Revolutionizing ADHD Procrastination with a Simple Receipt Printer
Procrastination, especially for those with ADHD, can often seem like an insurmountable challenge. Yet, what if the solution lay in something as innocuous as a receipt printer? Laurie Ello’s innovative approach combines elements from video gaming, breaking down tasks into manageable loops, and utilizing the feedback mechanism of games to drive productivity.
Understanding Game Addiction
Laurie, who has battled ADHD-related procrastination for over two decades, found herself often lost in the captivating world of video games. Recognizing that if games held her attention, then perhaps the mechanics could be applied to daily tasks, she embarked on a journey to unpack game addiction. Games, particularly first-person shooters, are characterized by rapid loops of feedback—an aimed shot results in a hit or miss, with instant auditory and visual responses.
Creating Task Loops
Translating this to real-life, Laurie advocates for the game loop to be applied to task management: break down tasks like house cleaning into smaller, quicker tasks. The concept is simple; frequent, brief tasks offer instant gratification—a key ingredient in maintaining focus and motivation.
The Role of Feedback
The transformation begins with transforming tasks into tangible entities. Laurie suggests writing each task on a sticky note, creating a physical representation of to-dos, and storing completed tasks in a transparent jar. This simple action not only provides visual feedback but also makes tasks feel more concrete and manageable.
Making It a Habit
Starting with easy tasks akin to defeating the easiest foes in a role-playing game, Laurie builds her day with momentum. Starting small, like brewing coffee, she sets a chain of microtasks that set the tone for the day. It’s not about giant leaps but about building consistency.
The Receipt Printer Revolution
Despite the effectiveness, creating dozens of sticky notes daily was burdensome. The breakthrough came when Laurie integrated a receipt printer into her routine, inspired by a post on Reddit. Printing task lists using a thermal receipt printer automated the process, allowing her to stay consistent without the manual hassle. This method, Laurie’s personalized app, and organizational system revolutionized her productivity, stabilizing her work routine and drastically improving her efficiency.
Laurie exclaims that her productivity is now unwavering, a drastic shift from her past roller coaster of productivity and stagnation. This system, combining the principles of gaming with practical task management, promises a new way to tackle procrastination.
As stated in GIGAZINE, such innovative approaches are life-changing for those struggling with ADHD procrastination.
