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Good Stress: Your Deadline Superpower

Good stress, or eustress, is the spark that fuels focus.

For my neurodivergent brain, a clear plan, like a detailed checklist makes a tight deadline thrilling.

Over the past few years, I felt like I’ve been working better due to my step-by-step outlines from screenshots to bullet journaling. That adrenaline is my brain’s happy place.

In his book The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, I found Parkinson’s Law: work expands to fill the time you give it.

Short deadlines force focus, cutting fluff. By setting tight timelines, I use this stress to hyperfocus and get more done.

Try This: Break tasks into three small steps (e.g., “open file,” “write headline,” “set 15-minute timer”). Tight timelines tap into Parkinson’s Law for eustress-driven wins.

Workplace Win: Request clear, specific deliverables and short deadlines to fuel eustress.

Bad Stress: And a tale

Bad stress, or distress, hits when tasks feel vague or fear takes over.

In one of my early roles as a junior accountant, I remember being briefed on a task and nodded as if I understood (at least I thought I did at the time) but I didn’t.

I stared at my screen for 90 minutes, lost, and too scared to ask for clarification. Imposter syndrome and anxiety screamed. I’d look incompetent.

When the deadline passed with nothing done, the consequences hit hard. That stress was brutal.

Try This: Ask one simple question (e.g., “Can you confirm the priority?”) to build clarity without feeling exposed.

Workplace Win: Phrase questions collaboratively (e.g., “Let’s align on this”). It shows initiative and reduces distress.

Structured Procrastination: Working to your strengths

I’m a procrastinator, but I make it work with support systems, tools, and habits like

• Timers

• Calendar blocking

• Checklists/bullet journaling

That keeps my neurodivergent brain on track.

They’re like a map guiding a road trip, showing me the way so I don’t get lost in the chaos. With support systems, I ride the deadline buzz productively.

Try This: Use a 25-minute timer for one task. Upon completion give yourself a 5-minute reward.

Workplace Win: Place a sticky note with one key task on your monitor, removing it when done.

Clarity Through Journaling

When stress builds, bullet journaling saves me.

A quick list with a fun pen untangles my brain’s chaos and brings calm. It’s a fast way to process vague instructions and regain control.

Try This: Jot down one task and two next steps in a notebook. Check them off for a quick win.

Workplace Win: Keep a small notebook for meeting notes to clarify tasks discreetly.

Your Stress Toolkit

Here’s how to balance stress like a pro:

• Ask Smart: Use “just to clarify” questions.

• Use Tools: Timers or lists boost focus.

• Check In: Notice tension to spot distress.

• Recover: Take 5-minute breaks post-deadline.

Final Thoughts

Asking for clarity and using support systems aren’t just about work, they’re self-care that protects your well-being in the workplace.

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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.