One of the common challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals is procrastination or putting things off. This may manifest in several ways, such as avoiding tasks, delaying important decisions, or struggling to start or finish projects. While procrastination is a common human experience, it can be particularly challenging for neurodivergent individuals due to factors such as executive functioning difficulties, sensory overload, and difficulties with planning and prioritization.
So, why do neurodivergent individuals struggle with procrastination? There are several reasons for this. For example, individuals with ADHD may find it difficult to sustain attention and motivation over extended periods, leading to procrastination as a coping mechanism. Similarly, individuals on the autism spectrum may struggle with the sensory overload of complex tasks, leading to avoidance and procrastination.
Another factor is executive functioning difficulties. These are the cognitive processes that enable us to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete tasks. Many neurodivergent individuals may struggle with one or more aspects of executive functioning, leading to difficulties with task completion and procrastination.
So, how can neurodivergent individuals overcome procrastination and improve their productivity? Here are some tips:
Break tasks into smaller chunks: Complex tasks can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks can make them feel less daunting and more achievable.
Use visual aids: Visual aids such as calendars, checklists, and schedules can be helpful in organizing tasks and keeping track of progress.
Minimize distractions: Sensory overload can make it difficult to focus on tasks. Reducing distractions, such as noise and visual stimuli, can help improve focus and productivity.
Set clear goals: Setting clear, specific goals can help provide motivation and direction. It can also be helpful to set deadlines for tasks to create a sense of urgency.
Use external tools: Technology can be a powerful tool for improving productivity. Apps such as timers, alarms, and reminders can help with time management and task completion.
A good (free) tool for this is Trello. You can split the tasks into different boards and mark them off one at a time. Once completed you can either move them to a completed board if you prefer to have the list to see what you've achieved or you can simply archive them and see your to do list shrink.
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