Have you ever…
Have you ever been SO busy all day – we’re talking non-stop thinking about work deadlines, then wondering if you need to buy toilet paper, then remembering you need to buy a gift for an upcoming birthday, then thinking what you’ll make for dinner, then starting another list for the grocery store because you have a partial list of ingredients for three different dinner ideas…and on, and on, and on.
When this happens, have you gotten to the end of the day, only to realize you didn’t accomplish any of your original goals? If you are saying YES, you know firsthand that being busy isn’t the same as being productive.
What can we do about this?
First, we can root out why this is happening. Many people with ADHD have cognitive hyperactivity, or an unplanned onslaught of thoughts. This isn’t an intentional brainstorming session (which some ADHDers completely excel at.) This bombardment of ideas, memories, and thoughts is a distraction from our original plans or goals.
So, you are constantly dreaming up new ideas, adding to to-do lists, thinking through sub-tasks and deadlines. When you set out to accomplish something, it will feel like you aren’t hitting the mark.
Don’t lose hope.
Recognizing this behavior when it happens prepares you to approach it differently in the future. Author and psychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel says “name it to tame it.” We can’t intentionally address or change anything before we acknowledge it exists.
In our executive coaching experience, clients have some blind spots that we can help you recognize. In some cases, coming to the realization that ‘busy doesn’t equal productive’ is a turning point in their coaching. We’ve been able to work with them to build systems and processes to manage the noise, and focus on what’s important.
When you shift from busy to productive, you might carve out more time to do things you enjoy. Are you ready to make the shift?
Next Steps
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