Does anyone have any good hacks for tackling large, time consuming projects? I have a some large projects and can't seem to stay organized or even get started. I read an article about finding the first step to start projects: dixonlifecoaching.com/post/...
It was really good and helped but for me there is still something missing... I think it might be some direction and accountability.
I am working on a research project that has been satisfying my curiosity on the subject but I want to turn my hard work into a book and am completely overwhelmed with the process. Are there any ADHD writers out there who would be willing to be an accountability person for me and help me break down the process into very small, manageable pieces?
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AlaskaSourdough
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Hello AlaskaSourdough,Big projects are often overwhelming and tough to start and/or finish. Kudos to you for finding support.
I looked at the article and I have a different approach to big projects.
I use the "brain dump" method.
It seems to satisfy the ADHD brain because you can jump around.
Write out every task you can think of for the project and be as detailed as possible. Tasks like "create introduction outline" or "create chapter 1 outline" vs "create outline" We are looking for the tiniest steps you can take.
Keep writing until you run out of things or start repeating yourself.
Don't edit or try to put anything in order just dump it out of your brain, get it? Brain dump🙂.
Writing a book is a HUGE project so this will be quite the list, and that's OK.
The beauty of lists is that they are finite. When the list is in your mind it loops and seems infinite.
If the all encompassing list for the entire book, is too daunting then pick a chapter or topic area you are writing about and brain dump those tasks.
Then you put each task in one of three buckets: Beginning, Middle, & End.
Then take each bucket and do it again, three buckets i.e. Beginning -Beginning, Beginning - Middle, Beginning -End, etc.
Now you have buckets within buckets and an extremely detailed list of things to do. Yay!
Now pick what interests you and start checking things off the list. You can bounce around, do one thing or do 10 things.
Because you put in time to make a thoughtful list your mind can relax a bit knowing 98% of your tasks are accounted for, they are on the list.
There's always stuff that pops up along the way, that's OK. You can figure out where they go when they pop up.
Keep in mind that chipping away at projects is not ADHD's preferred method- it really likes all or nothing.
Knowing that chipping away at projects is challenging, and acknowledging that it's challenging, reduces the challenge.
Let it be ok this is challenging.
Let it be ok when you check off just one item.
I hope that helps, it's a different approach that may suit you better than the other, or combine the two.
An accountability partner is a great idea. There are online memberships you can join for virtual body doubling or maybe someone here will be a good match.
I do offer body doubling to clients and it costs money, but they're are other options out there.
Different steps: find 2 articles, read and hilight each article (one per day), make bibliography. Write outline, write quotes from articles (with citation), match articles with paragraph in the outline, write each paragraph (adding quotes, and one paragraph per day if possible). Revise and edit. Give yourself a prize each day (I usually do a video game or a chocolate). Don’t allow yourself your prize until you do he task. It may help to write each task on a day on your calendar to help. Some of us do well with checklist. Another option is to talk with someone about your topic and the progress you have made on it, as well as what you’re learning. Ask a classmate to partner with to discuss topics and learn about theirs too. That will be good accountability.
Break it down into everything that needs to happen then put it into phases with timelines to achieve. Either you procreation or do it all at once but it will get done
I have a hard time knowing what to do next without specific instructions. Its not that I cant come up with an idea, the problem I normally run into is my brain comes up with too many.
If you haven't done so already I would recommend using Goblin Tools (goblin.tools/). Using the Magic ToDo has saved me an untold amount of time, and the other tools are so handy I've spent the $1 it takes to buy it.
I would be happy to be an accountability buddy for you! I am a writer (previously in marketing and now I'm working on a short story). And I have used body doubling (accountability sessions) with a professional adhd coach so I have a model that i would use. It would also help me. What do you think? Wanna give it a try? Let me know
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Things have got to change
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Vicious cycle of chaos & clutter
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What to do first?
