start work immediately (frees up the evening)Breakfast after 30 minutesThen back to workJN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Espressos (multiple)Strategic breaksTaking day(s) off.An hour lunch break.Owe them to people you’re working with - to give them your 100% battery.MeditationCOMMERCIAL BREAKJC: What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Alcohol was causing issues - close to alcoholismNow has been sober for five yearsSinclair MethodTake naltrexone an hour or two before you drinkBlocks the reward pathwaysBreaks the vicious cycle of alcoholBecomes like drinking any other liquidEnd up drinking less over timeVicious cycle: drinking to feel better but then the effects of drinking lead to feeling worseJN: How do you switch off at night?Listening to old radio comedies.Classical musicJC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Bluetak = an awesome fidget toy“The subtle art of not giving a f*ck” by Mark MansonPete Best (5th Beatle) vs Mustaine (Metallica / Megadeth)JN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?andrewmcdonald.bizFree guide andrewmcdonald.biz/bookSocial mediaLinkedInUses moderately - otherwise becomes a trigger.JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?If you find the typical strategies you’ve been taught don’t work (and you’ve given them a good shot), the problem might not be you, it might be the strategies. There are multiple ways to be successful. It’s important to enjoy the process.Joey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #42 Our guest today is Shane Thrapp. He is the founder of Creating Order From Chaos and an ADHD coach and business consultant. He works to empower people with ADHD to find their authentic selves and collaborates with companies on neurodivergent inclusivity and accommodations. He also works as the Operations Director at the nonprofit Men’s ADHD Support Group, as a driving force furthering their mission of supporting men with ADHD. Welcome to the show Shane!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with ADHD? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?Felt different as a childGrew up on a farm but wasn’t into farming activities. Loved to readSocializing hardSmarter than other kidsFamily very harshSon got diagnosed with ADHD when Shane was 30Researched it a lot to support his sonSaw a lot of puzzle piecesDifficulty getting diagnosedFirst psychiatrist said ADHD is not possible in adultsSecond psychiatrist diagnosed him with bipolarThird psychiatrist actually did an assessment but also noticed autistic trendsAuDHDDealing with lack of order hard, e.g. if someone touches his deskLearned body language by watching Oprah/onlineLearned to mask - took it too far2018 burned outDeveloped fibromyalgiaCouldn’t do corporate contracts anymoreWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Found it hard to keep a jobKept proposing process optimizations - bosses didn’t like itDiscovered that contract project management was the perfect role for him3-8 months long contractsTurning chaos into order (easy to do it for other people)Fitted in long breaksTurned self-improvement into a projectDiscovering valuesADHD/Autism became a special interestRead all the things (neurobiology)RSS feeds for ADHDAfter burnout in 2018 started “Creating Order From Chaos”: ADHD coaching and business consultingADHD coaching for people from 25 to 55Help them build rituals and routinesHelp them find values and accommodationsAccountabilityBusinesses: help them figure out where processes are broken and what accommodations would help the team membersSpeakingEducate people on ADHD and autismMen’s ADHD support groupFacebook group exploded after COVID2022 formed non profitWeekly Calls - peer supportHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Video games: RPGsDungeons and DragonsWorld building - book seriesBoard gameReadingPlay with kidsWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Alarm app have to unlock by solving Math problemThen scan barcode on mirror - take medsMeditation + journalingAlexa9.30am check tasks + calendarWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Checking tasks + calendar morning and eveningScheduling in restDealing with too many tabsCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Marijuana: not great for ADHDHow do you switch off at night?Brain dump - write thoughts outAlexa reminder:Check the calendar and tasksWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Support group - real peopleTherapyMechanical multitasking: clean while listening to a podcastFigure out learning stylesWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Creatingorderfromchaos.comhttps://www.mensadhdsupportgroup.org/Creatingorderfromchaos on socialsDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Group coaching availableJoey’s creativity course