Does this sound familiar? “I haven’t written in months, because everything else seemed more important. How am I ever going to get this done? I keep messing up like this. If I just tried harder and had more discipline, this wouldn’t be a problem. Why can’t I just be DIFFERENT?” If you have ADHD, it probably does. You might hear this internal monologue every single week. Unless you have already discovered the power of community, that is…Â
What if you could silence this constant shame and doubts? What if you could move into action? For many ADHD writers, “trying harder” isn’t the solution. Community is. It’s in the shared experiences that we can find the freedom to focus on our work. That’s why in this post, we’ll dive into why community – that is, a neuroaffirming and supportive one – is such a powerful tool for your ADHD brain.Â
Community to increase motivation
When you have ADHD, time doesn’t seem to function the way it should. You tell yourself you’ll write today, but before you know it, the day has gone and you still haven’t written. Here, too, community can help.Â
You know how it’s easier to show up for a meeting with a friend than it is to show up for your own projects? Well, what if you could use the magic of the first and bring it into the second?Â
That is where body doubling comes in. Body doubling means nothing more or less than doing what you have to do alongside someone else. And for the reasons I outline in this body doubling post, that is incredibly beneficial for ADHD writers!
If you make an appointment to write alongside a friend or a body doubling group, you’ll have an “appointment” you need to show up for, making it a lot more likely you’ll actually set time aside to write. What’s more, when you work together with someone else, you’ll stay more focused and more motivated, increasing your output as well!Â
If you don’t have anyone to work with, make sure to join my body doubling group for ADHD writers.Â
Community for accountability
For many of us with ADHD, it’s easier to prioritize projects and tasks that other people are waiting for than those without a deadline. There’s a level of accountability that comes from having deadlines that gives us an extra boost of motivation and drives us to finish it (even if we do so two weeks late). But this, too, is something you can create for yourself, even for projects that no one is actually waiting for. All you need is to create external accountability.Â
One way to do that is to communicate your goals to a friend, a colleague, or an ADHD writing coach. Tell them what you want to complete by when, then ask them to check in with you and ask whether you’ve completed it. The prospect of having someone ask you whether you’ve done what you said you would will make it easier for you to prioritize this task over others.Â
One of my clients said, “One thing that has helped me is weekly reviews that are casual, with a group of people. This helps move things forward.” It’s one aspect that my clients love most about the weekly coaching groups I organize for ADHD writers. Not only does it help create accountability, as every week we share our goals, but it also helps in a different way, which I’ll get into next.Â
Community to let go of shame and guilt
When you’re writing (or not writing) by yourself, it can be easy to focus on all the things you’re doing wrong and let them send you into a series of thought spirals. Many of us were taught that guilt and discipline are the keys to motivation. But the truth is, this usually has the opposite effect. Too much shame and guilt will make you shut down, it will overwhelm you, and make you avoid your writing projects altogether.Â
But when you are able to connect to other ADHD writers, the picture changes. As one of the ADHD writers in my coaching group said, “I see that other people are struggling with the same things, and it makes me feel less alone.” And that can have huge effects! When you feel empathy and compassion for others who navigate the same challenges, it becomes so much easier to extend that same grace to yourself. This frees you from the cycle of self-criticism and allows you to put your energy back into your writing.
The power of recognition and inspiration
There’s something magical that happens when you start seeing your challenges reflected in others. But that magic is not just about sharing woes. It’s easy to get stuck feeling you’ll never be able to amount to anything because of the obstacles you’re facing. But in a community, you get to celebrate your own successes with others and witness them soar to great heights, which is a powerful experience. This kind of environment transforms a lonely journey into a shared mission.Â
That is exactly why I’m organizing something unique and extraordinary for the ADHD writing community. And you are invited!
This October, imagine what's possible
This October, I’m organizing Basecamp to Brilliance: the first-ever summit about writing and ADHD. Here, 15 successful ADHDers will share their challenges and strategies – providing you with the recognition and knowledge that can help you become your most successful writer-self. What’s more, there’ll be plenty of space for connecting with both the speakers and other participants, so that we can strengthen our community ties and grow together.Â
Imagine what’s possible when you work with, not against, your ADHD brain. At our upcoming summit, you’ll hear from successful writers, coaches, and academics who have been where you are. They will show you the exact strategies and systems that helped them thrive. Secure your spot today and start your transformation.
Talk to you soon!
– Susanne
