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How Do I Combat (ADOS) Attention Deficit Ooooh-Shiny Syndrome and Keep Writing?
Sometimes it feels like the work to keep writing really is akin to combat.
I do not suffer from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), or any other diagnosable of that nature. Yet I still often must fight to keep my attention.
I stole this from a friend many years ago — but I refer to my problem as Attention Deficit Oooooooo-Shiny Syndrome.
Something shiny will catch my attention and draw me away from my creative work. It can be the internet, my cat, a trip to the bathroom, a call, or worst-case scenario — good ‘ole self-sabotage.
Before I get into this further — a very important note. I am in no way lessening, disregarding, nor otherwise speaking ill of those with diagnosable disorders of this ilk. If you suffer ADD or ADHD, or any other similar issue, I am not trying to appropriate nor dismiss your struggles. What you must deal with is far more difficult than my self-inflicted attention span issues.
That written — I’d like to share my perspective, because I know I am not alone in having this problem.