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

Welcome to episode #40 Our guest today is Dan Macqueen.On June 21, 2014, Dan's reality was shattered by a devastating brain hemorrhage. With no map to guide him on the grueling path to recovery, Dan had to rely on his grit, perseverance, and resilience to relearn everything he once knew: how to walk, talk and even smile.Dan has survived two emergency brain surgeries, weeks in a coma, and months in a rehab hospital. What he found out along the way might surprise you: there is nothing like a brain injury to refocus the mind! Driven by a positive mindset, Dan battled through excruciating rehab exercises to rebuild his life and return to a job he loved. Welcome to the show Dan!QuestionsTell us about what happened in 2014Was in London studyingReally bad headaches that kept getting worseWent to the hospital and they sent him away saying they thought it was vertigoA few days later, completely lost vision for several minutesAgain they sent him away - asking him to get his eyes testedThe optometrist stopped the test halfway and asked him to go straight to the hospitalEmergency brain surgery - hemorrhageMonths of rehab to re-learn walking and talking - incredibly painfulReturned to work 2.5 days per week but then had a second brain injuryAnother round of grueling rehab - had to do it at home as funding didn’t allow in-hospital rehabStill has double vision but otherwise has been able to regain autonomy and movementWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?After rehab, worked at Hootsuite in implementation team (customer success) helping EMEA clientsNow motivational speaker: 4 days per weekHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Swim in poolBrunch What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Get up early and work out Cold showerMeditate for 20 minutesBreakfastWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?MomentumDo the most difficult task first thing (timebox)Building blocks: half do things so it’s easier to pick it up again - Fatigue managementSleepFika - coffee breakMeditateTimers and alarmsGet mindset right: adversity is coCOMMERCIAL BREAKHow do you switch off at night?Clean kitchenTea and magnesiumIn bed at 10 pmLights out at 10.30 pmSleep quality:Dark roomQuietRead fiction before sleeping What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Fiction“In the blood”“Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy”“Get it done” by Joe Rogan to help clean kitchen“The war of art”Rich Rolls podcastWoopNeil Pettris: “You are awesome”Where can people connect with you or find your work?macqueendan.commacqueendan on socials (Instagram)Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you respond to it that mattersJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #39QuestionsHyperbolic discountingThe brain doesn’t pay attention to rewardsAvoiding motivation crowding out/”punished by rewards”Low-information dietA tendency to temptation bundleLots of consumption3 months, holding offBenefitsMore mindfulnessE.g. runningWeening off the crutchExploring perspectives of how to make the task more enjoyableCreativity - think about ways to tweak away from the initial design or to make it funCaptivate - intrinsic interest.Challenge - faster, betterCompeteLots of ideasChallengesMissing high-quality long-form contentRegular self-reviewsJoeyDaily journaling:Event logQuantified self:SleepExerciseEnd of week reflection:3-4hrsReflect on what happened during weekDeliberate Monthly reviewAnalyse weekly reviewsFind themesQuarterly reviewSimilarAnnual reviewStitch photos together into a music videoMonday NostalgiaChoose a random video to re-watchPassword protect your journals so you can be candidJezAccountability groupGoogle slideFeeling rushedSqueezing outPlanningIntentionality / changing courseWants to do more reviewIncrease 10m => 13mJoey’s creativity course

Join Jesse J. Anderson, a writer and ADHD advocate, as he shares his humorous journey of self-discovery living with undiagnosed ADHD. He reflects on the challenges of motivation and the struggle to find a diagnosis later in life. Jesse discusses balancing a full-time job while pursuing personal projects and highlights the therapeutic benefits of video gaming as an escape. He also shares strategies for overcoming bedtime challenges and navigating the complexities of hyperfocus, offering relatable insights for neurodivergent individuals.

Certified yoga therapist Deborah Charnes shares her journey with neurodiversity, ADHD challenges, and how she uses yoga and breathwork. From corporate PR to author and therapist, she discusses her morning routine, travel experiences, and holistic self-care practices. Topics include coping mechanisms, ethical concerns in boxing, dietary changes, and the importance of breaks for productivity.

Welcome to episode #36 We’re thrilled to be joined by Stephen J Morris today. Stephen J Morris is the founder and CEO of Renowned Leadership, committed to empowering leaders to become exceptional and achieve their professional goals. With more than 20 years of experience including 16 years of military leadership in the United States Army in leadership roles, he has identified 5 fundamental pillars of leadership that are the foundation of all production episodes. In addition, the company offers a range of solutions; including 1 on 1 coaching, mentoring programs, and online courses designed to create high-performing and energized teams. Welcome to the show Stephen!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?5th/6th-grade teachers started complaining about hyperactivity8th grade teachers asked mum to put him on medication8th grade biology teacher, Mrs Cunningham taught him tips and tricks to use his brain as a superpowerTactic: move to a differentFormally diagnosed at age 24 in the armyWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Bringing esprit de corps to the corporate worldGoal - everyone in the organization feels engaged. You don’t hate Monday, work is fulfilling, love your team1 on 1 coachingHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Work is his passion (110hrs)Fishing Exercise: gym, runSpartan racesGoal: Boston MarathonWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Gratitude journal - frames mind for the dayExercise: Run/gymMeditation: 30 minutesPrayer timeBreakfastWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Now can focus for longer periodsPomodoro techniqueMind more disciplined now due to military trainingBreaks: play with the puppy or go fishingUse alarms to snap out of hyperfocusCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Time blindness (e.g. video games) - combat with alarmsHow do you switch off at night?Evening journal: defrag (get rid of all the junk files) for 10 minutesWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Books:Miracle MorningAtomic HabitsDr Carolyn Leaf - neuroplasticity researcherSensory toy: spinning ringPhilosophies: breaks (drink enough water)Where can people connect with you or find your work?renownedleadership.com (book a call button)Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Be kind to yourselfJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #35 We’re thrilled to be joined by Ainslee Hooper today.Ainslee is the driving force behind Ainslee Hooper Consulting, which helps public-facing organizations strengthen their disability inclusion. With a background in Anthropology and a unique approach to holistic inclusion, Ainslee is not just a researcher but a transformative advocate. She's earned accolades, including the 2020 Geelong Employment Award. Ainslee is a passionate advocate and a valued member of several advisory committees. When she's not advancing the cause of inclusion, she's doing the strength sport of a strong woman.Welcome to the show Ainslee!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?Close family got diagnosed + friends got diagnosed and shared experiences “But I’m neurotypical and I do that too”Liked rules of COVID lockdownAnxiety around networking eventsNutritionist - list of what I don’t eat longer than what I eat. Referral to a psychologist and then a psychiatristWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?Disability inclusion consultingAccess and inclusion plansInternal and external stakeholdersWheelchair user gives empathyCustomer experience journey mapAnthropology is a special interestLinguistic, biological, cultural, archaeologicalElicit stories from stakeholdersWhat do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?2005-2011 Bachelor of Arts: super focused and organizedDifferent days of the week are devoted to different activities:Monday = Professional Development (LinkedIn strategy)Tuesday = Client engagementWednesday = Content CreationThursday = Project work dayFriday = Admin and podcastsWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Trello for project management, ZapierAtomic Habits by James ClearPhilosophies: lean into special interests at workWhere can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedIn WebsiteJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?If you think you’re neurodivergent and can afford it, get assessedJoey’s creativity course

Welcome to episode #34 We’re thrilled to be joined by Sydney Jackson-Clockston today.Sydney Jackson-Clockston is a Leadership Development and Entrepreneurial Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and Author. She recently published "My Own Worst Enemy: Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome," a book that delves into conquering negative self-talk and reframing one's mindset for a fulfilling life. Her expertise lies in thought leadership, facilitating tough conversations, building inclusive cultures, DEIJA, and empathy. Sydney is a recipient of the 2022 Good Business Colorado Award and holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid - Youth, Harassment Prevention, and Crisis Prevention and Intervention. She is affiliated with various organizations, including Consultants For Good and the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce...Welcome to the show Sydney!QuestionsCan you tell us about your experience with dyslexia especially writing your book?loved school growing up. Mum was educator2nd/3rd grade spelling bees = major challengespent hours studying but spelling didn’t landteacher assumed she was smart but lazy - not helpful!mum helped advocate for school to do testingtesting showed high IQ but difficulty spellingother kids and colleagues laughed at her for spellingnegative experiences led to imposter syndromewriting book has been an opportunity to reframe those experiencesawareness has improved but still some stigma, e.g. manager said she was unprofessional for spelling mistakessoftware is now making dyslexia less problematicspell check/grammarlyread aloud now basically free What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Event coordination: library opening, Good Business ColoradoCoaching entrepreneurs How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Getting married in two weeks!Travel (even started travel agency)New Orleans: food, music, culturePanama: not too crowded FilmVolunteeringDecompressNature time - earthingWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Brush teeth/hygieneGratitude journalEase into dayWhat do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?Ta Da list: highlight what you already did and say “Ta Da!”Underscheduling: keep blank space in the calendarSetting expectations: when onboarding new clients, tell them how long it’s going to take for a responseAutomate data entry: calendly link with questionsCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?Stress snackingHow do you switch off at night?It’s hard when working from home/being an entrepreneur!Turn off computer and take dogs for a walkDon’t check emails after 5pmMindset work means she’s good at not checkingTactic from friends: separate work phoneFamily time with partner and nieceWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Books:“My own worst enemy” her book“The Laziness Lie”Brenee Brown“Why we sleep” Matthew WalkerRecommendations in her linktreeApps:Mindfulness - helps with sleepPhilosophies:Coaching/therapy is helpful for most peopleWhere can people connect with you or find your work?https://citrineunlimited.comhttps://linktr.ee/citrineunlimitedhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneyjcDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Get her book! “My own worst enemy”Passion over perfection - not everything has to be perfectJoey's Creativity Course: https://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course/

Welcome to episode #33 We’re thrilled to be joined by Adam Wright today.Adam Wright is co-founder of LeapN, a 'Build Your Own Metaverse' platform, and M8Call, an upcoming experiential, live event transforming romantic relationships as we know it.Prior to diving into the web3 metaverse & special events creation industries, Adam thrived in TV production for over a decade, producing hits like American Ninja Warrior, Dance Moms, and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Based in Venice Beach, he stays active with workouts, fun outings with friends, and planning his upcoming event, M8Call.Welcome to the show Adam!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?Grade 2 crush => locking bike to hers3 concussions as a kidLooking at social dynamics from the outsideHigh school grades not great - busy with extra curricularsAt university head of several clubs/fraternitiesLast minute approach to study + AdderalGot job with serial entrepreneurs - unconventional approach to work (had to bring bed into office)FoundWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?LeapN: victim of the crypto bear marketM8Call: 2 day experiential conference on spirituality, wellbeing and dating - December 16th/17thHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Realisation that 100hr weeks aren’t sustainableWorking outGetting back into dating (after having done inner work)Doing something creative every week - not focused on monetisingJournaling Getting out in natureWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Best self enjoys routineGet up earlyPrayersGo to church (non-denominational - pastor is former VC)Read from spiritual text/personalKettlebells (quick workout to wake up brain)Coffee + avocado + bananaPlanning the day with pen and paperUnreliable narrator likes chaosDoom scrolling on tiktok/instaWhat do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?“Winning The Week” - 10 tasks per day1 big task: 1-2hrsMedium tasks: 30 minsHelps avoid overpromisingCommunication policyDo desk work from 4am to 8am before sun rises and Nap in afternoonCOMMERCIAL BREAKWhat is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?habit of going down rabbitholes - How do you switch off at night?Sleeping well recentlyReading himself to sleepGoing to sleep at 9pmLetting go of FOMOWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?“Winning the Week”Body doubling, e.g. Business Model Club (in person works best)Focus Bear helpful for routines: body doublingAsana + Asana Mastery courseLifehack clubWhere can people connect with you or find your work?https://linktr.ee/adamwright Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?Come to M8 CallStay out of self identity/identity politics - strive for service and adventureJoey’s creativity course: https://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course/ 

Welcome to episode #31, I’m excited to be joined by Brittany Joiner today!Brittany is a self-proclaimed Trello nerd with a passion for software development, lifestyle optimization, and all things productivity. As a Developer Relations (DevRel) professional at PixieBrix, Brittany brings her technical expertise, love for fostering connections, and growth-hacking skills to the table. She's a (somewhat) digital nomad, Youtuber, and indie hacker. Welcome to the show Britt!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?Brain always moved a million miles per minuteFound coping strategies/productivityLabel of anxiety was helpful so went to a psychiatristWhat "work" projects are you concentrating on?PixieBrix: dev rel - browser automation toolWrote a book on TrelloHow about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Fostering kittens + looking after pupExerciseGaming: board games + video gamesTravelWhat does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Tidy house + litter boxGo for a walk with the dogReward with coffeeWarm up into the day by checking tech news/slack (30-40 mins)What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Equipment: 55-inch monitorNovelty: work from coffee shopsRewards: Starbucks at lunchOrganizing tasks in TrelloTimers for 30-40 minutes to work on (Focus Bear)Plan the night before: AkiFlow - scheduling tasks (similar to Morgen)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)?Staying in bed too long scrolling on the phoneSmart heaterTurn lights onHow do you switch off at night?Read/watch TV/play gamesLeave the laptop in the officeNo laptop in the bedroomWhat resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?PixieBrixSupercharging productivity with TrelloAkiFlowComposeRoseBud AI Journal - “What was the highlight of your day?” - then helps you go deeperWhere can people connect with you or find your work?Britt_joinerSubstack: trello.substack.comDo you have any final words or asks for our audience?Follow your energy levelsJoey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course

Welcome to episode #30 We’re thrilled to be joined by Gerard Atkinson today. Gerard is a director at ARTD Consultants. He is well-versed in program and policy evaluation, business analytics, and data visualization. His expertise extends to market and social research, financial modeling, and non-profit, government, and business strategy. A dedicated advocate for neurodiversity, Gerard serves as a board member for various Australian not-for-profits and advises on diversity, equity, and inclusion committees within the research and evaluation community. Outside of his professional endeavors, Gerard is a keen trail runner and was trained as an opera singer.Welcome to the show Gerard!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?Diagnosed as autistic in 2019But always felt outside the neurotypical norm.Always felt different from othersIn terms of processing information.Experiencing the world.Was able to mask and was highly intelligentPlaced in the gifted bucket.Diagnosis gave a new framework to experience the worldMotivated by seeing other friends go through the diagnosis.There is a lot more awareness around autism, the challenge is around the way society is structured, not necessarily people with autism.Still a lot of opportunities not takenJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Evaluation consultantGovernments will design a program, roll it out and spend a lot of moneyAnswers questions: “How effective was it?”, “Was it worth it?”Currently manages 10-12 evaluations at one timeEvaluation frameworkProgram logic:What activities are we doing?What outputs will that create?What outcomes will that generate for the target group?Short termMid termLong termSometimes measuring outcomes indirectly by measuring other thingsIf we can’t measure this directly, what can we measure as a proxy?Being data and method agnostic.JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?Peaks and Trails 50k at DunkellsLong runTraining via25k trail run.Weight training (several decades)Music(former opera singer)SingArtGardeningJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?5:30 am wake up go for a run - social but not too social (or weight training)CoffeeNewspaper8:30 am begin work  During COVID bad habits of getting straight into work after waking up. Changed habits by working with a mentor. Created a covenant with himself JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Lives by calendarChargeable workNon-chargeable workE.g. capacity buildingSupporting staffTries to block out free time so staff can get time with him.No phone calls out of the blue.When there are callsHave some social time, some small talk.Deep work vs empowering teamBlocks out deep workWill tell the team: “This is deep thinking time” - I need something urgently, put it through email.COMMERCIAL 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)?CoffeeMindless scrolling (LinkedIn)JN: How do you switch off at night?In bed by 9:30 pmLooks after recharge time.Wind down routineChat with wife. Looking at memes.Doesn’t drink much alcoholBecause affects the sleep cycle.JC: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Calendar/Microsoft Bookings“Thinking Fast and Slow” Daniel Kahneman Masking = system 2 for ND people. Whereas NT people are in system 1 #shortDavid Mayster - thought leader in the consulting industry “First among equals”Sounds great! Tough job to get the high performers to shine but also get coordination!“Let my people go surfing” founder of PatagoniaJN: Where can people connect with you or find your work?LinkedInWebsite (needs updating)Research Society conference in MelbourneJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?1 in 3 neurodivergent Australians are unemployed vs 1 in 6 for the disability workforce and 10x higher than the general unemployment rateND workers have insight, qualifications, and experience yet are often not able to reach their full potentialAutism, ADHD, and dyslexia diagnosis rates are increasing - we need to make sure there are jobs for them. Eliminate barriers to employment Need ND people to be transparent so that there are role models Joey’s creativity coursehttps://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course