This is a review of each component of REBEL,  a process I use to help clients with ADHD  get things done.

‘Expand the Mind’ has two very different components.  Part 1 addressed the practical challenge of freeing up usable space in the ADD brain.

The other component addresses attitudes and useful perspectives.  For example expanding what is possible.  So this component focuses more on improving mind ‘flexibility and resiliency’.

For all of our creativity, Global Creatives can fall prey to one dimensional thinking with respect to action.  Urgency and overwhelm (which produce stress and anxiety) squelch creativity and force the GC into a ‘just push harder’ frame of mind (not very flexible).  A common challenge of ADHD is black and white or ‘all or nothing’ thinking.  This is related to challeges around setting priorities.  It especially comes out when we slam ourselves (ANT’s) showing up as absolutes.

“I always mess up!”

“I never get it right!”

So, when you push a large object you literally put your head down.  Figuratively, when we come to a challenging task we do something similar with our familiar language.

“I just need to push harder!”.

This is a great time to practice the first E of REBEL – an expansive mind.

When we are focused solely on doing and finishing we are not focused on the potential resources that are available to us.

So some informal ways to expand the mind is a Cam favorite – asking questions.

Starting with questions for self (and the Fire Chief)

What have I not thought of?

What has worked in the past?

What is another way?

Questions for others (delegating is hugely under-utilized)

Who is the best person for the job?

Who can I bring in?

As ‘doers’ we naturally want to hang on to tasks and can be reluctant to hand off to others.

This can be useful for the occasional push to finish the big project but not a basket to put all of one’s eggs into.

Informal practice is great but formal practice is really where major headway is made.

Quiet reflective time is a wonderful way to cultivate an expansive, flexible mind.  This can come in the form of prayer, solitude, and mindfulness.  I am a big fan of mindfulness because it seems to work nicely with the global creative brain.

A study at UCLA has found that meditation is bringing real benefits to individuals struggling with ADHD.

Quiet reflection coupled with strategic planning is a wonderful practice that hels to ‘reset’ the brain.  Even 10 minutes of quiet reflection will make a difference.  Then out of this quiet ask these questions:

What are my intentions for the week?

What is one thing I can do each day that will make a difference?

enjoy

Cam

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