I’ve gotten good at coming up with strategies for getting stuff done.
Most often, I use my 4 Cs of Motivation framework (Captivate, Create, Compete, Complete) to help me with the process, finding something that is uniquely interesting to my ADHD brain by using interest, novelty, challenge or urgency.
But sometimes, I get stuck with a tricky task where the obvious strategies just don’t seem to work.
Just before writing this, I was tackling a business tax-related task (yes, in October... don’t ask). Normally I might be able to power through a paperwork task by putting on one of my favorite movie soundtracks with my noise-cancelling airpods.
This time, it wasn’t enough.
When you get stuck like this, try adding another C strategy while keeping the first. Keep the music, and then add a timer - how much can you get done in fifteen minutes?
Now you’re using Captivate (music) and a combo of Compete (challenge) and Complete (urgency).
Sometimes that small change, an addition of something new can be just what you need to power through. Stacking multiple Cs helps make it happen.
Don’t get too caught up in the mechanics. It’s easy to make this too technical with questions like:
“Which C is this strategy?”
“Is 3 C strategies too many?”
“This strategy isn’t a C but seems to work, is that okay?”
Remember that the entire point of the 4 Cs of Motivation are to help you get unstuck and give you a framework to help you invent new strategies. If you come up with something else that works, great! If you aren’t sure how something fits in with the 4 Cs - I don’t care!
Lean into what is working, and don’t feel bad when it stops working. Just pivot to something new.
The goal of all of this is to get yourself moving through the task, not create some perfect strategy system.
That said, when you find something that works - write it down! Even if it stops working after awhile, there may be something there worth returning to in the future.
Those old “expired” combinations may be gold again when rediscovered in the future.
This week’s worksheet: When One C Isn’t Enough. Stack a second C on a stubborn task.
P.S. Now is a great time to make some plans to attend next year’s NeuroDiversion conference and hang out with me and other incredible neurodivergent friends!
Tickets are still in early bird sale price, so jump in now! →
Here’s a few slides with more info:
Yeah, I need to tackle my taxes, as well. (Sighs in ADHD.)