Episode 18: Michelle Markman

Focus and Chill - productivity tactics for AuDHDers and other neurodivergent folks

Welcome to episode #18 We’re thrilled to be joined by Michelle Markman today. Michelle Markman is a neurodivergent life coach in Orange County California. She is a late-diagnosed autistic adult and has faced and overcome many life struggles and dark nights of the soul. She is also a solo world traveler and adventure seeker; has taught herself to drive a manual transmission car, ride motorcycles, solo camp and hike, rock climb and conquer several high ropes courses. She has led Outdoor Trips with her University and a group she founded Outdoor Mamas; a group focused on getting moms and kids outdoors. She studied abroad in Europe and traveled to Africa solo to climb Kilimanjaro the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Welcome to the show Michelle!

Questions

1. JN: How does your neurodiversity impact your productivity both positively and negatively?
   1. Diagnosed at 27 yo
   2. Brother diagnosed with autism + ADHD
   3. Didn’t think she was neurodivergent
   4. The social definition of disability: disability only contextual
   5. Working from home
      1. Ability to take frequent breaks
      2. Setup your environment for success
2. JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
   1. Mentioning WFH being a game changer,
   2. Relationship coach for late-diagnosed neurodivergent individuals
   3. Writing a book
      1. Combination of her story and experiences and how she uses those to help others with relationships and communication
      2. Preparing structure
3. JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
   1. New toddler mum
      1. Hiking
   2. Adventures
      1. Kilimanjaro
         1. Surrender to the climb
4. JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
   1. Toddler has made it more challenging but still prioritizes
      1. Before toddler - early 5 am start with yoga, journaling
      2. Really heartwarming to hear how having a toddler has changed her life
   2. Gratitude Journal
   3. Exercise
      1. Cycling
      2. Yoga
   4. Hot chocolate (not coffee)
5. JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?
   1. Setting up environment for success
   2. Schedule everything
      1. Breaks
      2. Lunch
      3. Exercise
   3. Written task list
   4. Managing hyperfocus
      1. Breaks but sometimes if you’re in the flow it’s hard to break
6. JC: How do you switch off at night?
   1. Structure and routines
      1. Strict bedtime routine
         1. Watch show as family
         2. Bath/shower
         3. Camomile/lavender tea
         4. Blackout curtains + sleep mask
         5. Having some alone time
      2. Needs 9 hours
      3. Morning routine sets the tone for the day, Evening routine sets the tone for the next day
         1. Can talk about insidious sleep deprivation awareness (the more deprived you are, the less likely you are to know you are)
7. JN: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?
   1. Books:
      1. Neurotribes
      2. Unmasking Autism
      3. Martin Seligman/Flow author
   2. Apps
      1. Todoist
      2. Alarm
      3. Trello
   3. Common romantic relationship themes for clients? E.g. “Be yourself, everyone else is taken” (assuming romantic relationship coach)
      1. Don’t mask
      2. Have hobbies outside the relationship
8. JC: Where can people connect with you or find your work?
   1. michellemarkman.com
   2. Neurodivergent Relationship/Social Support Forum
9. JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?
   1. It gets better
   2. Embrace your strengths