
‘It’s a lack of adequate review processes that causes us to slip into old habits and leave our new productivity methodology by the wayside.’
I think this is a fact, but since I don’t have the data, (and my mind has already started screaming ‘boring’ at me as I entertain trying to pull it together) let’s just take it as an opinion. My opinion, backed up by a few decades of thought, personal experience and struggles, and my experiences through coaching and training people who think differently, and have struggled to be as productive as they would like.
So then, this article is going to get a little meta. Rather than looking at ways to be more productive, I want to look at new perspectives that will ensure those critical reviews happen, so that in turn, we can stay on the track, maintaining a habitual, developmental approach to productivity.
First though, I best explain myself. I think there are two main drivers for why we allow our commitment for continuous reflection to wither and die. The first, I fear, is somewhat out of our control. Across humanity, almost all cultures value getting things done, but since we can’t see reflection happening, we don’t see it as inherently productive. (Actually, I believe you can. You just need to pause and offer genuine interest in other peoples’ lives. You’ll see the reflection, metaphorically, in their eyes, and it’s a beautiful thing to behold!)
Across humanity, almost all cultures value getting things done, but since we can’t see reflection happening, we don’t see it as inherently productive.
We’re conditioned to see visible action as productive. In other words, if there’s movement and change in the physical world, and we perceive it, then it’s real. If it’s in peoples’ minds, it’s impossible to see, and thus somehow less worthy. This, and the language that goes with it pervading our everyday lives is ‘toxic productivity’ at work. Even the word ‘productive’ is problematic (as opposed to ‘impactful’, which notices the outcome rather than the action). Society is conditioned in this way, as are we. It influences our thoughts and behaviors, mostly outside of our awareness.
But, ‘if you name it, you can tame it’, so I’m calling it out;
Thinking about what we’re doing, going to do, and have done is essential, productive, and arguably the most important practice we can engage in!
Of course, action must happen to have an effect, but without good thought, it’s unlikely to have impact. When you notice someone really thinking, and you can see it in their eyes, and mouth, and the muscles across their face, I’d encourage you to stop, smile and celebrate in that moment. In celebrating them, you’re celebrating yourself, and the value of your own thinking.
Secondly, I think that not just ADHDers, but humanity in general, is increasingly becoming wired for interest. Aside from the guilt we feel, imparted by societal pressures of not being active as we reflect, we also struggle to pause, reflect and review, simply because it can seem boring. We may know it’s important, but it’s hardly interesting. Or is it? Well, that perspective is one entirely within our control, and again, we can choose.
Aside from the guilt we feel, imparted by societal pressures of not being active as we reflect, we also struggle to pause and reflect and review, simply because it seems boring.
So lets talk about practical ways that we can make the action of reviewing just as interesting, if not more interesting than any of the 'doing' that follows.
All the different methodologies encourage you to review and reflect at different times. The purpose of these reviews is broadly three-fold; to keep your mind clear of ideas, to continually notice and develop the way you work for the better, and to prioritise or plan. Much of this review then, relates to some form of second brain (because ours are typically rubbish at holding onto all the detail, but equally great at problem solving and thinking creatively) and the more we review, the more we are able to trust our second brain. With that trust comes a state of calm that drives our best thinking, and consequently, the impact we choose to have in the world. What you choose to reflect on daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually, or indeed, any other frequency that works for your unique brain wiring, is ultimately up to you to experiment with, opening yourself up to experiments on what works for you.
Whatever the outcome, the following guidance applies to all review practices, and with the same experimental sentiment. I know better than to offer any instruction here. Many would baulk at such directness. Instead, I offer these as ‘opportunities to play around’; see what works and form your own approach, giving your reviews the importance they deserve.
Calendarise them - They have value, they take time, and they need to happen at regular intervals. So, put them in the calendar and give them the time and recognition they deserve. Consider labeling them and giving them a colour/design/label that screams ‘my reviews matter!’. If others have visibility of your diary, and think they know better how you should best spend your time, consider titling your reviews in a way that makes it clear they are non-negotiable. Better still, bravely have that conversation! Your regular reviews really matter, and people need to know that, and hopefully begin to treat their regular reviews with the same respect.
Make them obvious – Is calendarising not a fierce enough of a prompt? Consider post-its, reminders, alarms, or whatever works for you. Whatever it takes to ‘fiercely’ prompt you to start, but without triggering your inner ‘don’t you dare tell me what to do!’ The same fierce prompt may also be enough to keep others around you at bay as you take this precious time for yourself.
Make them easy - Trial a simple checklist for each review, where each item is clearly actionable and starts with a verb. If you use a dictaphone, AI, a pen & paper, or any other device, have them all at hand, ready to go. Reviewing shouldn’t be hard.
Make them fun - Make the first item on the list something that makes you smile. I start my morning daily review with a cup of espresso, choosing from one of the four espresso mugs my kids painted for me, and one of three fancy beans I have on the go at any one time. I get to tick ‘make espresso’ off the list. Double the feel-good factor!
Make them rewarding – If ticking each item off isn’t rewarding enough, why not start to score yourself and track how many ticks you get. How long you can maintain a streak? For ADHDers, focus on rewards that are more immediate. You’re unlikely to be inspired by rewards in the future.
Celebrate them – Every moment that you choose to pause, review and reflect is worth celebrating. Find small ways to celebrate, and big ways too. Allow me to introduce you to the ‘Ta da’ list! It’s your ‘To-do’ list, reviewed and all ticked off, with one sentence to capture what went well in the day. That’s why I encourage splitting the daily review into two. My ‘close of day’ review is an opportunity to notice what got done, and I start it with the first task; my close of day ‘G&T’ (don’t judge - I know it’s not the healthiest of habits, but at least I never miss my 'close of day' routine.)
Ritualise them – You’ll notice already that the above is becoming somewhat ritualistic. Great. Build on that and much of the barriers to momentum will disappear as your reviews become automatic. How can you make your review process more of a ritual?
Be mindful – Are you excited by the idea of taking out just 5 minutes to breathe and simply notice your breath? Obviously, being able to pause like this on demand is a whole other practice. Arguably just as important as reflecting and somewhat intertwined. Fine then, let’s run with that and stack one on the other! Experiment adding a mindfulness exercise at the start of some of your reviews to get your brilliant brain in the right gear for powerful reflection. Does it discourage you from starting your daily review practice? Or take it to the next level. Either way, notice, and respond accordingly.
Socialise – You’re not alone. Others also want you to have the impact you desire in the world. They want to go on that journey too, for themselves and for you. Consider forming a review ‘habit contract’ with someone you admire and respect, or maybe share the same contract, and treat them as a body double to do the bigger reviews alongside you. Short of someone suitable? There are a host of body doubling sites where you can experience others being alongside you as you reflect on what is and is not working, and bring your 2nd brain into line. Just google ‘body doubling’.
Make them novel – With all of the above, you’ve got plenty of experiments to play around with, and with each one, little variations that may shift things around for you. Regardless, the act of switching things up and making exercises new and novel will help you to avoid boredom, injecting more interest into your vital review practice.
A space that says ‘I matter’ - Consider the space you reflect in, and make sure it says “me and my thoughts matter!” You’ll know the space when you find it!
No right & wrong – Practice non-judgemental awareness. There really is no right and wrong. Just an endless productive journey of learning and development.
So, there you have it. Twelve practices you can experiment with as you review and reflect on your thoughts and actions. Above all, approach all of the above with kindness, and get beyond punishing yourself for not being able to focus like everyone else. That’s a lie, by the way. Most of the people who you believe have got it all sewn up, merrily working through their to-dos without a care in the world, are struggling too. That they’re not is just another story we sometimes tell ourselves. This, and other stories are ours to change. All we have to do is take the time to notice the stories we tell ourselves, and decide how we want to change that narrative. Now that’s definitely worth pausing for a while and thinking about.
Quick digestive
It’s ironic. The more we recognise just how important regular reviews are for bolstering our productivity, the less inclined we are to do them. If ‘importance’ doesn’t work, what might be a more compelling alternative?
Wise words
“We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.”
HRH, Queen Elizabeth II

Want to work together to boost your productivity? Let's talk!
Comments