Dear First name / friend, |
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This is the first edition of
the Chaos Filter!
And it's ADHD Awareness month, Halloween, and cooler weather!
Here in NC we get about 3 days of fall. Maybe 4… So it's worth getting excited about.
Anyway, I'm really glad you're here.
Let's jump in - this month we're talking about capacity.
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- Having time ≠ having capacity
- Your capacity is always in flux
- Tailor energy to capacity, or crash and burn.
- Grab your free energy tracker
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What is Capacity?
“stuffing ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag.”
That's what my dad used to say. He was a career marine and didn't mince words. I learned about the shit bags when I was five. |
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Here's what Google says about capacity: - the amount that something can produce
- the maximum amount that something can contain
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Great definitions for a machine Bullshit definitions for a human |
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As a human, you've got features that machines don't. - mental health
- life responsibilities
- sickness / injury
- fluctuating hormones
- etc, etc, etc
For example, if, as the Danish say, the communists are in the funhouse, you might be growling, not working. Or you might be pushing through no matter what.
For ADHDers, “pushing through no matter what,” seems like a fantastic solution. And you can push through to a point. |
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Like last month—my hyperfocus was strong.
I burst through my capacity like the Kool-Aid Man…but then I crashed for 3 full days. Thing is, stuffing 10 pounds of shit in a five pound bag only works for so long. You know that. I know that. So why do we still struggle with capacity? “I can do all things through hyperfocus which strengthens me.” Sorry babe, no you cannot. - You forget you've got an interest-driven brain. Once the novelty wears off, the hyperfocus and excitement wears off, too.
- Emotional dysregulation and people-pleasing. Recovering people pleaser here. It's so easy to say yes to all the things. Even things you don't want to. But even if you can get out of them, you're paying the ADHD tax.
- Deficit in working memory…you forgot what you already have on your plate and all of a sudden you need 4 sets of tupperware to hold all the sh*t you added.
- Lack of “meta-cognition," i.e., self-awareness. You're pretty sure it's fine and overestimate your ability to get things done. Can't do it all? Welcome to the shame spiral.
More ADHD tax. No matter how hard you push, your capacity will rupture. Eventually, your body will MAKE YOU listen. Rude. |
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And what about time?
24 hours is 24 hours. We all have 24 hours. But, and this is very important… we do not all have the same 24 hours. No matter what Mick Jagger says, time isn't on your side. |
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Of course, it's hard not to compare your insides to others outsides.
Especially when your capacity-limiting stuff is invisible. But if you do, you'll lose everytime. Only you can prevent forest fires, and determine your capacity in a 24 hour period. I know I just said ADHDers struggle to figure out capacity. We do. But here's what helps:
Honoring your capacity
by respecting your energy Here's how… |
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First, ask yourself: When are you most productive?
When do you focus best?
Morning, evening? I do best from 9 am to 11 am. Yours is what it is. Having trouble figuring it out?
Track your energy for a week You can do it by hand, emojis on your calendar, or an app. (I'm not affliated with any of these apps) Or grab my energy tracker here |
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See what you find out.
And if you bleed, don't discount the hormones. Anyway. That's enough for now.
I'll see you on the 21st for more on capacity and energy menu creation. |
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Happy ADHD
Awareness Month! |
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If you're struggling to manage your capacity, hit reply and let me know what's up. Or tell me about your pets. I'm here for that, too.
I respond to every email, you've just gotta send it!
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P.S. Dipping before diving. I'm dying to send this newsletter once a week, but I'm restraining myself. Yes, I know this is the first edition. It's giving me dopamine and I want more!!! I said I had ADHD, right? 😉 |
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I work with ADHD solopreneurs running mid-level business—successful-ish, but also paddling like mad to keep up. There's a better way.
My 1:1 coaching helps you build effective messaging, visibility, and sustainable systems for business growth that supports your ADHD strengths. |
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4030 Wake Forest Rd STE 349,
Raleigh, NC 27609, United States |
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