When you're writing, if you're me, you've got your cat-eared headset on and you're in full hyperfocus. I'm a neurodivergent, but I often wonder if neuro-classical people know that hyperfocus can happen to anyone (it happens to you too).
Deep in focus
Hyperfocus is what it sounds like -- your attention is focused to the point that you lose track of extraneous things happening around you. I've seen this happen to lots of readers. I bet some of you can relate. :) Some think this is a feature of ADHD alone, but it's not. It's a human thing.
In terms of my ND, I'm a heavy-duty flow-state girl -- those very productive people who miss commitments because they were on another planet when the appointment rolled around. You don't have to tell me how irritating folks who do that can be. It's the degree of control people have over hyperfocus that makes the difference in divergents. This is part of what makes the advice you'll see online funny to me: "Avoid beginning the activities that trigger your hyperfocus before bedtime".
It makes me suspect they don't understand the process of hyperfocusing very well. But what do I know? I'm dropping into real time at 3AM and saying, "I guess it's bedtime."
It's a faulty braking system. And it has its pros and cons. For one thing, employers will happily exploit it to the point of sickness. But when an ND uses it for herself, it can be a great steering system.
Pulling triggers
One of my favourite tricks, if I want to zone-in quickly, is music. Again. I bet you can relate!
If you've read the Newsletter, you've already seen the link to music I'm using to get into the Cardinal Machine's space. I use this because it's tough -- as I expand on -- to switch gears from Ora and Ruel, to Zoey and Ocean. So I'm always on the lookout for songs that remind me of Zoey Collins. I thought I'd share a YouTube link (don't worry, these are just lyrics videos!) to one of the most 'Zoey' songs I've heard in a while!
Here's the link - Revenge....
Please wish me luck with Miss Zoey and Ocean. :)
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