The Catch-22 of ADHD and Technology: Tom’s Journey to Embrace the Digital World
Dec 26, 2023
Tom was known for his wicked sense of humor and his outrageous impatience when it came to tech support. Tom’s friends and family often found themselves chuckling at his comical antics while he was on hold with customer service. They’d witness him pacing around the room like a caged lion, swearing under his breath, and occasionally yelling at inanimate objects.
The ADHD Catch-22
This comical impatience created a barrier for Tom, preventing him from accessing technologies that could support his ADHD. He desperately needed the help of these tools, but his lack of patience hindered him from learning and implementing them effectively. It was a classic ADHD catch-22: Tom needed the assistance of technology to better manage his ADHD, but his ADHD-related impatience stopped him from embracing the very solutions that could improve his life.
Embracing Technology
Tom’s friends, aware of his struggles, would often suggest various technologies that could help with his ADHD. They extolled the virtues of:
- AI assistants
- Online calendars
- Productivity apps
Despite their encouragement, Tom felt that learning these new technologies would be an insurmountable barrier, and the mere thought of diving into the unknown world of digital tools made him uneasy.
One day, Tom decided to take a leap of faith and enroll in a class on how to use online calendars and their features. To his surprise, the time and effort he invested in learning this new technology began to pay off. As he mastered the intricacies of the online calendar, he found himself better able to plan, organize, and keep track of his daily tasks. The once daunting barrier had turned into a gateway to newfound productivity and success, inspiring Tom to explore more technological solutions to support his ADHD journey.
The ADHD Pomodoro
Tom’s newfound understanding of online calendars introduced him to the concept of the “ADHD Pomodoro”. This technique involved scheduling blocks of focused work time, followed by breaks for rewarding and stimulating activities. Unlike the traditional Pomodoro technique, which prescribes 25 minutes of work and a 5-minute break, the ADHD Pomodoro is flexible, allowing for different time segments based on the individual’s needs and motivation.
Tom started scheduling his learning sessions using the ADHD Pomodoro technique. For every 15 minutes of focused effort, he would indulge in a fun activity that appealed to his ADHD personality.
His calendar was soon filled with a mix of learning sessions and engaging activities that both motivated and entertained him. Tom enjoyed video games, going for a walk, sketching in a notebook or checking in with social media for a limited time.
Tom's Transformation
By combining the power of the ADHD Pomodoro technique with activities that catered to his ADHD tendencies, Tom managed to turn the once overwhelming task of learning new technology into a manageable and enjoyable process. He now had the tools and strategies in place to continue exploring other technologies that could further support his ADHD journey.
Tom’s story serves as an inspiring example for those who face similar challenges. By taking small, manageable steps and incorporating rewarding activities, even the most daunting tasks can become approachable and enjoyable. So, for anyone struggling with ADHD and technology, remember Tom’s journey, and know that the power to change lies within your grasp. Just take it one ADHD Pomodoro at a time!
