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Hey there fellow Zazzlepreneurs
Some of you have expressed curiosity and amazement re my work output
"how do you get so much done ... I don't know how you do it? "
Here's how I do and DO NOT do it!
Today, I want to talk about something that's been on my mind for a while now: the challenges of being a fulltime Zazzler with ADHD.
Let me start by giving you a glimpse into my typical day as a Zazzler with ADHD starting with yesterday because I have already forgotten what I did every day prior to that! And I do not jest.
Side note: This situation I am sure has been exacerbated since my children started spending more time away from home. I think my brain is intentionally keeping me 'on the go' so I don't have to fully 'feel' the impact of empty nest syndrome, which is a real thing! That's a topic for another day.
Long Days - Little Sleep
I awoke at 9.30am having gone to bed at 4.30am (5hrs rest). I am on my own presently so I generally just 'work' from the moment I awake to the moment I sleep (19hrs with a break for a sandwich and some nuts).
So, yesterday, a day that is already fast fading from memory, was a day filled with bursts of inspiration, a multitude of incomplete projects, and a relentless struggle to stay focused. Feelings of inadequacy due to all the above, and a few moments of satisfaction when I was able to 'tick' something off as complete!
The Endless Cycle of Unfinished Business
I started my day with great intentions - editing a Zazzle collection. But just as I was getting into the groove, an idea struck me. Without hesitation, I abandoned my collection editing and started working on a new collection. That new collection seemed like the next big thing, but then it happened again ... another idea. Collection abandoned. This pattern regarding collections and creating them and editing them and NOT finishing any of them repeated about 10 times until I decided that I hate Zazzle collections and don't want anything to do with them!
But the problem isn't Zazzle collections, it is me. Clearly!
Repeating patterns
This pattern repeated itself like a broken record throughout the day. I lost count of how many times I started something, had a brilliant idea, and then promptly left it hanging in limbo.
The Giant Pile of Unfinished Projects
The real challenge lies in the mountain of incomplete projects, designs, course materials, and social media tasks that accumulate day by day. It's overwhelming, to say the least. The sheer knowledge of these unfinished tasks can be paralyzing, leaving me feeling like I'm drowning in a sea of half-realized ideas.
The Mysteries of ADHD Memory
One peculiar aspect of dealing with ADHD is that sometimes I find myself starting something new, only to discover that I've already done it before! It's like experiencing magic ā as if a fairy swooped in overnight to complete tasks for me. The catch is that I have no recollection of doing them because, in the time between starting and finishing, I've embarked on countless other ventures. This can result in duplication!
The Struggle is Real
So, why am I writing this blog post about ADHD and being a full-time Zazzler? Well, it's partly because I can't bear to face the ever-growing list of unfinished projects.
The sheer volume of tasks left in limbo is enough to make anyone want to bury their head in the sand. But, more importantly, I want fellow Zazzlers with ADHD to know that they're not alone.
I will overcome this and if you're struggling too, so will you! Let's do it together
The struggle is real, but it's also (I am told) manageable. There are strategies and techniques that can help us harness our creative energy, stay on track, and achieve our goals. And trust me, I'm on a quest to discover and share those strategies, because together, we can turn chaos into creativity.
I can't live like this anymore, I'm too old for it!
And most importantly I need to take my own advice! It's one thing to know how things should be done and another to do it when you have ADHD and a mind that just won't stop!
I do feel like I am letting you down Zazzlepreneurs :(
Anyway, if you're like me ADHD and struggling, please share your tips and remedies.
Research has shown that the following vitamins might be helpful (many can be found in nuts):
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, found in fish oil supplements, may help improve focus and attention in some individuals with ADHD. They are essential for brain health.
Zinc: Zinc is important for neurotransmitter function and may have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms, particularly in cases of zinc deficiency.
Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to cognitive problems and difficulty concentrating, so ensuring adequate iron levels is essential.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with ADHD symptoms. Ensuring you have sufficient vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure or supplements can be beneficial.
Magnesium: Some individuals with ADHD may have lower magnesium levels. Magnesium supplements may help with relaxation and focus.
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. It may have a positive impact on mood and focus.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports overall brain health. It may help reduce oxidative stress in the brain.
Zazzlerpreneurs with ADHD, hang in there! We may have our unique challenges, but we also possess an incredible capacity for creativity. Let's keep pushing forward, one project at a time, even if we have to retrace our steps occasionally. After all, it's the journey that counts, not just the destination.
