From Procrastination to Productivity: Using Body Doubling to Tackle Daunting Tasks

I'm excited to share with you the latest insights from my recent conversation with Becca Groner from Focused Space, who brings a wealth of knowledge on the intersection of productivity, community, and mental health. This edition is packed with valuable information, especially for those who are ADHD-ish and looking for ways to be more productive and experience community.?

The Power of Teams: More Than Just Productivity

Becca and I tackled the importance of creating teams that feel connected and joyful, rather than solely productivity-focused. Becca emphasized that teams should personify more than the daily grind of tasks and deadlines. Instead, they should foster an environment where members feel truly part of a community.

At Focused Space, the goal is to enhance the work experience across the board—whether individuals are working solo or within teams. The platform is designed to make work more engaging and enjoyable, which can be a game-changer for all of us striving to balance productivity with personal well-being, whether we are part of an organization or self-employed.?

Extroverts vs. Introverts in the Virtual Workspace

We discussed how extroverts and introverts navigate the virtual workspace differently. Extroverts often thrive on visible interaction and feedback, finding energy in being seen and acknowledged. Conversely, introverts might prefer a quieter, less interactive presence but still reap the benefits of structured time and a sense of community. Understanding these differences is key to fostering an inclusive and productive virtual workspace.? With virtual co-working platforms like Focused Space, members are free to leave their cameras on or off, adjusting the experience to their preferences and comfort.?

The Benefits of Virtual Co-working

Virtual co-working sessions emerged as a fantastic tool for maintaining focus, particularly for those with ADHD-ish tendencies. These sessions offer a sense of community, minus the mandatory interaction, which can be daunting for some. The focus is on real productivity, making them vastly different from traditional meetings.?

Changing the Future of Work

Becca and I also shared our visions for the future of work, which we both see as being more connected, communicative, and less bogged down by unnecessary meetings. The pandemic has forever altered our perception of work structures, leading many to prefer remote or hybrid models. Employers now face the dual challenge of making office work more appealing or adapting to these new expectations.

Debunking Productivity Myths

We touched on the myths surrounding productivity, particularly the misconception that remote work is less productive. Studies suggest that actual productive work in an 8-hour workday is around 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Much of traditional office time is spent in meetings, redundant tasks, and socializing. Understanding this can help us create more efficient and fulfilling work environments.

Normalizing Support and Celebrating Effort

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of normalizing the need for external support and community. It's normal to seek acknowledgment for our efforts. Becca and I believe that the future of work should celebrate effort, movement, and momentum—not just the end results.

In line with this, we even joked about reintroducing sticker charts for adults as a way to acknowledge small accomplishments!? Let me know if you think creating an ADHD-ish sticker chart should be added to my future projects!?

My Partnership with Focused Space

After using several different virtual co-working and body-doubling platforms, I chose to partner with Focused Space due to their unique focus on community and mental health. You can use the code ADHDish for a free month of Focused Space and get a 25% discount for every month after the trial ends. This platform offers a myriad of resources designed to help tackle procrastination and boost productivity, so I encourage you to check it out with my code.? Click here to use my special link.

Improv for ADHD and Anxiety?

Becca shared her love of improv, which she has been teaching for over ten years. The nonprofit Unscripted offers a unique class features a mental health therapist and uses improv exercises to manage anxiety. It's particularly beneficial for those with ADHD, helping them leverage their strengths and enjoy the dopamine boost from making others laugh.

Creating a Positive Team Culture

Becca emphasized that management should focus on team culture rather than just productivity. Empowering employees to do their best in a way that suits them, whether through flexible hours or remote working, leads to a more engaged and productive workforce.

Becca and I agree that what's good for employees is good for business. Employees need to feel a sense of connection and need to know that their contributions are valued to be fully engaged and productive.

Until next time, keep striving for a supportive and productive work environment!

If you’d like to listen to the full interview on the ADHD-ish Podcast, click here. DM me and let me know your thoughts!