My superpower is my ADHD, but what does one do with it? As I was listening to Midwest Magic cleaning this week. He mentioned one thing I plan on incorporating into my ADHD madness. A mantra of what you’re trying to get back to, his example was way simpler. “Kitchen, Kitchen, Kitchen” the entire time you’re away from the main task. To get you to come back to the goal you’re trying to achieve.
How I will visualize it is like this. While your multitasking portion is off doing another task. Kinda like RAM reallocation, as a task completes and bandwidth is freed up. Instead of getting distracted further into something else, your “mantra” gives a key for your brain to authorize to continue the stopped task. Allowing flexibility when you have a task shift, to pick up that extra packet and continue to get done what you want done as your goal.
In his cleaning example He mentioned that you may start with the dishes. And know that you will have to detour into other rooms, as you know, some family members leave dishes in the bedroom. But in the bedroom, you may notice the bed needs to be made. Because you’re saying kitchen, you’re telling your brain to finish the subtask of gathering dishes. And this will allow you to get back to your goal of getting the kitchen done.
So, for my example, I wanted to get this blog done today. But I hit a few roadblocks. I have a friend group that meets on Sunday morning for fellowship and networking. They are from all walks of life and backgrounds. But I could not find my wallet. I know where it is, but I can’t disturb that area at the moment. So I message my group via our chosen app. I am working remotely while listening to music.
I realized before I started this paragraph that I needed coffee. My focus was becoming distracted and tired. So I went upstairs to make a cup. One benefit of the Sunday crew is that we meet for coffee. I missed that step. So I added a subtask of “Get coffee!” While I was waiting for the water to boil, I started some laundry while saying Blog Blog Blog. And it worked, I am back down with coffee music blaring and writing this blog post.
I hear you asking, “But Sam, what about boring work or mundane tasks? How do I make those Goals something I want to do?” The ADHD mind is complex, but it wants achievable goals. So how do we divide the tasks into fun goals for our brains? Math?? Scrumboard?? The choice is up to you! My tool set may not work for you. Find your overall goal for the day. For my example, I will use Scrum. Task it out! Allow for some scope creep, techdebt, and distractions. Have your mantra well seated for the overall goal or largest subtask you’re currently trying to build. And make sure you’re allowing for rewards and fun once you have finished your goal for the day.
Now I am off to get Christmas put away. Yes, I said Christmas. No, it’s not March yet 😉 But it is officially a month after Christmas today. So suck it getting it done today 🙂
Midwest Magic Cleaning ADHD Fluid cleaning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAt3Jsst86E
Music of the day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYlztUKXupo&list=PLlHNFqNsWtApR-9HWhERWG_x6-cJOaVQY