Episode 46: Eric Tivers

Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Feb 12 2024 • 51 mins

Welcome to episode #46 We’re thrilled to be joined by Eric Tivers today.

Eric Tivers is a trained Licensed Clinical Social Worker turned coach and is the Founder and CEO of ADHD reWired. Since 2014, Eric has produced over 500 episodes of his Podcast, ADHD reWired. He's a leader in providing online group coaching and community-based growth programs for adults with ADHD. His coaching and accountability groups were recognized at the 2019 International Conference on ADHD as an innovative program of the year. Eric also runs a virtual coworking community for adults with ADHD called Adult Study Hall. You can learn more about ADHD reWired at www.adhdrewired.com

Welcome to the show Eric!

Questions

Can you tell us about your experience with neurodiversity? When did you realize that you weren’t neurotypical? What challenges did you face? What is it like now?
1. Got diagnosed in college: struggled with study (divergent thinking during reading made it difficult to absorb content)
2. Saw psychiatrist after two semesters of struggling: off the charts inattentive ADHD
3. Prescribed Adderal and it made a huge difference: doubled his GPA
4. Perfectionism reared its head, especially during grad school
5. Observations about ADHD over the last 20 years:
  1. It was stigmatized in the past (e.g. not safe to disclose at work)
  2. Language: used to be person-first language (person with ADHD) - now it’s “ADHDers” or “I have ADHD”
  3. Superpowers? Important to work on challenges as well as lean into strengths
What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
1. Intensive accountability groups (12 people support each other)
  1. Structured content + peer-to-peer support
  2. Long term planning
  3. Self compassion
  4. Focus on resilience instead of consistency
    1. Consistency is a lagging indicator
How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
1. Used to be a mountain biker
2. Pickleball - ADHD friendly because you can just show up
3. Music
What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
1. Depends on whether have son or not
2. 6.30 am wake up (every day because oth)
3. High protein breakfast (same each day)
4. Workout most mornings (exercise for the brain)
5. Shower
6. Similar lunch each day (make it the night before)
What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?
1. Saying No to a lot of projects: “The less I do, the more productive I am”
2. Identifying peak hours for productivity
3. Leadership
COMMERCIAL BREAK
What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?
1. Working non-stop - helped by having a son and knowing about the power of breaks
How do you switch off at night?
1. Don’t start any creative project after 5 pm/6 pm (will ignore cues of hunger/bathroom)
2. Make lunch before making dinner (hunger is a motivator to do it fast)
3. Get son ready for bed
4. Go for a motorbike ride
What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?
1. Community (adult study hall)
2. Podcast (ADHD ReWired)
3. YouTube: Justine McCabe (lots of due diligence to make sure it’s evidence-based)
4. Audiobooks
Where can people connect with you or find your work?
1. adhdrewired.com
Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?
1. Be kind to yourself