3 productivity tips for an ADHD brain
Because we don’t need to be told to meditate.
Navigating the realm of productivity with an ADHD brain is confusing. Before we dive into actionable tips, let's set the record straight: ADHD isn't a broken state; it's just a different way of functioning. We might encounter different challenges, but it absolutely does not mean we’re less capable of excelling. Here are three practical concepts that I've discovered in my own journey.
1. Embrace the Power of "Good Enough"
Perfectionism often plagues those with ADHD and many other neurodivergent conditions. We tend to envision tasks not just for what they are but for their ideal outcome, often attaching ourselves to a perfectionistic fantasy. Consider a scenario where you're tasked with writing a substantial piece of content - an essay for school or a report for work. Before even starting, you might daydream about crafting a masterpiece, weaving in every detail and idea you can think of.
However, what we frequently fail to assess is the feasibility of achieving such lofty standards and, more importantly, whether they're even necessary. Our thinking becomes excessively black and white, and we hold this fantasy outcome as the only acceptable one. Consequently, we berate ourselves when reality falls short.
Here's the game-changer: ask yourself, "What is 'good enough'?" Define a standard you'd be content with and aim for that initially. Once you've achieved this baseline, you can contemplate improvements, if desired and if time permits.
2. Begin Early with 1% Progress
You might be thinking, "Seriously, this again?" I get it; it may sound like generic advice, but hear me out. When you're dealing with ADHD, mundane tasks are like conquering a dragon. It's not just about battling boredom; it's a constant struggle to keep your brain focused on the task at hand. So, instead of self-flagellation, accept your unique struggle.
Recognise that maintaining concentration will be tough, and your focus will waver every few minutes, dragging down your mood in the process. You're aware that it's going to take a while to complete. Therefore, the key is to start early, as soon as you learn about the task. Begin with the smallest possible action – write a single sentence, answer one question, or tackle just 1% of it.
Establish a routine of consistently chipping away at it in these bite-sized increments. This method is surprisingly efficient and effective.
3. Draft and Refine
Now, let's blend the two strategies above into a seamless approach that can significantly boost your productivity. Instead of getting bogged down at various stages, embrace the "draft and iterate" mindset. The initial round is all about keeping friction low and letting your ideas flow freely. When you hit a roadblock or a tricky concept, deliberately assign it minimal effort during this first pass.
This approach yields several benefits. First, it allows you to produce a first draft rapidly, instilling confidence and building momentum. Second, it serves as a solid foundation for future iterations. You'll find that when you dedicate more time to perfection later on, you can select where to obsess over the details and where to let go.
Incorporating this strategy into your workflow often results in faster and higher-quality output. By choosing where to allocate your energy, you'll avoid sinking time into unimportant details that can derail your progress.
These no-nonsense strategies can help you harness your ADHD superpowers and increase your productivity without the fluff. Remember, ADHD isn't a hindrance; it's a unique perspective that can lead to remarkable achievements. Embrace it and start conquering your projects in your own way.
Sam.