Some Practicle Tips for ADHD Programmers
January 25th 2012 23:54
This will probably be my last post on this subject, as I prefer to focus on things open source, but I did digress in the last post and feel I should add some pointers here.
The best I can do is just let you in on my own practices, and if you do not have this condition, read this post anyway as it helps anyone. You may even say, "Ya think?"
First and paramount for me is that if I cannot sit undisturbed for the block of time I need for a focus-intensive job, I wait. This is better than getting distracted and forgetting your place - losing your visual, and making that one-character mistake or forget to click something important.
I work in a flow that begins with solidifying a dynamic visual of all the parts of the whole on what task is at hand. This vision needs be unbroken while I work, and if so, I can work very fast and accurately, and hold a surprisingly detailed dynamic picture in my head.
Once I overheard a friend telling another friend his Dad could carve a chain out of a broom stick. I had the visual almost before he finished the statement. A meditation teacher had me start with visualizing a cup, then saying when I could hold that picture in my mind begin to turn it and examine different angles....but I was already drinking from it.
I have very strong visual skills, in other words, and I do not state this to brag, but do believe that this is common with ADHDers and also now that ANY programmer has good visual skills, anyway.
So, again, work when you can without being disturbed so you can keep the picture in your head.
I chuckle when I remember someone suggesting I write it down when I get interrupted so I remember it when I get back. Erm....
But actually, I have learned to ,return to the same place'. It still helps to work undisturbed.
Next advice is to keep your working space in PERFECT order! A cluttered desk and computer is an indicator of a cluttered and chaotic mind, in the first place. I cannot work in clutter. One day when working as a Xerox high-production printer tech, with a colleague, he got frustrated. He shrugs, and begins to put all his tools away. He very meticulously put every tool into its spot. I asked him what he was doing, first though assuming he was going to leave for a bit to collect himself. I was close, except he explained that he found it most helpful and calming to organize his tools when he got to a point like we were at trying to troubleshoot a problem with the machine.
I realized that I did this too, by keeping my jewelry bench and computer clean and organized at all times, as well as my desk. I have a small room with a chair and one desk that serves as my 'focus room'.
Next thing that I do is stay relaxed. Now here I may be playing certain kinds of music that tends to focus my mind. Andreas Vollenweider is a good example, or something else mellow.
Good habits help. Establish a set order of steps you perform for tasks you repeat. Also do the same for things not-so-regular. Sit and think some, getting that picture going.
If you actually do have ADHD, and are not taking medicine to help you, I do and am glad for it. Your choice there.
That's about it for today. Next blog I promise the subject will be back to the Way of Open Source!
The best I can do is just let you in on my own practices, and if you do not have this condition, read this post anyway as it helps anyone. You may even say, "Ya think?"
First and paramount for me is that if I cannot sit undisturbed for the block of time I need for a focus-intensive job, I wait. This is better than getting distracted and forgetting your place - losing your visual, and making that one-character mistake or forget to click something important.
I work in a flow that begins with solidifying a dynamic visual of all the parts of the whole on what task is at hand. This vision needs be unbroken while I work, and if so, I can work very fast and accurately, and hold a surprisingly detailed dynamic picture in my head.
Once I overheard a friend telling another friend his Dad could carve a chain out of a broom stick. I had the visual almost before he finished the statement. A meditation teacher had me start with visualizing a cup, then saying when I could hold that picture in my mind begin to turn it and examine different angles....but I was already drinking from it.
I have very strong visual skills, in other words, and I do not state this to brag, but do believe that this is common with ADHDers and also now that ANY programmer has good visual skills, anyway.
So, again, work when you can without being disturbed so you can keep the picture in your head.
I chuckle when I remember someone suggesting I write it down when I get interrupted so I remember it when I get back. Erm....
But actually, I have learned to ,return to the same place'. It still helps to work undisturbed.
Next advice is to keep your working space in PERFECT order! A cluttered desk and computer is an indicator of a cluttered and chaotic mind, in the first place. I cannot work in clutter. One day when working as a Xerox high-production printer tech, with a colleague, he got frustrated. He shrugs, and begins to put all his tools away. He very meticulously put every tool into its spot. I asked him what he was doing, first though assuming he was going to leave for a bit to collect himself. I was close, except he explained that he found it most helpful and calming to organize his tools when he got to a point like we were at trying to troubleshoot a problem with the machine.
I realized that I did this too, by keeping my jewelry bench and computer clean and organized at all times, as well as my desk. I have a small room with a chair and one desk that serves as my 'focus room'.
Next thing that I do is stay relaxed. Now here I may be playing certain kinds of music that tends to focus my mind. Andreas Vollenweider is a good example, or something else mellow.
Good habits help. Establish a set order of steps you perform for tasks you repeat. Also do the same for things not-so-regular. Sit and think some, getting that picture going.
If you actually do have ADHD, and are not taking medicine to help you, I do and am glad for it. Your choice there.
That's about it for today. Next blog I promise the subject will be back to the Way of Open Source!
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