Member-only story

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.

Murray "MJ" Blehart
6 min readMar 15, 2022
keep writing — even when distracted
Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash

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.

Distractions are everywhere

--

--

Murray "MJ" Blehart
Murray "MJ" Blehart

Written by Murray "MJ" Blehart

I explore mindfulness, positivity, philosophy, & conscious reality creation. I love to help & inspire. Also, I write sci-fi/fantasy. http://mjblehart.com

Responses (1)