From Chaos to Creativity: The Aspiring Author’s Guide to Thriving with ADD

Master the art of managing your attention and maximizing your creative potential with these game-changing tips.

Today, I'm diving into a topic that's close to my heart and, I suspect, to many of yours too—navigating the world of creativity when you're wired a bit differently. Yes, I'm talking about those of us with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) tendencies and how we can not just manage but truly shine and maximize our creative potential.

Now, before we jump in, let's get one thing straight. Having ADD tendencies doesn't mean we're at a disadvantage. Far from it. It means we're part of a vibrant, highly creative, and incredibly insightful group of people who just need to find the right strategies to harness our unique strengths. (It’s a shame that ADD has such a disempowering name and reputation.) So, let's explore how we can be proud of these unique creative qualities, shall we?

1. Embrace Your Creative Routine (with a Twist)

First up, structure. Yes, I hear the collective groan, but hear me out. Establishing a routine doesn't mean boxing in your creativity. It means creating a framework within which your creativity can freely roam. Think of it as setting up a playground for your mind—there are boundaries, but everything inside is fair game for exploration and fun. My personal approach and what I often coach my highly creative clients is to include a degree of flexibilities in our routines, including some ‘sponto time’ when you get to do whatever you damn please.

2. The Magic of Micro-Goals

Feeling overwhelmed by the next chapter of your novel or that big art project? Break it down into bite-sized pieces. Today, sketch a character. Tomorrow, write a dialogue. Small steps lead to big achievements. Remember, the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. The same is true for those large purposeful projects.

3. Pomodoro: Your New Best Friend

The Pomodoro Technique—working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break—can be a game-changer. Or perhaps you prefer working in 40 minute segments, then taking a 20 minute break. You’re the creative so you get to say. In writing my latest book, Write On Purpose: Authoring Your Legacy after 50 (working title), I set a goal for two, 40 minute Promodoros per day Monday through Friday. I’ve been amazed how quickly the rough draft has come together with this structure. These Pomodoros are like mini sprints for your brain, keeping you focused and allowing brief periods to recharge.

4. Tech as Your Ally

Our digital world is full of distractions, but it also offers tools to fight them. Apps that block distracting websites, digital planners to organize your thoughts, and even simple timers can become your allies in the creative process.

5. Move It to Groove It

Never underestimate the power of a quick walk or a few yoga poses to reset your mind. Physical activity pumps oxygen to your brain, refreshing your mental state and sparking those creative fires. My canine companion, Rascal, loves it when I’m in writing mode for it pretty much guarantees we’ll take two or more walks around the neighborhood as part of my break time.

I also use a standing desk which makes it far easier for me to stand up and move around even when I’m in the midst of a Pomodoro sprint, helping to keep both my mind and body active and flexible.

6. Find Your Space

Create a workspace that inspires you. Whether it's a quiet corner with a cozy chair or a desk surrounded by your favorite art, make it uniquely yours. This is where the magic happens.

My Sacred Writing Space where the Magic Happens

The sign above my computer monitor to remind me why I’m there

7. Fuel for Thought

What we eat and how we sleep profoundly affect our creative output. A balanced diet and a good night's sleep are not just good for your body; they're crucial for your creative mind.

While this could and will be an article unto itself, since being diagnosed with cancer almost three years ago (and given a prognosis of six to twelve months) and choosing a more holistic approach than my PHP recommended, I’ve become obsessed with good nutrition and a restful night of sleep, and my increased energy and creativity reflects it. Stay tuned to more on this subject.

8. Task Tango

Switching between tasks can keep things fresh and prevent boredom. Spend some time writing, then switch to sketching or playing an instrument. Dance with your tasks, and keep your creative energy flowing. For me, it’s writing, play with Rascal, then after my two Pomodoros move on to other inspired activities which I keep track of in my daily “inspired actions to do and be” list.

9. Connect with Fellow Creatives

Join a group or find a community of like-minded individuals. Sharing your experiences, challenges, and successes with others can provide support, inspiration, and motivation. This is one of the reasons I resumed coaching after a few years off. I find I’m a better person when I’m coaching others, and my wife agrees. Otherwise, my strong introverted nature would likely take over and I’d become a grumpy ol’ curmudgeon. It’s also what prompted me to start the Creative Collaboration Circle here on Substack. Check out the current special membership pricing currently being offered.

10. Mind Mapping Your Ideas

For those of us with ADD tendencies, traditional linear planning might not cut it. Mind mapping, on the other hand, allows for a more visual and free-form approach to organizing thoughts and ideas.

Here is an example of my preparatory notes I created prior to one of my Write On Purpose Coaching client’s sessions. (Shared with her permission.)

11. Celebrate Every Win

Every word written, every sketch completed is a step forward. Celebrate these achievements, no matter how small. They're all significant milestones on your creative journey.

Celebrate! Celebrate! Dance to the Music.

Your Call to Action

I want you to pick one strategy from this list and implement it today. Just one. And then, reach out to someone—a friend, a fellow creative, or even me—and share what you've done. Let's create a ripple effect of positive, creative energy.

Remember, being an author, an artist, a creator of any kind is a journey—a wonderfully messy, beautifully challenging journey. And for those of us with ADD tendencies, it's a journey with a few extra twists and turns. But believe me, when we find our stride, we can create paths that others haven't even dreamed of.

So, here's to embracing our unique minds, to finding our strategies, and to making our mark on the world in the most creatively vibrant ways possible. Let's get started!

Warmly,

Brad (Your Write On Purpose Coach)