My Story
I've attended weekly Bible education meetings since infancy. These meetings are designed to deepen understanding and appreciation for what the Bible really teaches. Unknowingly trying to manage undiagnosed ADHD, my brain often had other plans. Despite a genuine desire to stay engaged, I found myself easily distracted, mainly by my own noisy thoughts. As a teenager, I would eagerly offer to help attending parents with fussy little ones during these meetings, earning the nickname 'Baby Whisperer', as they often fell asleep in my arms. This continued into adulthood and even after my own kids no longer needed "attention" during the meetings. While I truly wanted to assist, I also love babies, so it was a welcomed distraction from my ADHD focus challenges.
Then came COVID, and everything changed. Our meetings moved to Zoom, and I rediscovered something from my childhood: coloring. What started as a stress-relief activity became my unexpected breakthrough in focus management. With the freedom to listen in my own way, I began coloring during portions of the meetings that didn't require direct participation. The transformation was remarkable – suddenly, I was more present, more focused, and enjoyed these meetings a lot more. Interestingly, I'm finding that the distraction I used to welcome is a lot less tempting now that I have this unexpected focus tool.
The Science Behind the Success
The ADHD brain is like a powerful engine that's always running. Instead of trying to shut it down, coloring provides just enough engaging activity to keep the 'fidgety' part of our brain satisfied, while allowing the 'listening' part to focus on the main task at hand. This concept is supported by research showing that engaging in low-stakes, repetitive tasks can help improve concentration and reduce anxiety.
When I asked a client if she had ever tried coloring to help with focus, she said it would never work for her because having to choose colors would be too distracting. During her meetings at work, she prefers to take notes …BACKWARDS! And when I say backwards, I mean both the letters AND the words. My brain can barely handle writing notes forwards!
This diversity in how our ADHD brains work teaches us some important lessons: Get to know and trust your brain's unique wiring, embrace experimentation, and recognize that what works for one person might not work for another.
Some people find that doodling, knitting, or even using a fidget spinner (a quiet one of course) can provide the right balance of stimulation and focus.
Real Success Stories from My Coaching Practice
What I love most about ADHD coaching is seeing how different individuals discover their unique paths to success. Here are some real examples from my clients that showcase the diversity of effective focus strategies:
One of my clients has mastered the art of active engagement during lectures by always keeping healthy snacks on hand and giving herself permission to stand at the back of the auditorium when needed. This combination of meeting her body's needs for both movement and nourishment has transformed her ability to stay present and focused during long academic sessions.
Another client developed a brilliant strategy of jotting down responses and questions as they arise during meetings. Instead of interrupting the flow of discussion or losing her thoughts entirely, she creates a running dialogue on paper that she can reference at appropriate moments. This not only helps her stay engaged with the content but also leads to more meaningful participation when the time is right.
Sometimes, the simplest solutions can be the most effective. For instance, one of my clients discovered that something as basic as chewing gum helps her maintain focus during meetings. This subtle activity provides just enough sensory input to help her brain stay engaged with the primary task of listening and participating.
These real-world examples highlight an important truth: there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to managing ADHD. What matters is finding strategies that feel natural and sustainable for you. Below is a comprehensive guide on focus tools specifically for lectures and meetings.
You might be wondering, 'CJ, how do I find MY perfect focus tool?' Start experimenting, track your success, and adjust as needed. Different situations might require different tools. Keep a journal of what you try and how it affects your focus and productivity. Over time, you'll start to see patterns and discover what truly works for you.
Remember, your ADHD brain is uniquely wired, and finding the right tools is about discovering what naturally works for you. Embrace your strengths and explore strategies that align with your personal needs. If you're struggling to find your perfect focus strategy or want to explore more ADHD-friendly workplace solutions, let's talk. Book a free consultation to discuss how we can discover your brain's unique focus sweet spot.