Jan 28
ADHD and Drifting Off Topic This week’s podcast is all about drifting off topic; why we do it and how to do less of it. Discover what causes our brains to drift-off topic. Learn what linear vs. non-linear thinking is. What do linear thinkers look for in making decisions? What are linear thinkers usually good at? What imagination and creativity have to do with it? Which method of thinking focuses on the connections and relationships between things more than on specific bits of information.
Tracy talks about how and why she believes ADHD has been misnamed. Discover why drifting off is not the problem and why a family trip to Cancun is the perfect example of why telling stories is always the best way to make information stick. Learn how to keep yourself from drifting off-topic by using: Meta-cognition The pause Being intentional Putting a stake down Being open and honest Soliciting help from your listeners.
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"Nonlinear thinkers work with our imagination. We're creative, we make inferences, we look for options that are outside of the box that have not been previously considered."
- Tracy Otsuka
"We don't have a deficit of attention. I say this all the time, right? We have a surplus of attention, we notice everything."
- Tracy Otsuka
"The problem is not that you're veering off topic. The problem is you are not giving yourself a place to come back to so put a stake in it."
- Tracy Otsuka
- Tracy explains why ADHD brains drift from one thought to another, including being big picture storytelling people, intense, impulsive, and having poor working memory.
- Tracy shares her experience of going rogue on a family vacation in Cancun, Mexico.
- Tracy shares her experience on a family vacation to Cancun, Mexico, highlighting the fun activities they did and the memories they made.
[07:08 - 11:44] Drifting Off Topic in Podcasting
- Tracy's family appreciates her planning activities, as it makes each day unique and memorable, unlike sitting on the beach all day.
- Tracy shares tips on how to make information more memorable by sharing personal anecdotes and going off the beaten track.
- Tracy pauses and consciously thinks about veering off topic to improve podcast quality.
[11:44 - 19:59] Managing Nonlinear Thinking and ADHD
- Tracy uses a "stake in it" method to help her stay on track during presentations or conversations by marking her place with a cursor or pen and paper.
- By being open and honest about her nonlinear thinking, Tracy encourages others to help her stay on topic and provides a more engaging and interactive experience for her audience.
- Tracy shares tips for managing nonlinear brain and ADHD, invites listeners to share their ideas.
