Episode 34: Sydney Jackson-Clockston

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

Welcome to episode #34 We’re thrilled to be joined by Sydney Jackson-Clockston today.

Sydney Jackson-Clockston is a Leadership Development and Entrepreneurial Coach, Trainer, Speaker, and Author. She recently published "My Own Worst Enemy: Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome," a book that delves into conquering negative self-talk and reframing one's mindset for a fulfilling life. Her expertise lies in thought leadership, facilitating tough conversations, building inclusive cultures, DEIJA, and empathy. Sydney is a recipient of the 2022 Good Business Colorado Award and holds certifications in Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid - Youth, Harassment Prevention, and Crisis Prevention and Intervention. She is affiliated with various organizations, including Consultants For Good and the Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce...

Welcome to the show Sydney!

Questions

1. Can you tell us about your experience with dyslexia especially writing your book?
   1. loved school growing up. Mum was educator
   2. 2nd/3rd grade spelling bees = major challenge
   3. spent hours studying but spelling didn’t land
   4. teacher assumed she was smart but lazy - not helpful!
   5. mum helped advocate for school to do testing
   6. testing showed high IQ but difficulty spelling
   7. other kids and colleagues laughed at her for spelling
   8. negative experiences led to imposter syndrome
   9. writing book has been an opportunity to reframe those experiences
   10. awareness has improved but still some stigma, e.g. manager said she was unprofessional for spelling mistakes
   11. software is now making dyslexia less problematic
       1. spell check/grammarly
       2. read aloud now basically free
2. What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
   1. Event coordination: library opening, Good Business Colorado
   2. Coaching entrepreneurs
3. How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
   1. Getting married in two weeks!
   2. Travel (even started travel agency)
      1. New Orleans: food, music, culture
      2. Panama: not too crowded
   3. Film
   4. Volunteering
   5. Decompress
   6. Nature time - earthing
4. What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
   1. Brush teeth/hygiene
   2. Gratitude journal
   3. Ease into day
5. What do you do to optimise productivity during your working hours?
   1. Ta Da list: highlight what you already did and say “Ta Da!”
   2. Underscheduling: keep blank space in the calendar
   3. Setting expectations: when onboarding new clients, tell them how long it’s going to take for a response
   4. Automate data entry: calendly link with questions
6. COMMERCIAL BREAK
7. What is one habit you'd like to remove from your life (either a bad habit or one that takes up too much time)?
   1. Stress snacking
8. How do you switch off at night?
   1. It’s hard when working from home/being an entrepreneur!
   2. Turn off computer and take dogs for a walk
   3. Don’t check emails after 5pm
      1. Mindset work means she’s good at not checking
      2. Tactic from friends: separate work phone
   4. Family time with partner and niece
9. What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?
   1. Books:
      1. “My own worst enemy” her book
      2. “The Laziness Lie”
      3. Brenee Brown
      4. “Why we sleep” Matthew Walker
      5. Recommendations in her linktree
   2. Apps:
      1. Mindfulness - helps with sleep
   3. Philosophies:
      1. Coaching/therapy is helpful for most people
10. Where can people connect with you or find your work?
    1. https://citrineunlimited.com
    2. https://linktr.ee/citrineunlimited
    3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneyjc
11. Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?
    1. Get her book! “My own worst enemy”
    2. Passion over perfection - not everything has to be perfect

Joey's Creativity Course: https://thepluckyjester.com/habitling-habit-building-course/