So many ideas, so little time & energy
I admit my adhd has a part to play in this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you related to it as well: the difficulty that comes with choosing.
Choosing which story to focus on. Which character to have as a protagonist. Which plot twist. Which ending. Which tone. Which voice.
Insert the gif where Stitch does a big AARGH with his hands over his eyes.
I love the fact that writing allows for creativity to be release. I don’t love that it comes with having to choose which creative thing to focus my limited time and energy on. I love all the things, all the ideas. I want to explore it all!
But I can’t. And in my case that leads to full blown paralysis, though it often takes a minute for me to realise that’s what’s happening: I’m not writing or creating anymore at all.
The solution to this paralysis? Imagining a first miniature baby step you could take. Not a big leap. That’ll just let us stay in analysis paralysis. No, only one little teenie weenie step.
That way we show our brain choosing isn’t as scary as it thinks it is. We also help it decide whether it’s the right choice or not by taking the step.
Because annoyingly we can’t only think our way to a choice like this. We need to feel the decision too by taking action.
So next time you’re noticing yourself backing away from a choice, have a think on what could be a mini step you could take that won’t overwhelm your brain and body. This will look different for each of us. Then do the miniature step, and notice how it felt.
That feeling will tell you all you need to know. Immediate nooope? Then do the same for another other choice you considered. Does it feel good though? Then you will take the next – baby or not – step with more confidence.
This how we grow. Not by making giant leaps that freak out our brains and bodies. But small ones, that show us exactly which way we’re meant to go.
Hit reply or tell me in the comments if this resonates!
Sandra Postma
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