I have ADHD and I find that I can do my best thinking when my body is occupied by doing something where I'm mostly using muscle memory or that doesn't require a strong sense of focus - swimming or coloring or walking, for example.
I also think through writing, especially when I write by hand. Half formed ideas solidify in the act of writing, I think.
This is a good example of how we don't always know what thinking "looks like" in different people. My thinking often looks like daydreaming. I've had students who relentlessly doodle while they're thinking. One class where I asked them to show me evidence of their writing process, a student brought in notebooks filled with doodles with some brainstorming notes sprinkled about, but far more doodles than notes. It was a good reminder for me that everyone's process is going to look different.
The question for me is - when am I NOT thinking. My brain doesn’t stop. In the shower, driving, eating I’m usually pondering something. This is what eventually gave me the power to start writing - I already write a ton in my head! Full on theories or arguments about a topic I’m interested in. The only time I escape the thought machine is listening to music at the gym or with assistance from substances (not a recommended method).
When I'm in the thick of a project this is how I am too, though my work portfolio now often has me switching from project day to day to get stuff out the door. I think maybe that's why even though I'm writing different things for different outlets, at any given time, my thoughts are often coalescing around a much smaller thing. Like this newsletter was only going to be about what I've been doing in my other work this week. I literally can't think about anything else!
I will be the first to buy this book!! Go, go, go!!
Thank you so much for this post. It's going to feed my reading pile for a little while.
I have ADHD and I find that I can do my best thinking when my body is occupied by doing something where I'm mostly using muscle memory or that doesn't require a strong sense of focus - swimming or coloring or walking, for example.
I also think through writing, especially when I write by hand. Half formed ideas solidify in the act of writing, I think.
This is a good example of how we don't always know what thinking "looks like" in different people. My thinking often looks like daydreaming. I've had students who relentlessly doodle while they're thinking. One class where I asked them to show me evidence of their writing process, a student brought in notebooks filled with doodles with some brainstorming notes sprinkled about, but far more doodles than notes. It was a good reminder for me that everyone's process is going to look different.
Absolutely love the book proposal, and I cannot think of anyone better to tackle the topic
The question for me is - when am I NOT thinking. My brain doesn’t stop. In the shower, driving, eating I’m usually pondering something. This is what eventually gave me the power to start writing - I already write a ton in my head! Full on theories or arguments about a topic I’m interested in. The only time I escape the thought machine is listening to music at the gym or with assistance from substances (not a recommended method).
When I'm in the thick of a project this is how I am too, though my work portfolio now often has me switching from project day to day to get stuff out the door. I think maybe that's why even though I'm writing different things for different outlets, at any given time, my thoughts are often coalescing around a much smaller thing. Like this newsletter was only going to be about what I've been doing in my other work this week. I literally can't think about anything else!
Please do write this book, John!
I can't wait to see how this book turns out! I'm already waiting in line with my digital tent!