Staying Motivated

[NotAChevy]

One of the greatest parts of being an archivist is our ability to carefully digest each piece of ephemera or artifact found within that collection. All types of “gems” can be found if we slow ourselves down and carefully study our current project. However, that can also be a stumbling block for those of us with ADHD. We find a cool gem and get totally off track going down “rabbit holes” learning new things about the found object causing us to feel overwhelmed and embarrassed at the end of the day because we have nothing to show (no progress). We then add that work to our to-do list, which makes the list longer and scarier, causing us depression, because nothing is getting done.

However, there is a solution: I use the Pomodoro Technique. What's the Pomodoro Tecnique, you might ask? It’s a scientifically designed technique popularly used with people who have ADHD or are on the Autism Scale to trick their brains into concentrating at a task at hand, and then offering some sort of reward at the end.

Here’s how I use it: I set the timer on my phone for 20 minutes. I work on whatever task for that length of time. Then, I set another timer for 15minutes so I can go back and enjoy any of the gems I might have found. Then, I gave myself 10minutes to get up and stretch, pat my dog, or grab a snack (ohh. A Snicker’s ice cream bar sure sounds good right now). I then repeat the process. This keeps me on task, allows me time to enjoy the gems, and still gives my ADHD brain a little break before heading back into the task at hand.

Hope this helps, and please let me know what works for you..

[FuzBuz]

I've heard good things about the pomodoro technique and seen people find great success with it. I have had mild success with it when using it to get through something painfully boring, but it more often acts as a distraction, breaking my focus when the alarm goes off.

That said, your take on the pomodoro technique seems really useful for researching deep topics or learning new skills. I'll keep it mind for the next time I do such a thing.

What tasks do you use this technique for?

[NotAChevy in reply to FuzBuz]

Actually, I use it for everything. That’s the only way I get through my day most days.

[Netjester]

The average brain takes about 4 weeks to create a physical habit like this. The ADHD brain takes longer. I'm curious about how long it took you to get to this point where this is your norm. I ask because many of us with ADHD can't get past a day or two when it comes to these techniques. I know how much dedication it requires, so I admire you for that.

[NotAChevy in reply to Netjester]

Netjester, I admit that it took about 2 months to get it as a habit, and I still struggle some days; but, I really push myself to stay on a schedule, so I have to have to keep it in my mind. Good luck to ya!