What a reset looks like for me as a neurodivergent
As an ADHDer, I have to regularly change up my systems to keep them maximally efficient. But even though I am well aware of this, when it comes time to actually do the change, I often freeze.
Or worse, I try to implement the system with a very low success rate. But honestly? I already think the way I do things as an autistic ADHDer is a lot different from my peers. So what if I struggle to maintain the system? As long as I’m getting things done and feeling good about it in the process, that’s what matters most to me.
My biggest suggestion when you feel like you need a reset it to change up your systems. Even if you can't maintain them for long periods of time, even if what you're doing looks different from those around you... Novelty and compassion for yourself goes a long way.
How do you reset your mind or your space?
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Okay, so my original post touched on how messy a "reset" can be when you're neurodivergent, especially with ADHD. I know many of you are searching for a "neurodivergent reset plan" and wondering "what is a neurodivergent reset." Let me dive a bit deeper into what that actually looks like for me and how you can approach your own, even if you're a "chaotic ADHDer" like me! First off, forget the idea of a perfect, structured "monthly reset." That often falls into "THE GOAL" category of "establishing clear goals" and "maintaining a clear workspace" that can feel totally out of reach. "THE REALITY" for me often involves "difficulty with goals," "changing intentions," and definitely a "wrecked workspace." So, a neurodivergent reset isn't about achieving perfection; it's about recalibrating. It’s acknowledging that our brains thrive on novelty, and sometimes that means our "systems breaking" more frequently than neurotypical ones. It’s less of a fixed plan and more of a flexible toolkit. Here are a few quick ways I approach my actual reset, moving past the common pitfalls: 1. Micro-Resets are Your Best Friend: Instead of planning a big quarterly overhaul, I integrate tiny resets throughout my day or week. This could be a 5-minute tidy of my desk when it becomes a "wrecked workspace," or a quick brain dump for "forgotten journaling" instead of a long session. These small acts prevent overwhelm and make 'resetting' less daunting. 2. Embrace the "Good Enough" System: My article mentioned changing systems. For me, "implementing new systems" rarely means a complete overhaul. It’s more about tweaking. Did my current to-do list system stop working? Instead of abandoning it, I might just try a different colored pen or a new app for a week. The novelty keeps my brain engaged. Trying to set "clear goals" can be tough when your brain constantly shifts focus, right? I aim for flexible goals that can adapt. 3. Sensory & Environmental Quick Fixes: When I feel overwhelmed, a quick sensory reset helps. This could be putting on noise-canceling headphones, stepping outside for 5 minutes, or diffusing an essential oil. For my "wrecked workspace," I focus on clearing one small surface first, like my laptop area, instead of the whole room. It helps reset my visual field and reduces mental clutter. 4. Redefining "Daily Journaling": If "daily journaling" feels like a chore and leads to "forgotten journaling," don't force it. My "journaling" might be a voice note, three bullet points in a notes app, or even just talking to a friend. The goal is processing thoughts, not filling pages. 5. Self-Compassion is the Foundation: Remember, the core of a neurodivergent reset is self-compassion. If your "intentions change" or a new system fails, that's okay. It's part of the process. Don't beat yourself up. Just observe, adapt, and try again with a slightly different approach. This compassion is what makes the whole "reset plan" sustainable, even if it looks chaotic from the outside. By shifting my perspective from a rigid "neurodivergent reset plan template" to a more fluid, self-aware process, I've found more peace and productivity. It's about finding what works for your unique brain, not what works for everyone else.