Advice Needed?

Imagine waking up to a life where most of the people you know and see - seem to thrive on auto-pilot. They get important things done, they make progress on projects while keeping their living space clean and organized.

But you don't. For some weird reason your brain short circuits - You know you want things, you sometimes even start things... but most days - finishing “That” project or task isn't in the cards.

You keep hearing advice and suggestions that work for everyone else, but not you. Just put it on your schedule or list (what schedule?), Just Do It (Thank's Nike), Just make a decision and do it, Listen to this motivational talk, Break it down into smaller steps, Just set inspiring SMART goals... And with each suggestion you feel the cracks between what you want to do and what you can do - growing wider and seemingly more impossible...

Many of these neuro-spicy adventurers find themselves held back, not by a lack of will or talent, but by the absence of the right tools or perhaps their beliefs or frameworks. This is the reality for a significant portion of our population—those with neurodivergent minds—who yearn to contribute to humanity's shared adventure but struggle against invisible barriers.

For someone identifying as "neuro-spicy"—a playful term embracing neurodiversity—the challenges of executive function feel like a constant uphill battle.

Executive dysfunction affects the brain's ability to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks effectively.

It's not a lack of intelligence or effort; it's a neurological hurdle that requires understanding and adaptation.

The Struggle and the Shift

Take a writer with boundless ideas and a burning desire to share them with the world. Yet, when faced with the blank page, they often feel overwhelmed, unable to initiate the very tasks that could bring those ideas to life (in my case the struggle is finding the energy to sustain the effort & time to finish). Traditional productivity advice—like strict scheduling, multitasking, or willpower-driven strategies—only adds to the frustration. These methods don't account for the unique wiring of neurodivergent brains.

However, a small shift can make a monumental difference. By embracing approaches that align with their cognitive processes, neurodivergent individuals can leverage their strengths. Techniques such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids, or incorporating gamification can provide the necessary leverage to overcome executive dysfunction.

It's about finding strategies that work with the brain, not against it.

Also understanding that mood runs a deeper program with people that have neuro-spicy minds. Can they fill a page with creative ideas - for sure - It happens a lot easier when they are in a positive frame or state. The hurdle to “shift” or improve their state, is difficult to bootstrap and often needs a lever. (A cup of coffee, a conversation with a friend, a walk, a healthy meal, a good sleep…)

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Albert Einstein

Why Typical Advice Falls Short

Research has shown that conventional productivity methods may not only be ineffective but also detrimental for those with executive function challenges. A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that traditional time management strategies did not significantly improve productivity for adults with ADHD and often led to increased stress and decreased self-esteem (Advokat et al., 2011).

Typical advice often emphasizes linear thinking, rigid schedules, and self-discipline without considering neurological diversity. It assumes a one-size-fits-all model that overlooks the varied ways in which people process information and motivation. For neurodivergent individuals, this can result in a cycle of attempted adherence, failure, and self-criticism, further hindering their ability to contribute meaningfully.

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." — Arthur C. Clarke

Advocating for Change Through Meliorism

Recognizing & validating diverse cognitive experiences of neurodivergent individuals, creates inclusive frameworks that empower everyone to participate fully in societal betterment. It's about shifting from expecting individuals to conform to existing structures - to creating structures to reveal different strengths.

For some individuals - the suggestion that their lives could be better feels like an attack. A healthy alternative for people that feel this way can be found in what’s a “subtractive” method. It makes the assumption - that within us all there is an intrinsic quality or set of values - that’s worth being revealed. It makes another assumption that in order to survive humans take on “insulation” to protect themselves and prolong their lives. These strategies worked in unhealthy environments they lived through, perhaps there are even healthier strategies that can support our thriving that can emerge from authentic being when we let go of what no longer works or is workable.

It's time to rethink productivity and success. Let's move away from rigid, traditional advice and towards a more compassionate, individualized approach. If you're an educator, employer, friend, or family member, it’s worth an investment to educate yourself about neurodiversity. Advocate for supportive environments that recognize and celebrate different ways of being & thinking. Instead of advice - find how do the people struggling with the challenges want to test potential solutions or expand or explore more options?

For those who identify as neuro-spicy, - your struggles aren’t personal failings.

Seek out strategies and communities that resonate with you. Your unique perspective is invaluable, and with the right support, you can build a “workable” system that let’s you function through life’s necessities so you can invest more of your energy doing projects you want to immerse in.

Together, let's build a dynamic, shared adventure for humanity—one that includes and uplifts every mind, fostering a world where everyone has the tools and support to contribute to making life better.

References

Advokat, C., Lane, S. M., & Luo, C. (2011). College students with and without ADHD: Comparison of self-report of medication usage, study habits, and academic achievement. Journal of Attention Disorders, 15(8), 656–666.

Join the conversation: How can we better support neurodivergent individuals in our communities? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.