Get in the flow: Watch this if your life is a mess

If this sounds like you, I truly want you to watch this video. Do you often find yourself disorganized, struggling to follow through on anything, and frequently incapable of completing simple tasks, such as tidying up a room or washing dishes? Constantly interrupting conversations, making excuses for unfinished work, and operating far below your potential in most areas? If so, you're not alone.

Moreover, does your mind seem like a battlefield, filled with ideas spontaneously firing around like kernels in a popcorn machine, especially at night when you're trying to find some rest? Do you often find yourself here, there, and everywhere all at once? It feels like almost you're in some dreamy state; some things take an eternity to drive your focus, but if something catches your interest, you could spend hours, days, or even weeks lost in it.

This may seem like a chaotic existence, but let's pause for a moment. Let's delve into a book that sheds light on this experience. It suggests we view these experiences not as negatives, but as aspects of a complex and intriguing entity, ADHD. This condition embodies a set of seemingly paradoxical tendencies, such as lack of focus, but at the same time, extraordinary ability to super focus; directionless energy, but at the same time, potent entrepreneurialism; and also out-of-the-box problem solving despite impulsive decisions.

It's no secret that those of us with ADHD face challenges with time management, often pushing tasks to the last minute. The clock ticks differently for us, and we lack an internal sense of time, altering its nature within our minds. Despite these challenges, we have a strong resolve: we have a mindset of "I'd rather fail doing it my way than succeed with help." Interestingly, we can also be incredibly generous; when we're feeling positive, we can be very optimistic, enthusiastic, and altruistic. We will even give the shirt off our backs to help someone in need.

This ADHD journey, while it might seem overwhelmingly challenging at times, is not without its spoons. It gives us an itch to change the conditions of life, a craving for improvement, a desire to supercharge reality. It provides us with an energy so intense that it's often mistaken for hyperactivity, a transparency so clear that it becomes honesty to a fault.

Yes, we might be more susceptible to addictions and compulsive behaviors, but the flip side is that with the right creative outlet, we can channel this energy into building a business, writing a book, or even starting a garden. Maybe the choice, as always, is ours. Even with ADHD traits, it doesn't mean you can't focus. Ever find that when you're under pressure, like me when I was writing the script at 3 a.m. due to tomorrow or something, I suddenly had this ultra hyperfocus and was ultra productive?

That's called the flow state. But why doesn't it mostly surface under stress? Wouldn't it be life-changing to unlock it without the last-minute panic? Stay with me as we delve into these questions; the answers just might change our lives, like it did mine.

Alright, let's address a bit of a paradox. You might have heard from time to time that ADHD is overdiagnosed, and yes, in some instances, that's true. Children, especially boys, are often hastily labeled with ADHD when they simply might be exhibiting typical high-energy behavior. So maybe they just needed to go outside and, like, touch some grass or something.

But here's where it gets tricky: ADHD is also significantly underdiagnosed. Many individuals, especially girls and women, fly under the radar for years, their symptoms mistaken for character flaws and simply dismissed. Now here's why you should care: overdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medications and therapy, while underdiagnosis can rob people of the understanding and support they desperately need. It's a delicate balance we’re still trying to strike, and this isn't just about those diagnosed with ADHD; these struggles—staying organized, keeping focused, managing time—they're universal. ADHD or not, we all have our moments of disarray and destruction.

So whether you've got an ADHD diagnosis, or maybe you suspect it, or maybe you're just here to learn, these tips are for you. They're about enhancing focus and productivity—skills that everybody can benefit from refining. So let's get back to it, shall we? It's important to emphasize that it's not a condition to be self-diagnosed or self-managed. If you believe that you or someone you know may have ADHD, I strongly encourage you to seek professional help.

Expert advice can help in accurately diagnosing and managing the condition and enabling individuals to fully harness their potential. In the US, more and more people are getting ADHD drugs prescribed online, like you do a simple task, and they prescribe you a medicine, which is worrying. Like, this may seem easy, but it doesn't give the care that ADHD needs.

In Italy, where I live, there are special centers for ADHD, and not every psychiatrist can prescribe ADHD medicine. They have very strict rules for prescribing drugs. They focus on taking care of the whole person with ADHD. These rules ensure that doctors understand each person's symptoms and needs. They offer many ways to treat ADHD, from medicine to therapy.

This means that each person gets a treatment that works best for them. It also ensures that people with ADHD have a better quality of life. I understand that not everyone has the privilege to go to a professional and get a diagnosis for ADHD, so in this video, I'll cover strategies that don't involve medication and don't require a diagnosis. These strategies can help not only those with ADHD but also anyone who is struggling with focus and having some troubles with being productive.

People with ADHD often feel disconnected, which can lead to anxiety, problems at school or work, and trouble in relationships. Think about how it feels to be alone; it can be uncomfortable, isn't it? Many people with ADHD feel like this, especially children who get punished for their symptoms in schools because ADHD people do not really perform that well in traditional schools. This can make them feel even more disconnected.

So Dr. Hallowell, who's an ADHD specialist and also the author of ADHD 2.0, says connection is a cornerstone of his ADHD management plan. Dr. Hallowell calls connection the other vitamin C; it can help you feel better and learn and grow more. So how can you use connection in your life? Make worry a shared experience. Communicating your concerns with a trusted individual can help switch your mindset from anxiety to problem-solving.

Use meals as an opportunity for connection. Whether you live with family or housemates, make it a point to sit and eat together, even inviting friends over maybe occasionally. Foster at least two significant friendships and commit to connecting with these friends a week. This could be a regular catch-up call or maybe a lunch meeting.

If you're a parent of a child with ADHD, spend at least 30 minutes each week doing something with your child. Let your child choose what you do; this will help you connect and have a better relationship. And last but not least, a pet can bring a daily dose of connection and companionship, particularly beneficial in households with ADHD. Remember, connection doesn't just happen; you have to work at it, but the rewards it brings, particularly for those with ADHD, are immeasurable.

Let's start with a cornerstone of effective time management, which is measurable goals—goals that follow the SMART framework: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. These goals can set a pace for your ADHD brain, as they provide clear expectations and deadlines. To keep things simple when setting a deadline, use this format: for example, I will write a book by October 1st, 2021.

Emotion comes into play beautifully here. With its advanced algorithm, it can help you break down your goals into manageable tasks and slot them into your daily agenda. This way, you're not overwhelmed by a looming deadline but are taking steady steps towards your goal. Measurable actions are another key component of a good plan. Say, "I will dedicate one hour each day to writing my book."

Again, this is where motion steps in to keep you on track; it automatically reshuffles your schedule when unexpected things pop up, ensuring that your key actions never fall by the wayside. They already struggle with time management, so we can't make predictions like that. Let's face it, we're only human. We might falter and miss our targets sometimes, but the goal is not perfection; it's progress.

That's why we need a failure mechanism—a strategy to objectively evaluate why we fell short and make necessary adjustments. If you're frustrated by the idea of measurable goals, I get it. It may not have worked for you in the past, and you might have tried setting specific goals but failed. For example, you might have been enthusiastic about school but then fell behind and became anxious, which happened to me so many times. You followed generic advice without considering how it applied to your situation.

One issue with measurable goals is the assumption that you owe it to yourself to meet them. However, life is unpredictable, and sometimes things don't go according to the plan, and that's okay. If it doesn't make you a failure, spending three hours working on a project is still progress, even if you didn't meet your daily word count. To overcome these challenges, have a failure mechanism in place; evaluate why you didn't meet your goal and adjust your plan accordingly.

Make small adjustments and continue moving forward to achieve your goals without feeling overwhelmed. Motion supports this process by providing feedback on task completion and suggesting schedule adjustments. It automatically warns you when you have too much on your plate and alerts you when you might miss a deadline.

Do you know how to have enough time for all of your tasks? Last but not least, we need consistency. Author Stephen Pressfield wrote in "The War of Art" that you should treat your creativity process like a full-time job. If you show up in the correct environment every single day, regardless of what happens, you will eventually put pen to paper, and a book will emerge.

I don't particularly love the streak mentality, so doing everything and creating a streak is not necessary. You don't need to be excellent every single day, but you should be consistent. Quality emerges from sustained effort, not on-the-spot brilliance. Any plan that requires daily perfection is not a good plan; good plans are sustainable and achievable.

As often as possible, you're the most essential part of your plan. If you aren't able to complete the plan, it's the plan that is wrong, not you. Some days, it's going to be very hard for you to create good work, but as long as you keep going, then it's fine. On the other hand, on your hyperfocus days, let yourself focus and create a masterpiece. For example, I wrote "The Secret" in one sitting. Let yourself flow.

Furthermore, a plan should fit your life. If you only have a few free days per week or a few hours in the evening, you shouldn't follow a workout plan meant for a professional millionaire athlete. You need something that caters to your life. The best plan is the one you can follow consistently. This can be especially challenging for ADHD brains, which is why motion's ability to block focus time and organize tasks efficiently is a game changer. It removes the worry of planning and allows you to focus on executing your tasks one day at a time.

So don't wait; click the link in the description to start your free 7-day trial of Motion. Start saving hours a week now; this tool is poised to make a huge difference to your productivity each week, especially if you're grappling with ADHD. It's all about making your environment work for you, and Motion could be the perfect addition to your productivity toolkit.

If you have ADHD, you might be good at something special, but you want it until you find something that you really like and are interested in. Here's how to do it: write a list of your talents, accomplishments, activities you enjoy, and areas you wish to improve. I know you're lazy, but dude, it's okay. Pay attention to tasks you find easy that others struggle with.

For example, me talking—I can talk all the time. Integrate these interests into your job or schoolwork. This alignment keeps people with ADHD motivated and improves their performance. For example, as a YouTuber, I always talk. Creativity is a common strength among people with ADHD. There are many people with ADHD as entrepreneurs, YouTubers, and artists. Ensure the creativity is a part of your work or maybe your hobby. If you don't have the privilege to do so, remember, with the right challenge, ADHD can become a superpower.

It's about finding what truly engages you and using that drive to do your best work and happiest moments. The key is to nurture the superpower, making sure that the race car engine of your mind is put to its most thrilling and fulfilling use. The environment you're in has a huge impact on whether or not you flourish.

Environment is more than just the physical spaces you move through; it spans everything from routine to diet. So start taking charge of your environment by introducing more structure. The ADHD brain is hardwired through structure; I know this will be a challenge, but the secret is to start small, setting yourself up for success.

Your environment includes what you eat, so reflect on your diet. You wouldn't put low-grade fuel in your car and expect it to perform; are you doing this with your brain? Don't do it. We're best fueled by unprocessed foods that are free from additives, preservatives, colorings, and sugar. So try to stick to your whole foods—maybe meat, fish, nuts, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Water is also essential. Ditch the sugary soda, limit coffee, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol—whatever those bad habits are—and stick to water. You'll be performing at your best this way.

Finally, prioritize quality sleep. People with ADHD are prone to FOMO, so the fear of missing out keeps you at parties or online longer than it's good for you. Your race car engine needs its downtime to work well, and quality sleep helps offset the risk of low mood or anxiety your default mode network of your brain might cause. Optimize your sleep schedule by switching off all devices at least an hour before bedtime and banning them from your bedroom. Keep your room dark and cool, but not cold. You'll find it much easier to tackle a challenge after a decent sleep, so it's worth doing yourself that favor.

Exercise is one of the best tools for people with ADHD. ADHD people can benefit from any exercise that involves balancing, but martial arts is, according to the research, a particularly good option. It combines balance with coordination, discipline, and focus. But if it doesn't appeal to you much, yoga is a good alternative. It's another practice that fosters focus and balance, forcing you to concentrate on your body's alignment. Some forms have cardio exercises integrated into them too, so you can get that beneficial dopamine hit.

Twenty to thirty minutes of moderate different exercises every day is all it takes to get those neurons firing. If you add balancing routines to your regular routine, you can actually renovate your brain in eight weeks. You will notice that your stress levels are lower, and you will also have thickened that smaller part of your cerebellum, which is in charge of learning, memory, and emotional regulation—all areas that people with ADHD brains need a little bit of extra support in.

Getting into the flow state with ADHD can be challenging for individuals with ADHD, achieving a state of hyperfocus, also known as the flow state. However, it's not impossible. Here are some practical tips to help you get into the flow state: plan for the average. When planning your schedule or setting goals, don't assume you will be in a state of hyperfocus; instead, plan for the average level of focus and productivity.

This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or disappointed when you're not in the flow state. Set yourself up for success by eliminating distractions in your environment. This could mean finding a quiet, distraction-free workspace or using tools like noise-canceling headphones or apps that block out distractions.

Set a timer for a specific amount of time and work on a single task until the timer goes off; this can help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by other tasks or distractions. Keep track of your progress and celebrate small wins along the way; this can help you stay motivated and build momentum towards achieving your goals.

In addition, always have a notepad and pen while working to capture any sudden thoughts or ideas that might come to your mind. External distractions can be annoying, but they're nothing compared to internal distractions. So I always dump my thoughts whenever I'm working because I'm bombarded with all these thoughts and ideas, and I feel like I'm going to forget them, so as soon as something pops into my mind that is unnecessary and irrelevant to my work, I just do a brain dump.

After my work, I come back to this paper to see whether I need to actually do those things. In the majority of cases, I find they're very irrelevant. To get into the flow state, it is recommended to use a certain kind of music, as some experts suggest flow states tend to happen when the task being performed is at least somewhat challenging. A simplified, low-distraction environment is usually necessary to achieve a flow state. You need to have gotten a good amount of sleep, shouldn't be hungry or thirsty, or need to go to the bathroom when seeking to induce a flow state, according to the Personal Growth Lab.

Remember that getting into the flow state is not just for those with ADHD; anyone can benefit from refining their focus and productivity skills. The misconception and lack of education about ADHD often lead to stereotypes, labeling those with ADHD as unreliable, impulsive, or disruptive. However, the real issue isn't ADHD itself, but rather the lack of proper support and understanding.

Without appropriate tools and guidance, the world loses out on incredible talent, creativity, and ingenuity that people with ADHD possess. For individuals, it can lead to unhappiness, mental health issues, and even reduced life expectancy. But here's the truth: when provided with the right support, ADHD can transform from a perceived hindrance to a formidable asset, fueling success and fulfillment.

In some cases, it can even become an unfair advantage, like a creative workspace for educators, inventors, military personnel, investment bankers, YouTubers, entrepreneurs, and award-winning artists. ADHD doesn't limit your ability to achieve. It's important to note that ADHD isn't a one-size-fits-all diagnosis; there are different types—like combined type, impulsive/hyperactive type, and the inattentive/distractable type.

It's also essential to acknowledge gender disparities in ADHD diagnosis. Females, if respectful of their age, remain the most undiagnosed group, largely because their symptoms tend not to include hyperactivity or disruption, leading them to be overlooked. Understanding these distinctions helps dismantle the myths and stigma associated with ADHD.

Remember, the likes of Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and many successful people we know today have been speculated to have ADHD. In essence, ADHD is not an inability or disability; it's just a different way of thinking. And with the right tools, it can be a catalyst for extraordinary achievements. People with ADHD have an essential role to play: they're creative, energetic, entrepreneurial, and love challenges.

We need people like this to innovate and tackle big issues. With the right tools and support in place, you can harness the power of your brain and release your own brand of brilliance onto the world, making it a better place and helping you reach your full potential. So, I hope this video helps you manage a little bit with your ADHD. So, I'll see you soon. Bye!