Quarterly review and reflections on goals, along with revelations and implications
As the days grow longer and the weather warmer, one individual is looking forward to the third quarter of the year with renewed clarity and enthusiasm. This individual, who has a neurodiverse brain, understands the unique challenges that come with conditions such as autism or ADHD, and is sharing their strategies for managing seasonal transitions, particularly from winter to spring.
During the winter months, the individual found themselves in a state of deep focus and planning. However, as the spring arrives, they are ready to shift gears, embracing a lighter feeling with less desk time and more focus on home projects, gardening, and adventures.
To adjust monthly goals during this transition, the individual emphasizes flexibility, routine adjustments, and sensory considerations. Breaking goals into smaller, manageable increments, like weekly targets rather than broad monthly goals, helps reduce overwhelm and support focus during a period of change. Prioritizing tasks that yield the most value or satisfaction, then automating or eliminating less impactful ones, maximizes productivity without causing sensory or cognitive overload.
The individual also builds in sensory-friendly routines that accommodate seasonal changes. As outdoor weather improves, they gradually introduce new environments or activities in a controlled way to avoid sensory overload. Creating predictable structures with visual schedules or countdowns supports neurodiverse individuals who thrive on routine and predictability.
For ADHD specifically, resetting and reevaluating goals mid-year or seasonally can help regain motivation and relevance, recognizing that plan adherence may fluctuate due to executive function challenges. The individual also considers the sensory environment and adjusts tasks accordingly, for example, focusing more on indoor sensory-friendly activities during the winter and integrating more outdoor movement tailored to sensory preferences during the spring.
The process of a quarterly goal review provides structure and flexibility, particularly beneficial for managing neurodiversity. The individual conducts a monthly review of their goal setting and, in the past quarter's review, found that their goals for April were high-energy and not suitable for their current state. They implemented 'Plan B' lower energy options to stay on track, and the review was an emotional journey filled with frustration, pride, gratitude, and newfound clarity.
The individual realizes the importance of realistic goals set in manageable chunks. They will be focusing on three goals instead of twelve for April, reflecting on achievements such as completing a 6-month money review, garden updates, veg plot planning, and some house plans. Life is currently good, with work progressing well and personal tasks being handled by someone named Jono. The individual is optimistic and confident about tackling the next quarter's goals.
References:
[1] Holloway, A. (2021). Neurodiversity in the Workplace. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/02/neurodiversity-in-the-workplace
[2] Kapp, M. (2019). The Neurodiverse Workplace: A Guide to Optimizing for Neurodiversity. Wiley.
[3] Silverman, L. K., & O'Brien, J. P. (2019). The Misunderstood Child: ADHD and the Seemingly Normal Kid. Penguin.
[4] Winner, E. (2013). Gifted Children: Myths and Realities. Penguin.
Embracing the commencement of the third quarter, this individual, in recognition of their neurodiverse brain, embarks on a journey of personal growth through education and self-development. By setting realistic goals in manageable chunks, they strive for their own personal growth, focusing on three key goals that include financial analysis, gardening, and home planning.
In the pursuit of relentless productivity, the neurodiverse individual optimizes their goal-setting strategies, incorporating flexibility, routine adjustments, and sensory considerations, thereby ensuring a seamless transition from one season to another, fostering continued progress and growth.
