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I’m a ‘big picture’, abstract thinker, I’m not really a fan of the nitty-gritty details. Dunno how I qualified as an Accountant!

I used to feel weird about it. Like I didn’t fit in with the “detail people.” And that’s okay.

Ray Dalio gets it! In his book Principles, he says some people see the whole forest. Others focus on the trees. Both are important. I see the forest.

Details itself are not my thing. Unless I’m super interested in the subject matter.

• Big-picture thinking helps me

• It keeps me motivated

Details drag me down. Especially stuff I don’t care about. I get stuck.

But when I zoom out? I see the why. That’s my compass. Here’s the cool part, I spot things others miss:

• Patterns

• Ideas

It’s like a superpower. But this type of thinking is tricky too. People don’t always get it. I’d argue with detail people.

I just say “Let’s agree to disagree.” It may appear dismissive but I’m just saving my energy debating.

We need detailed people though.

Mrs ADHD Exec is mine. She’s amazing with the details. I dream big. She helps us make it happen. We’re a solid team!

If you think big like me, you’re not weird. You’re awesome.

Detail people? We need you too. Together, we rock.

If you’re building a team, or working with others, think about the various skills you have at your disposal, leveraging each other’s unique thoughts.

Applying Big-Picture Thinking to Work

1) Focus on the Why  

What: Big-picture thinking shines when you know why your work matters. Details feel less heavy when the goal is clear.  

How: Ask, “What’s the point of this?” Write it down in one sentence. Stick it where you can see it. Check it when you’re stuck.

2) Skip the Small Stuff

What: You may not need to sweat every detail. That’s what detail people and AI are for.  

How: Pick 1-2 big wins for the day. Let someone else handle the tiny tasks. Say, “I’ll do the vision; you do the steps.”

3) Spot the Shortcuts  

What: Big-picture thinkers can see faster ways to get stuff done. It’s like a cheat code.  

How: Look at the goal. Ignore the “usual” way. Ask, “What’s the simplest path?” Try it. Adjust if it flops.

4) Dream Big, Then Delegate  

What: You’re great at ideas. Others can make them real.  

How: Brainstorm a wild plan. Share it with a detail buddy (AI).

We can have loads of ideas, and concepts. Having a chat with a more granular thinker or AI can help fine-tune this, breaking it down into actionable steps.

5) Stay Pumped  

What: Big-picture thinking keeps you excited. Details can kill your buzz.  

How: Picture the endgame:

• Winning

• Helping

• Creating

Focus there. Let that pull you through the slog

Final thoughts

This may appear ‘lazy’, but this form of thinking has helped me add value to my work over the years. It’s my way of “working smart”.

I believe AI can help the neurodivergent with a lot of detailed tasks. Giving them the headspace to do their creative thinking.

More postings on this in the future!

If you enjoyed this post, or know people who can benefit from it. Please spread the word. They can subscribe at neurodiversediary.io/subscribe

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.