How do you stay productive?
I am working on starting a business, but this is not my first time. I can find it difficult to pick up that next task toward the goal for lots of reasons and I don't know if this is trauma, ADHD, ASD, or something else entirely getting in the way. Can y'all share the ways in which you stay productive/avoid procrastination?
I take a lot of breaks! I’ll work for like 5-30 minutes then take a break that’s the same length! I also watch YouTube (my hyperfixation) while working or TV but that may be an ADHD thing. To avoid procrastination, I set achievable goals. I have PDA (pathological demand avoidance) so if I say I’ll work from 1-2pm it won’t work, but if I say I’ll do an hour a day before 8pm or something similar, I can manage it!
@SupportByParker I really like this! Especially regarding PDA (I struggle with this as well), I think setting a "deadline" as opposed to a schedule makes way more sense. Thank you!
Of course! Glad to help!
I only have ASD without a noticeable PDA (at least not that I'm aware of) so maybe it won't be a good fit, but my brain usually refuses to work on any task that hasn't be planned in advance, so I have a tendency to "over-plan" everything, or at least set clear and achievable deadlines so I can get through the day. I use apps like Notion, Google calendar, etc on a daily basis, it has been a life saver since I like to be able to visualize everything I have to get done!
And just as @SupportByParker said, take as many breaks as you need! It took me a while to realize that taking breaks wasn't a sign of failure or laziness, it's just a way to maintain my capacity to function, and it's okay, it's the way my brain works!
Take care! 💞
I LOVE a good plan, but I find that I like to make them more specific than I can stick to. My ASD and ADHD have had many fights about this lol
That said, if someone else comes up with a plan for me to follow, that's somehow better? It's especially effective if I'm doing the thing for them (although that's the people pleaser in me).
It is hard to convince myself that breaks aren't laziness, but it's really helpful to have others remind me. Thank you both!
Thank
@HappySpecter I totally get it!! I love when someone else comes with a solid plan to follow, it somehow helps so much with my anxiety! Take care, you're doing great 💞
hi @HappySpecter frend
I am also starting a business!
What helps me - Everyday, I start off thinking for 30 minutes on the 2-5 most accomplishable items. From there, each time you complete a task when you tick that checkbox you will feel good about yourself... make sure the tasks are small
also give in that this will always be a struggle, and let it be. Do the best you can, be aware of whether you actually like what you're doing. Oftentimes the first ideas need different perspectives and some grounding to the best path.
@HappySpecter
PS considering you are starting a media biz and I am starting a self improvement app (not a biz), if you are interested in a show & tell sesh, let me know! :-]