I think it's not just about neurodivergence. People glorify multitasking but there are many studies that show that we are more focused and productive when we focus on one thing and do it well. I think at the end of the day, we all suffer from a headache and we try to do 10 things at a time.
Absolutely neurotypical people can and do work better when they are focused. Neurodivergent people typically cannot work on more than one thing at a time. That’s certainly true for me.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Simon. I actually work in DEI and I'm always interested in learning about other people's experiences. It helps me with the content too and I like to talk about reality and not just practice.
PS: do you mind sharing (if you are comfortable) what type of neurodivergence you are referring to?
I have ADHD heavy on the ADD which is exacerbated by the fact I have Bipolar II so hyper can be an issue. I either get super focused or I do nothing because I’m overwhelmed. And it can be something simple like vacuuming.
Thank you for sharing, Simon. Neurodivergence is a topic that comes very often in my sessions and tips to help ND people and set them up for success so that is very helpful.
Yes, people get defensive because they want to believe that juggling multiple things at once is productive but it's massively distracting and you end up doing 2 things at 60%.
Plus it's a great feeling when you are truly present doing that one thing. Food is a great example. I totally watching TV while I'm eating to be able to fully enjoy the pleasure of a good meal.
My phone and notifications are always on silent, and it is not only the most amazing thing ever for keeping focused, it also just makes life more peaceful in general.
Adults are spending an average of 4-5 hours a day on their phones!! The most productive hack is to put it away and remove distractions. I even removed the Substack app from my phone so that I'm not constantly checking notifications.
It's good for my business but more so for my mental peace. Thank you, Preston!
I don't really multi-task. I'm afraid I am just too lazy for that. And as far as tabs open? I think my lack of computer savvy keeps that off my radar as well. Who knew that might be a good thing?!
Honestly, Rose, productivity is often about "unlearning" the fancy hacks and going back to the good old practices: one task at a time, one tab at a time. You are on the right track!
Thank you for this reminder. I know this stuff but I conveniently forget it, kidding myself that how I'm working is efficient, even though I'm frustrated at the end of the day - probably because I'm holding as many tabs open in my mind as there are on my laptop!
Loving the "I LOVE LEMONS 1,2,3..." exercise!
Such a powerful reminder that multi-tasking is a false economy.
Hahaha, did you actually do the exercise?
Please do it: it’s mindblowing!
Thank you, Tom!
It really is a mind blowing exercise!
I thought yeah maybe it will add on 5 seconds… it took me twice as long to complete the second exercise! 🤣
When I say multitasking isn’t productive, some people get defensive. They think it's the ultimate productivity hack.
But for me, multitasking and interruptions feel exhausting.
When I’m concentrating on something - writing, planning, even following a recipe - I just focus on one thing. Otherwise, I may end up with a headache.
And you just described neurodivergence perfectly.
I think it's not just about neurodivergence. People glorify multitasking but there are many studies that show that we are more focused and productive when we focus on one thing and do it well. I think at the end of the day, we all suffer from a headache and we try to do 10 things at a time.
Absolutely neurotypical people can and do work better when they are focused. Neurodivergent people typically cannot work on more than one thing at a time. That’s certainly true for me.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Simon. I actually work in DEI and I'm always interested in learning about other people's experiences. It helps me with the content too and I like to talk about reality and not just practice.
PS: do you mind sharing (if you are comfortable) what type of neurodivergence you are referring to?
I have ADHD heavy on the ADD which is exacerbated by the fact I have Bipolar II so hyper can be an issue. I either get super focused or I do nothing because I’m overwhelmed. And it can be something simple like vacuuming.
Thank you for sharing, Simon. Neurodivergence is a topic that comes very often in my sessions and tips to help ND people and set them up for success so that is very helpful.
Yes, people get defensive because they want to believe that juggling multiple things at once is productive but it's massively distracting and you end up doing 2 things at 60%.
Plus it's a great feeling when you are truly present doing that one thing. Food is a great example. I totally watching TV while I'm eating to be able to fully enjoy the pleasure of a good meal.
My phone and notifications are always on silent, and it is not only the most amazing thing ever for keeping focused, it also just makes life more peaceful in general.
Cell phones have given the world the idea that people are accessible all hours of the day.
A couple of years ago I put my phone on “Do Not Disturb.” My family’s numbers are the only ones that can ring.
One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Adults are spending an average of 4-5 hours a day on their phones!! The most productive hack is to put it away and remove distractions. I even removed the Substack app from my phone so that I'm not constantly checking notifications.
It's good for my business but more so for my mental peace. Thank you, Preston!
I don't really multi-task. I'm afraid I am just too lazy for that. And as far as tabs open? I think my lack of computer savvy keeps that off my radar as well. Who knew that might be a good thing?!
Honestly, Rose, productivity is often about "unlearning" the fancy hacks and going back to the good old practices: one task at a time, one tab at a time. You are on the right track!
Thanks Veronica. Found it accidentally!
I am afraid to count my open tabs :)) Thank you for this.
So, I will try to close some loops and let you know 🙋🏽♀️
Hahaha, the strugge is real, Simona!
I now make a conscious effort of closing them though, and I feel GREAT. It's like the feeling of closing open loops.
Thank you for this reminder. I know this stuff but I conveniently forget it, kidding myself that how I'm working is efficient, even though I'm frustrated at the end of the day - probably because I'm holding as many tabs open in my mind as there are on my laptop!
So true: when we have open tabs on the laptop, we also have open tabs in our mind! Great analogy.