#executive-dysfunction — Public Fediverse posts

The only reason I am remotely functional today is Bob from Maintenance. Not only have all my executives quit so have any other layers of management. And why not? The only things on the horizon are chores, work and demands.

These three aren't helping. (Marked sensitive for eye contact.)

#TripleCat #CatsOfMastodon #Caturday #ExecutiveDysfunction #self

#Today #3Things

1. Our workers built a simple shelter at the side of our driveway to keep the rain off our little farm vehicle, pic below. Has room for future improvement but they showed initiative and it's a good use of spare lumber and tin roofing we had lying around. I grabbed a post and gave it a good shake - rock solid. #RusiChariot

2. I got out my modelling tools and built some lineside huts for the #ModelRailway (laser-cut kits from Modellbahn Union).

3. A post I made yesterday about #ExecutiveDysfunction and #TaskParalysis got some traction and hopefully I've helped a few people think more compassionately about themselves.

#Today #3Things

1. Our workers built a simple shelter at the side of our driveway to keep the rain off our little farm vehicle, pic below. Has room for future improvement but they showed initiative and it's a good use of spare lumber and tin roofing we had lying around. I grabbed a post and gave it a good shake - rock solid. #RusiChariot

2. I got out my modelling tools and built some lineside huts for the #ModelRailway (laser-cut kits from Modellbahn Union).

3. A post I made yesterday about #ExecutiveDysfunction and #TaskParalysis got some traction and hopefully I've helped a few people think more compassionately about themselves.

#AuDHD #ADHD #Autism #ExecutiveDysfunction #TaskParalysis

You know what most often gets me stuck? Dependencies. This can happen in programming, in DIY, in housework, anything really.

This is how it goes:

I need to do A. Ah, but in order to do A, I have to do B first. Oh damn, before I can do B, I have to do C. And oh shit, C is pointless until I do D (this sometimes continues through half the alphabet...)

By the time I've worked out all the dependencies so I know what has to come first, I'm screwed. Motivation has left the building. The list is longer than I have the #spoons for, my sense of future time has disappeared and I shut down.

Now I'm writing about it, probably the best thing is to just try and do the first task *but* ignore the fact that all the others depend on it. But it's easy to forget that when you're in the thick of it, your anxiety is building and your spoons are disappearing left and right.

#AuDHD #ADHD #Autism #ExecutiveDysfunction #TaskParalysis

You know what most often gets me stuck? Dependencies. This can happen in programming, in DIY, in housework, anything really.

This is how it goes:

I need to do A. Ah, but in order to do A, I have to do B first. Oh damn, before I can do B, I have to do C. And oh shit, C is pointless until I do D (this sometimes continues through half the alphabet...)

By the time I've worked out all the dependencies so I know what has to come first, I'm screwed. Motivation has left the building. The list is longer than I have the #spoons for, my sense of future time has disappeared and I shut down.

Now I'm writing about it, probably the best thing is to just try and do the first task *but* ignore the fact that all the others depend on it. But it's easy to forget that when you're in the thick of it, your anxiety is building and your spoons are disappearing left and right.

#Today #3Things

1. After enjoying JD Kirk's DCI Logan series of crime novels, I've now finished the Robert Hoon spinoff books. They started well but by book 4 had jumped the shark, and book 5 was so far beyond jumping the shark it was actually hurdling whales. #Bookstodon

2. For the last couple of weeks I seem to have been fighting #ExecutiveDysfunction. My executive is dysfuncted. I've been "fogged up". Interestingly I recently finished a long (4 month) stretch of heavy client workload and now I have much less to do. Are the two connected? Possibly. Somehow.

3. Grey day. Non-stop drizzle. Not my favourite weather. Made our mountain look good though, with wispy cloud between the foothills. #MountMatutum

#Today #3Things

1. After enjoying JD Kirk's DCI Logan series of crime novels, I've now finished the Robert Hoon spinoff books. They started well but by book 4 had jumped the shark, and book 5 was so far beyond jumping the shark it was actually hurdling whales. #Bookstodon

2. For the last couple of weeks I seem to have been fighting #ExecutiveDysfunction. My executive is dysfuncted. I've been "fogged up". Interestingly I recently finished a long (4 month) stretch of heavy client workload and now I have much less to do. Are the two connected? Possibly. Somehow.

3. Grey day. Non-stop drizzle. Not my favourite weather. Made our mountain look good though, with wispy cloud between the foothills. #MountMatutum

Why am I having a FREEZE panic attack about following through on a huge and extremely impulsive project that will require major amounts of time and money - but IF I pull it off, it could drastically make my life better?? And it's not like I LOSE anything by taking at least the first few steps, as far as I can until I hit a wall. Things won't get worse, they just won't change yet. I only really hurt myself by AVOIDING THE PAPERWORK LIKE A BIG OL' SCAREDY-CAT.

But seriously, these types of hairbrained schemes are usually the ones that fire up my ADHD "new and novel challenge accepted" super mode where I can accomplish the impossible if I really just throw myself into an all-out sprint of willpower. Can't pace these things out. Gotta grab the bull by the horns and hang on for the ride. Don't slow down enough to doubt yourself. JUST DO THE PAPERWORK, CON. Geeze.

Why am I having a FREEZE panic attack about following through on a huge and extremely impulsive project that will require major amounts of time and money - but IF I pull it off, it could drastically make my life better?? And it's not like I LOSE anything by taking at least the first few steps, as far as I can until I hit a wall. Things won't get worse, they just won't change yet. I only really hurt myself by AVOIDING THE PAPERWORK LIKE A BIG OL' SCAREDY-CAT.

But seriously, these types of hairbrained schemes are usually the ones that fire up my ADHD "new and novel challenge accepted" super mode where I can accomplish the impossible if I really just throw myself into an all-out sprint of willpower. Can't pace these things out. Gotta grab the bull by the horns and hang on for the ride. Don't slow down enough to doubt yourself. JUST DO THE PAPERWORK, CON. Geeze.

Executive dysfunction isn't procrastination.

Procrastination is a choice you delay. Executive dysfunction is the inability to initiate — even when the stakes are high and you genuinely want to start. The task is visible. The bridge to it isn't.

#ExecutiveDysfunction #ADHD #Initiation

Executive dysfunction isn't procrastination.

Procrastination is a choice you delay. Executive dysfunction is the inability to initiate — even when the stakes are high and you genuinely want to start. The task is visible. The bridge to it isn't.

#ExecutiveDysfunction #ADHD #Initiation

Youtube short where someone explains ADHD overwhelm/task initiation paralysis using a normal ballpoint pen and a multiple-colour ballpoint pen:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Hu_dj8ai0k0

#ADHD #executiveDysfunction

Youtube short where someone explains ADHD overwhelm/task initiation paralysis using a normal ballpoint pen and a multiple-colour ballpoint pen:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Hu_dj8ai0k0

#ADHD #executiveDysfunction

#ADHD #ADHDMemes #MentalExhaustion #Neurodivergent #Burnout #Relatable #MentalHealth #ExecutiveDysfunction #BenAffleck #ADHDLife

#ADHD #ADHDMemes #MentalExhaustion #Neurodivergent #Burnout #Relatable #MentalHealth #ExecutiveDysfunction #BenAffleck #ADHDLife

The funny thing about my brain is how uneven it is.

I can barely hold a 5-step laundry instruction in my head without writing it all down.

But I still clearly remember how back in 2007 I spent hours searching the entire internet for the soundtrack from the show Still Standing.
Shazam existed but I didn’t know about it yet - the first iPhone had just come out. I eventually found the track on some obscure website.

There was no mp3 download, only a player, so I screen-recorded it to extract the song. I even emailed it to another guy who was looking for the same track.
We wrote to each other on Gmail. I still remember his name and email.

The song was Will Hoge – You Make Me Happy, and I’ve kept that file in my archive since 2008 (BTW - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB8HEJueCCQ).

Meanwhile, if my wife tells me: "Wash at 40 with double wash and extra rinse. If there’s too much laundry, do it at 60. If there's already washed clothes, dry them - but split into two loads so they fit in the dryer. And if there’s bedding, hang it on the rack." - my brain just gives up after two steps. Complete fog.

Or the colour thing - I genuinely don’t know where "light" ends and "dark" begins.
Grey? Slightly darker grey? Bright red? It creates real paralysis in the moment.

In the moment it feels like I'm just being stupid, but my brain simply can't process these things.

#ExecutiveDysfunction #AuDHD #Neurodivergent #Thoughts #MentalHealth #Blog

The funny thing about my brain is how uneven it is.

I can barely hold a 5-step laundry instruction in my head without writing it all down.

But I still clearly remember how back in 2007 I spent hours searching the entire internet for the soundtrack from the show Still Standing.
Shazam existed but I didn’t know about it yet - the first iPhone had just come out. I eventually found the track on some obscure website.

There was no mp3 download, only a player, so I screen-recorded it to extract the song. I even emailed it to another guy who was looking for the same track.
We wrote to each other on Gmail. I still remember his name and email.

The song was Will Hoge – You Make Me Happy, and I’ve kept that file in my archive since 2008 (BTW - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB8HEJueCCQ).

Meanwhile, if my wife tells me: "Wash at 40 with double wash and extra rinse. If there’s too much laundry, do it at 60. If there's already washed clothes, dry them - but split into two loads so they fit in the dryer. And if there’s bedding, hang it on the rack." - my brain just gives up after two steps. Complete fog.

Or the colour thing - I genuinely don’t know where "light" ends and "dark" begins.
Grey? Slightly darker grey? Bright red? It creates real paralysis in the moment.

In the moment it feels like I'm just being stupid, but my brain simply can't process these things.

#ExecutiveDysfunction #AuDHD #Neurodivergent #Thoughts #MentalHealth #Blog

Sometimes your final straw may be close, but closing some tabs could help. As could distracting yourself by reading the 425th edition of #Paranatellonta, perhaps. Enjoy!
🐱
#cats #flowers #embroidery #executivedysfunction #witch #photography #flashfiction
💐
https://paranatellonta.tumblr.com/post/815430536393785344/hidden-straw-i-hid-my-final-straw-among-the

Sometimes your final straw may be close, but closing some tabs could help. As could distracting yourself by reading the 425th edition of #Paranatellonta, perhaps. Enjoy!
🐱
#cats #flowers #embroidery #executivedysfunction #witch #photography #flashfiction
💐
https://paranatellonta.tumblr.com/post/815430536393785344/hidden-straw-i-hid-my-final-straw-among-the

I don’t have all the answers yet. Diagnosis is still preliminary (Asperger's mentioned, AuDHD suspected).

But I’m starting to accept that my brain will probably always do this dance.

What’s helping a bit:

- Fewer tools (I'm trying to kill half of them)
- Accepting that "good enough" is better than “perfect but abandoned”
- Writing things down immediately instead of trusting my memory

If you're also stuck in the endless app-switching hell… you're not broken. Your brain just needs different rules.

Would love to hear how other people handle this.

#AuDHD #ADHD #ExecutiveDysfunction #Neurodivergent #Blog #Thoughts #Productivity #MentalHealth #Fediverse

Right now my "source of truth" is basically a mess:

- Quick thoughts → Apple Notes
- Important stuff → Notion
- Super private things → Anytype
- Sharing with nice links → Craft Docs
- Old experiments → Outline (I should probably kill it)
- Random thoughts I wrote on paper last week

I literally don’t remember where I put things half the time.
I used to think I was just "bad at productivity".

Now I’m pretty sure my brain just doesn’t work like other people’s. And I’m tired of pretending it does.

#ActuallyAutistic #ExecutiveDysfunction #Neurodivergent #Tools #Software #Thoughts #Blog #MentalHealth

Every few weeks I decide: "This is the one. This app/notebook/system will finally fix my brain."

I set it up for hours. I move everything. I feel so organized. I tell myself "this time it’s forever".

Two weeks later I’m staring at the screen, completely empty, and the whole thing feels impossible again.

I’ve done this with Notion, Evernote, Craft, Outline (self hosted), Anytype, Proton, Gemini, even physical notebooks… the list is long.
My brain keeps promising me the perfect system. It never delivers.

#AuDHD #ExecutiveDysfunction #Neurodivergent #Blog #Thoughts #Health #Mentalhealth

The ADHD brain lacks baseline dopamine. It cannot "just start" a task. Deadline panic triggers an adrenaline spike to bridge the chemical gap.

This forces action. It is biology. Not laziness.

#ADHD #ExecutiveDysfunction #AuDHD

The ADHD brain lacks baseline dopamine. It cannot "just start" a task. Deadline panic triggers an adrenaline spike to bridge the chemical gap.

This forces action. It is biology. Not laziness.

#ADHD #ExecutiveDysfunction #AuDHD

"Waiting mode paralysis" is not a character flaw.

The brain perceives an upcoming event as an active threat to current focus. Break the loop. Anchor attention to an immediate physical task.

#WaitingMode #ADHDParalysis #ExecutiveDysfunction

I did it! I worked for 25 minutes on a task I'd been putting off. It doesn't seem like much but when it's tough to do anything requiring brainpower I'll count this as a win

#executivedysfunction #acutallyAutistic #audhd #adhd

I did it! I worked for 25 minutes on a task I'd been putting off. It doesn't seem like much but when it's tough to do anything requiring brainpower I'll count this as a win

#executivedysfunction #acutallyAutistic #audhd #adhd

desperately trying to do a task I've been putting off for a week... maybe I'll set a timer? or make a list of steps?
how do you tackle tasks like that #ADHD crew?

#actuallyAutistic #procrastinating #executiveDysfunction

desperately trying to do a task I've been putting off for a week... maybe I'll set a timer? or make a list of steps?
how do you tackle tasks like that #ADHD crew?

#actuallyAutistic #procrastinating #executiveDysfunction

hold up! Do you remember when you last drank water? If not, drink some now!

(it's 3:30p and this is my first water of the day)

#adhd #executivedysfunction

hold up! Do you remember when you last drank water? If not, drink some now!

(it's 3:30p and this is my first water of the day)

#adhd #executivedysfunction

Standard CBT fails AuDHD brains.

"Challenging thoughts" won't fix a tapped-out nervous system.

These aren't bad mindsets. Your nervous system is signaling distress. Check your environment and dopamine first.

#Neurodivergent #AuDHD #ExecutiveDysfunction

Standard CBT fails AuDHD brains.

"Challenging thoughts" won't fix a tapped-out nervous system.

These aren't bad mindsets. Your nervous system is signaling distress. Check your environment and dopamine first.

#Neurodivergent #AuDHD #ExecutiveDysfunction

Raise your hand if you have consumed nothing by mouth but your morning caffeinated beverage?

Now, go eat and drink something with no caffeine

(it me)

#adhd #executivedysfunction

Raise your hand if you have consumed nothing by mouth but your morning caffeinated beverage?

Now, go eat and drink something with no caffeine

(it me)

#adhd #executivedysfunction

You set a full-day agenda. Half of the tasks get finished. By the evening, you feel like a failure.

The gap between expectation and what was possible? That isn’t laziness. It is an unrealistic baseline colliding with a finite nervous system.

Self-criticism won't fill that gap. It only makes tomorrow harder.

#SelfCompassion #ExecutiveDysfunction #MindsetShift

If I look at what it takes for me to get 4 or more hours of sleep as a recipe, "drink at least 6 8oz glasses of water" is the main ingredient, without which it WILL fail. Why can't I do it? Oh, the very definition of executive dysfunction, you say?
(the margarita from a can didn't help)

I am going to track down Designing Women and see if it holds up for a rewatch.

#insomnia #executivedysfunction

If I look at what it takes for me to get 4 or more hours of sleep as a recipe, "drink at least 6 8oz glasses of water" is the main ingredient, without which it WILL fail. Why can't I do it? Oh, the very definition of executive dysfunction, you say?
(the margarita from a can didn't help)

I am going to track down Designing Women and see if it holds up for a rewatch.

#insomnia #executivedysfunction

"Oh, I'm in (a lot of) pain! That's why I want to puke and curl up."

#medMastodon #medicine #autistic #asperger #disabled #spoonie #chronicPain #ExecDysfunk #ExecutiveFunction #ExecutiveDysfunction

"Oh, I'm in (a lot of) pain! That's why I want to puke and curl up."

#medMastodon #medicine #autistic #asperger #disabled #spoonie #chronicPain #ExecDysfunk #ExecutiveFunction #ExecutiveDysfunction

I am resharing one of my most personal and practical guides: "How I Plan My AuDHD Life."
When I first posted this, it was behind a paywall. Today, I am sharing it via a Friend Link for free access for everyone.
Survival tools for the neurodivergent community should be accessible. I want to ensure that the cost of a subscription does not act as a barrier for those who need these tools right now.
https://medium.com/invisible-illness/how-i-plan-my-audhd-life-f2b24265e113?sk=6fdeb99c54538d265e9dc143b56a083b
#AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveDysfunction #SelfCare

I am resharing one of my most personal and practical guides: "How I Plan My AuDHD Life."
When I first posted this, it was behind a paywall. Today, I am sharing it via a Friend Link for free access for everyone.
Survival tools for the neurodivergent community should be accessible. I want to ensure that the cost of a subscription does not act as a barrier for those who need these tools right now.
https://medium.com/invisible-illness/how-i-plan-my-audhd-life-f2b24265e113?sk=6fdeb99c54538d265e9dc143b56a083b
#AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveDysfunction #SelfCare

#ADHD #ADHDMemes #AudHD #Neurodivergent #ExecutiveDysfunction #RSD #Anxiety #AdultADHD #Relatable #ADHDSupport #NeurodiverseSquad #ActuallyADHD

#ADHD #ADHDMemes #AudHD #Neurodivergent #ExecutiveDysfunction #RSD #Anxiety #AdultADHD #Relatable #ADHDSupport #NeurodiverseSquad #ActuallyADHD

#ADHD #Neurodivergent #ADHDUnderstanding #ExecutiveDysfunction #NeuroSpicy #MentalHealthHumor #Tumblr #Cats #Dopamine #ADHDProblems

#MentalHealth #ExecutiveDysfunction #Neurodivergent #Depression #ADHD #MentalHealthAwareness #Burnout #EndTheStigma #DisabilityJustice #Meme

#ADHD #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveDysfunction #SensoryOverload #ADHDParenting #Neurodivergent #Meme #SpongeBobMemes #ActuallyADHD

Here's your reminder to drink something without caffeine if you can't remember the last time you have.

(it's nearly 3pm and the only water I have had was morning meds)
#adhd #executivedysfunction

Here's your reminder to drink something without caffeine if you can't remember the last time you have.

(it's nearly 3pm and the only water I have had was morning meds)
#adhd #executivedysfunction