The Willy Wonka Way to Focus with ADHD
The Willy Wonka Way to Focusing with ADHD
Ok, hear me out! If you know me, you know I’m all about trying to keep my life together with new systems—kind of like duct tape solutions for a brain that doesn’t like to cooperate.
I’m not exactly the poster child for organization, but I get a kick out of throwing together something that might be the can’t-live-without trick that works. These systems usually have a shelf life of about a month, but we’ll see what happens.
The Willy Wonka Way to Focus with ADHD
Alright, let me explain—The Willy Wonka Way to Focus with ADHD. This isn’t your cookie-cutter advice. It’s usually the experts—who don’t have ADHD themselves—dishing out tips based on textbook brain behavior. They miss the mark on the wild card factors that those of us with ADHD deal with on the daily.
So here’s something I came up with the other day and once I get stuck on an analogy, I run with it…far! These might work, they might not, but it’s all about throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks. Who knows, we might just find something that works.
Golden Ticket Discovery
Here’s a cool way to tackle your tasks each day—think of it as your personal task lottery. Every night, scribble down your top five to-dos for the next day on yellow post-it notes. Toss them into a drawer or maybe under your desk. The next morning, reach in and grab one at random. Boom, that’s your Golden Ticket, your invite to Willy Wonka’s Focus Factory. Use the focus tricks in this blog to smash each task, then go back for your next ticket.
Why This Is a Game-Changer:
I tried this out last week when I had given myself a lot of deadlines. I actually found myself looking forward to finishing each task, so I could crumple up the note and be surprised by the next one.
Tips to Keep It Rolling:
Tie It to Fun Stuff:
Create your top task list during a chill activity in the evening, like after your favorite show or while your killer playlist is on.
Setup Station:
Have a spot for your post-its and a pen that feels good in your hand—make it as routine as grabbing your morning coffee.
Slide It Into Your Routine:
Make this part of your usual night moves, so it feels less like a chore and more like part of your cool-down.
Tips to Keep It Rolling:
Tie It to Fun Stuff:
Create your top task list during a chill activity in the evening, like after your favorite show or while your killer playlist is on.
Setup Station:
Have a spot for your post-its and a pen that feels good in your hand—make it as routine as grabbing your morning coffee.
Slide It Into Your Routine:
Make this part of your usual night moves, so it feels less like a chore and more like part of your cool-down.
Try this Golden Ticket method and make your day-to-day tasks more fun! Who says getting stuff done can’t be spicy?
Identifying Triggers Like An Oompa-Loompa
Ever notice how some days feel like you’re just bouncing from one distraction to the next? Well, here’s a fun way to snap back: think Oompa-Loompa style. Whenever you catch yourself drifting off task, or someone stops by to chat, just kickstart a little tune: “Oompa-Loompa-Doopity-Dam, I don’t need to scroll Instagram…”. Ridiculous? Yes. Effective? Hell YES! Plus, it’s just funny.
Why This Works:
It’s about nailing down what throws you off. Maybe it’s an email notification that pops up just as you’re getting in the groove, or the alluring call of the coffee pot when you really should be finishing a report. Getting a handle on these triggers is the first step to managing them.
Implementation Tips:
Environment Control:
Design your workspace to minimize distractions. Maybe it’s facing a wall instead of the doorway, or throwing on some noise-canceling headphones.
Set Boundaries:
Make it known when you’re in focus mode. A simple sign at your desk or a status update can signal to others that it’s not a good time to interrupt.
Keep a Distraction Log:
Scribble down what catches your attention in a small notebook or a digital app. Spotting patterns helps you figure out how to adjust your environment or your habits. These notes are your “eggs.”
Trigger List:
Keep a running list of your usual suspects—the things that often distract you. This quick reference can help you prepare and prevent.
Implementation Tips:
Environment Control:
Design your workspace to minimize distractions. Maybe it’s facing a wall instead of the doorway, or throwing on some noise-canceling headphones.
Set Boundaries:
Make it known when you’re in focus mode. A simple sign at your desk or a status update can signal to others that it’s not a good time to interrupt.
Keep a Distraction Log:
Scribble down what catches your attention in a small notebook or a digital app. Spotting patterns helps you figure out how to adjust your environment or your habits. These notes are your “eggs.”
Trigger List:
Keep a running list of your usual suspects—the things that often distract you. This quick reference can help you prepare and prevent.
Turning distractions into a bit of a game can make your day more manageable and a lot more enjoyable. Who knew channeling a bit of Oompa-Loompa wisdom could be so effective?
Remove Distractions:
The Golden Goose Eggs Approach
Once you’ve collected your “eggs” you gotta decide which ones are harmless and which ones to toss. This approach—let’s call it the Golden Goose Eggs strategy—helps you distinguish between the productive interruptions (the good eggs) and the disruptive ones (the bad eggs).
What’s Golden vs. What’s Spoiled:
Good egg? That’s like a crucial update from your boss. These are worth your immediate attention. Bad eggs are the 800 email notifications about the office party that’s spiraling into a time-sucking debate. These aren’t immediately crucial and can be set aside for when you have spare time.
Implementation Tips:
Notification Management:
Customize your notification settings to prioritize important alerts and minimize distractions. Apps that consolidate notifications can help you review them at scheduled times rather than as they come in, keeping the bad eggs out of your immediate workspace.
Prioritize Interruptions:
When interrupted, try to decide if it’s a good egg or a bad egg. If it’s bad, have a plan for putting it off til later, or ask them to put it in an email so you can control when you respond.
Implementation Tips:
Notification Management:
Customize your notification settings to prioritize important alerts and minimize distractions. Apps that consolidate notifications can help you review them at scheduled times rather than as they come in, keeping the bad eggs out of your immediate workspace.
Prioritize Interruptions:
When interrupted, try to decide if it’s a good egg or a bad egg. If it’s bad, have a plan for putting it off til later, or ask them to put it in an email so you can control when you respond.
This Golden Egg Approach helps you not only reduce distractions; but helps you focus on what needs to get done maximizing productivity and preserving your mental energy for the tasks that can really advance your day.
The Everlasting Job-Stopper: Navigating Hyperfocus with ADHD
For those of us with ADHD, disengaging from a hyperfocus task can be tough—especially when it’s time to switch gears before the task is fully completed. Here’s how to create a system that helps you disengage responsibly, allowing you to manage your energy and attention throughout the day.
Decorated Kitchen Timers for Controlled Work Periods:
Set up multicolored kitchen timers around your workspace, each color should indicate a specific type of task. These timers act as visual and auditory reminders that help you manage the length of time spent on any one activity. For instance, a timer with a blue design might be for tasks that require sustained attention, like writing or responding to emails, a bright yellow timer could indicate it’s time for creative work, while a bright red one could indicate more active, dynamic tasks. Position these timers around your desk. When a timer goes off, it’s your cue to finish up and switch to a new task, helping you physically and mentally shift gears.
Transition Techniques for Unfinished Tasks:
Use these techniques to smoothly transition away from an unfinished task:
Minty Minutes:
Use a minty cue to help break the hyperfocus. When a timer goes off, take a piece of mint gum and chew it. Give yourself a full minute to really taste the mint. As you chew, take slow, deep breaths, and let the cool mint flavor act as a sensory signal that refreshes your mind and prepares it for a change.
Task Summaries:
Immediately write a brief note about where you left off and what you plan to tackle next. This helps you wrap up mentally and makes it easier to return to the task later.
Simple Movement:
Incorporate a brief, no-fuss activity, like a quick walk or some stretching. This not only breaks the physical stillness but also helps mentally shift gears.
Time Anchors for Natural Transitions:
Utilize natural transitions in your day to help manage task engagement:
Morning Energy:
Use your highest energy times for tasks that require deep focus. Set a timer to remind yourself when it’s time to pause and assess.
Afternoon Shifts:
As your energy wanes post-lunch, plan lighter, less demanding tasks that won’t tempt you into deep hyperfocus.
End of Day Routine:
Establish a routine to review the day’s work and plan for the next day, using the natural end of the workday as a cue to disengage from all tasks.
Transition Techniques for Unfinished Tasks:
Use these techniques to smoothly transition away from an unfinished task:
Minty Minutes:
Use a minty cue to help break the hyperfocus. When a timer goes off, take a piece of mint gum and chew it. Give yourself a full minute to really taste the mint. As you chew, take slow, deep breaths, and let the cool mint flavor act as a sensory signal that refreshes your mind and prepares it for a change.
Task Summaries:
Immediately write a brief note about where you left off and what you plan to tackle next. This helps you wrap up mentally and makes it easier to return to the task later.
Simple Movement:
Incorporate a brief, no-fuss activity, like a quick walk or some stretching. This not only breaks the physical stillness but also helps mentally shift gears.
Time Anchors for Natural Transitions:
Utilize natural transitions in your day to help manage task engagement:
Morning Energy:
Use your highest energy times for tasks that require deep focus. Set a timer to remind yourself when it’s time to pause and assess.
Afternoon Shifts:
As your energy wanes post-lunch, plan lighter, less demanding tasks that won’t tempt you into deep hyperfocus.
End of Day Routine:
Establish a routine to review the day’s work and plan for the next day, using the natural end of the workday as a cue to disengage from all tasks.
These strategies will help you use your hyperfocus for good while also maintaining control over your schedule and productivity. This approach ensures that transitions are managed effectively, preventing burnout and keeping you on track with various responsibilities.
Violet’s Gum Meditation: A (Really) Simple Mindfulness Trick
Chew gum with the enthusiasm and intent of Violet Beauregarde’s to boost your mindfulness in a really simple, fun way. This method draws inspiration from Willy Wonka to turn ordinary daily tasks into cool chances for a little mental break.
Getting Into It:
When I really focus on the first sip of my morning coffee and actually taste it—changes the whole game. Kick off your day or any mindfulness session by picking something you do every morning, like drinking coffee, eating breakfast, or brushing your teeth. Focus on the taste, the textures, and what you’re feeling right then instead of letting your mind dwell on the day’s work. It’s about making these everyday activities a bit more interesting and giving your brain a playful workout.
How This Helps:
People who’ve tried this say it’s a game-changer. Imagine someone telling you, “There’s something so relaxing about focusing on the smell of my shampoo in the shower each morning.” That’s the kind of practical benefit this brings, making mindfulness something you can do without any extra steps.
Implementation Tips:
Pick a Daily Habit:
Zero in on one regular part of your morning routine. Focus on experiencing it fully to anchor yourself in the now.
Use Reminders:
Tie mindfulness to specific, everyday signals. Say, every time your phone dings, take that as a cue to take three deep breaths right then and there.
Start Small:
Begin with just one or two minutes of this focused time and build from there as it becomes a natural part of your routine.
Keep It Active:
If sitting still isn’t your thing, make it active. Be totally present while you’re walking your dog or doodling.
Taste Triggers:
Try using different flavored gums as a prompt. Each new flavor can be a fresh mindfulness cue, keeping things interesting.
Embed It in Your Routine:
Really pay attention while you sip your morning tea or coffee—notice the warmth, the aroma, the taste.
Simple Reminders:
Place a small item like a shell or a cool-looking rock where you’ll see it every day to remind you to take that mindful moment.
Implementation Tips:
Pick a Daily Habit:
Zero in on one regular part of your morning routine. Focus on experiencing it fully to anchor yourself in the now.
Use Reminders:
Tie mindfulness to specific, everyday signals. Say, every time your phone dings, take that as a cue to take three deep breaths right then and there.
Start Small:
Begin with just one or two minutes of this focused time and build from there as it becomes a natural part of your routine.
Keep It Active:
If sitting still isn’t your thing, make it active. Be totally present while you’re walking your dog or doodling.
Taste Triggers:
Try using different flavored gums as a prompt. Each new flavor can be a fresh mindfulness cue, keeping things interesting.
Embed It in Your Routine:
Really pay attention while you sip your morning tea or coffee—notice the warmth, the aroma, the taste.
Simple Reminders:
Place a small item like a shell or a cool-looking rock where you’ll see it every day to remind you to take that mindful moment.
By introducing Violet’s Gum Meditation into your routine, you make mindfulness not just doable but enjoyable, with a touch of Willy Wonka’s creativity. It’s about finding fun, simple ways to stay grounded and present throughout your day.
Elevate Your Focus, No Wonka-vator Required
You don’t need a magical Wonka-vator to reach new heights in your productivity and mindfulness—you just need to fine-tune how you manage your focus. With these creative yet practical strategies inspired by Willy Wonka, you can transform everyday distractions into opportunities for greater presence and productivity. Whether it’s setting up kitchen timers to manage hyperfocus, using minty gum to transition between tasks, or integrating unconventional mindfulness practices into your routine, each step brings you closer to breaking through your own productivity glass ceiling.
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