Play to Your Strengths - How My Messed Up Brain Wiring Became a Benefit
After quite a bit of extensive testing, I finally received a diagnosis from my neuropsych doctors of what's wrong with my thinking: "Mild Neurocognitive Disorder due to Traumatic Brain Injury"
That's a fancy way of saying ever since I fell down the stairs and "humpty dumpty"-ed my brain, I sometimes have difficulty with my thinking. The interesting part - testing showed which parts are damaged, and in my mind helped explain why I write about planning.
You see I can't sustain attention at all. That part of my brain was roached when I had a brain bleed when I fell. Therefore I won't get better, but it's not likely to get worse. I simply cannot sustain attention without my brain deciding to 'squirrel off' somewhere.
The funny part is there's no amount of "self help" or talks or methods that can fix this. That part just won't even work right.
Fair enough.
Why 3 Steps.Today is my ticket to better thinking
If I can't pay attention in a sustained way, I can remedy it somewhat with you guessed it: planning and checklists.
I already do "time boxing" techniques like Pomodoro consistently at work, and have for years. Google it if you aren't familiar with the idea. Now I just do the same thing at home too. I plan my day and break things apart into small chunks.
That way I only have to work on what's the most immediate item on my checklist. I play to my strengths to mitigate the weaknesses.
My site 3Steps.Today documents the 3 parts of my process:
- 1. Plan - Instead of wildy moving forward, take a step back and create a plan for the tasks at hand.
- 2. Act - Planning is just wishful thinking if you don't take action. Follow the Plan you made from step 1.
- 3. Review - Want to get better over time? Review the results of your actions from following your plan. Take a critical look at the results and find ways to improve.
That's it in a nutshell. I use a simple framework to keep myself on task and work toward thinking better. It's a way to use external items (a plan, pen and paper, etc.) to compensate for my inability to focus on - well, anything.
How do YOU Plan to succeed?
I use my own 3 step method (Plan - Act - Review) to overcome my weaknesses, and create strength. This allows me to plan to succeed. I enjoy the process so much that I have a site about it. :)
How to YOU plan your day to succeed? What areas of your life are weaknesses that planning helps to remedy?
I'd love to know! Leave a comment below!
Peace and Love,
-Rob
P.S. Don't consider my posts financial advice. Do your own research. I write for entertainment. One more thing - I'd love it if you signed up for my 3 Steps Today email list - I cover how to accomplish your daily goals in 3 steps.