From ADHD to LOL: How I Crush Deadlines and Memes Simultaneously!

I have adult ADHD, or at least I think I do. Maybe I just watch too many Instagram Reels 🤷‍♂️. Either way I’m constantly annoyed when a project I know I can crush gets pushed too close to it’s deadline.

So I decided to do something about it. Here’s how I dominate my productivity while still sending my buddies their daily dose of memes.

1. Minimize Available Distractions

Here’s a picture of my desk, notice anything missing?

Hint: It’s my phone. As I’m writing this my phone is 9 feet away on a charger in airplane mode. Could I simply put it on ‘Do not disturb?’ No, I’ve tried. I need it away from me.

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2. My Top 3 Tasks = A Promise to Myself

After reading Brian Tracy’s “Eat That Frog!” I started writing down my big 3 tasks for the day. Even with that I still wasn’t getting my big 3 done. Emails, articles, meetings would all choke out at least one or two of these ‘super important’ tasks.

It wasn’t until I changed my perspective that they started getting the weight they deserved.

These are not tasks. These are promises.

When a woman makes a promise, she thrusts her hand into the unpredictable circumstances of her tomorrow and creates an enclave of predictable reality. When a man makes a promise, he creates an island of certainty in a heaving ocean of uncertainty. - Hannah Arendt

By making these ‘big 3’ tasks promises I give myself the security of a predictable reality.

I cut up some 3x5 cards to keep my big 3 in front of me. If I did it again I’d get this instead.

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3. Touch Some Grass

This is not some 4/20 reference. One of the best ways to recharge your focus meeter is to be in nature.

All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking. – Friedrich Nietzsche

In his book “Deep Work” Cal Newport references something called the Attention Restoration Theory (ART). Through studies theorists were able to conclude that spending time in nature restores your ability to concentrate. As an added benefit, walking is shown to unlock what some call your “flow state.” I can’t tell you how many times a simple walk has both energized me for a fresh deep work session AND unlocked a roadblock I’d run into mentally. Touch some grass and walk on it 😉

Accomplishing your daily goals is 100% achievable. You don’t have to lose your battle with procrastination. By minimizing distractions, treating tasks as promises, and embracing the rejuvenating power of nature, you'll not only dominate your productivity but also enjoy your daily dose of memes that keeps the laughter alive. Embrace this balanced approach and thrive in both your professional and personal goals.