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In business, there’s a concept called critical success factors (CSF)

Critical success factors are the few essential areas where things must go right for goals to be achieved.

I treat being a neurodivergent like it’s my business. 

There are things I have to do to get my head above the water and then thrive. 

Without these things, it’s like walking on an escalator that’s going the opposite direction. 

The Neurodivergents CSFs 

Routine

I actually don’t like routines, and as much as I love spontaneity, having a routine is pivotal to achieving my aim and objectives. Routine reminds of the “why”.

My routine does, however, allow for some room for flexibility and is not stringent. For example:

Workout (physical)

I aim to work out 3-4 times a week. That’s my routine. But I allow for flexibility by having options on the type of workout I do. I may choose to:

• Cycle 10k

• Weight lift

• Run 5k

• Soccer etc

I work out to stay fit and mentally sharp, which is fitting for my variety. 

Workout (Mental)

I do some sort of mindfulness and prayer (mental exercise) every day! And I’ve been doing it for years. 

It’s helped me find the calm in the storm, and when things get challenging. 

As neurodivergents, we have a tendency to shut down or melt down when the pressure and stress kick in. 

Being able to quiet and slow the mind when it’s racing under stressful situations is like finding a gold mine!

Chat to someone you trust

I have a handful of trusted people I can call on to talk with concerning any personal challenges in life. 

A problem shared is halved solved as they say. 

There’s a feeling of relief once I’ve dumped the worry off my head to someone that’s willing to listen.  

This helps eliminate or recover from meltdown moments, dwelling faster. Enabling me to focus and concentrate better. 

For me, it’s been:

• Coaches

• Therapists

• Family & Friends

• Mentors

Keeping all that shit in our heads is so unhealthy. 

I’m introverted, and I get that opening up may be challenging, but it helps a ton. 

Play to your perception strengths 

I’m a visual person, and so I need visual cues. 

I’m not so hot on paying attention via sounds. It can at times feel overwhelming and overstimulating.

Even when I’m driving, I turn the sound off on the sat navigation. I just need to see the arrows and directions and it’s more than sufficient. 

Whiteboard

I use my whiteboard to prompt me to do the mundane or small tasks that can easily be forgotten if I wrote it down. 

Brainstorm

This is my go-to when trying to understand something, for example, my note-taking when starting a new job. This helps me see the bigger picture and connect with the details. 

Screenshots for process notes

At work, a lot of my process notes over the years have been snips and screenshots. A picture really speaks a thousand words to me.

For others, their strengths are in the audio side of things. They remember what they hear to the T! Kudos to them, I hear so much each day, and my form of capture is something visual. 

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In other neuro-related news…

Lastly,

Stay Different,

The AuDHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.