Bridge in the Pines

Excelling in Freelancing with ADHD: Proven Tips for Success

March 24, 2023 by Author Leave a Comment

Diving into the world of freelancing with ADHD can be an exciting yet challenging adventure, though the challenges may seem overwhelming. In this article, we’ll look at practical strategies to help you excel in your freelancing endeavors. Remember, you possess unique strengths and capabilities. By employing these tools and techniques, you will soon build a flourishing freelance business.

Time Management Techniques for Freelancers with ADHD

Time management can be a challenge for freelancers with ADHD. Here are some tools to help.

Effective time management is critical for any freelancer, and it’s especially crucial when you have ADHD or executive dysfunction. I know that sometimes, the day moves so quickly that I feel like I never got a chance to get anything done, but other times, it moves so slowly that I get bored and wander off and forget my task. Let’s explore some techniques that can help you take charge of your time:

Eisenhower Matrix for prioritizing tasks: This straightforward method assists you in categorizing tasks into four quadrants based on their urgency and significance. Concentrate on finishing urgent and essential tasks first, followed by vital but not urgent tasks.

Pomodoro Technique for breaking tasks into manageable chunks: Set a timer for 25 minutes and work on a task during that time. Afterward, take a brief break before starting another 25-minute work session. This technique aids in maintaining focus while allowing for regular breaks.

Develop routines and rituals: As a rule, consistent routines help establish structure and predictability in your day. Consider creating a morning routine to jump-start your day and allocate dedicated time for work, breaks, and personal activities.

Organizational Strategies for Freelancers with ADHD

Keeping organized is a key challenge for ADHD freelancing.

Organization is crucial to staying on top of your work and maintaining focus. When I lose one thing, I tend to lose five other things when I am digging to find it. It helps if I take a few minutes here and there to tidy up and make sure things are where they go.

Here are some tips to help you stay organized:

Utilize digital tools for task and project management: Apps like Asana, Todoist and Trello can help you monitor your tasks and deadlines, while time tracking apps like Toggl and Harvest offer insights into how you spend your time. If you organize better when you physically write things down, try a printable daily planner or priority list.

As much as possible, set up a dedicated workspace: Create a comfortable and organized space where you can work without distractions. This helps signal to your brain that it’s time to concentrate on work.

Adopt a system for organizing files and documents: Establish a consistent method for naming, storing, and organizing your files. This will help you save time and avoid frustration.

Communication and Collaboration for Freelancers with ADHD

Effective communication and collaboration are vital for a thriving freelance career. Here are some tips for cultivating positive relationships with clients and collaborators:

Establish clear boundaries and expectations: Explicitly communicate your availability, response times, and project scope to prevent misunderstandings and manage expectations.

Utilize collaboration tools: Platforms like Slack and Google Workspace can streamline communication and teamwork, ensuring everyone remains on the same page.

Schedule routine check-ins: Organize periodic meetings with clients or team members to discuss progress, address concerns, and maintain accountability.

Leveraging Strengths and Passions for ADHD Freelancers

While learning to do things you aren’t already good at can help grow your skillset, leaning into your strengths helps you unlock your ADHD freelancing superpowers.

Your unique skills and passions can set you apart in the freelance world:

Focus on areas of expertise: Concentrate on projects that emphasize your strengths and showcase your abilities. If you can, find a way to delegate tasks. That is, pick things you aren’t good at or don’t want to do. Give to someone who likes doing them or is better at them than you are.

Pursue projects aligned with personal interests and values: Seek work that resonates with your passions, as this will keep you engaged and motivated. Tap into that hyperfixation.

Develop a personal brand highlighting unique skills and strengths: Build a captivating online presence that reflects your expertise. Highlight the value you bring to clients. Show your personality so your people can find you.

Networking and Support Systems for Freelancers with ADHD

Getting a network that can support you in your goals takes time, but can be easier to do with a few pointed tips.

Creating a robust network and support system can significantly impact your freelancing journey:

Connect with online communities and forums for freelancers with ADHD or executive dysfunction: Engage with others who share your experiences and learn from their insights. Generally, these people will have connections with employers and other contacts who are understanding about your condition.

Attend local meetups and networking events: Form valuable connections and broaden your professional circle. An example of such a local meetup might be Toastmasters.

Seek mentorship and guidance: Reach out to successful freelancers who can offer advice and support as you navigate your career.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance for Freelancers with ADHD

Achieving and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for your overall well-being and long-term success as a freelancer:

Set boundaries between work and personal life: Establish distinct boundaries between your work and personal life. This way, you can prevent burnout and maintain balance.

Incorporate regular breaks and self-care activities: Prioritize self-care by scheduling regular breaks, exercise, and relaxation activities to recharge and maintain focus.

Embrace flexibility: Freelancing offers the unique opportunity to create a work schedule that suits your individual needs and preferences. Take advantage of this flexibility to construct a routine that works for you.

Above all, perseverance and adaptability are vital components for a successful freelancing career, particularly for those of us with ADHD or executive dysfunction. Keep in mind, you possess unique strengths and talent. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can build a flourishing freelance business. By and large, everything is built one small piece at a time. If you keep taking small steps, eventually, you will grow your freelance business. Embrace your journey and be kind to yourself along the way. Your success is within reach, and with the right mindset and tools, you’ll discover that you can accomplish great things.

Freelancing with ADHD: Three Easy Tips for Success

March 23, 2023 by Author Leave a Comment

Freelancing with ADHD has some unique challenges that those without ADHD will not face. However, embarking on a freelance journey offers an empowering opportunity for individuals facing executive dysfunction challenges, such as those associated with ADHD or bipolar disorder. Although this may be true, for those who find traditional workplaces restrictive, freelancing can be a game-changer. By employing personalized strategies, you can establish a successful and fulfilling freelance business tailored to your needs. Read on for a step-by-step guide that can help nudge you toward freelance success, even if you have had failures in the past.

Three tips for freelancing with ADHD — One of the benefits of freelancing with ADHD is that you can choose your work location.

Step 1: Navigating ADHD in Freelancing: Tips for Staying Focused and Productive

Flexibility is the most important thing for individuals with ADHD. Chiefly, you have to realize that making yourself do anything in a forceful way is abusive to yourself and will just lead to burnout. Basically, you must let your creativity lead and follow your energy levels. Freelancing allows you to create your own schedule and work environment to suit your unique requirements. Consider these tips for maintaining focus and productivity:

Divide your goals into smaller, manageable tasks
Optimize your workspace to boost productivity
Employ productivity tools and techniques
Make adjustments for high or low energy days.

Step 2: Balancing Mental Health and Freelancing: Tips for a Healthy Work-Life Harmony

Starting a freelance business presents an ideal opportunity to prioritize your mental well-being. To strike a healthy balance between work and personal life, reflect on the following tips:

Establish a structured daily routine
Take breaks as needed
Foster a supportive work environment
Listen to your intuition and your body

Step 3: Launching a Freelance Business with Bipolar Disorder: Tips for Achieving Success

Pursuing a freelance business offers individuals with bipolar disorder the chance to attain success while maintaining stability. To set yourself up for success, consider implementing tailored strategies like:

Crafting a comprehensive business plan
Setting achievable incremental goals
Keeping track of organization and progress using productivity tools or planners.

Always remember that although launching a successful freelance venture can be challenging for anyone, but with perseverance, personalized steps, and a positive attitude, you can reach your goals. As a matter of fact, it just takes putting one foot in front of the other every time you can. As long as you can gradually apply them, these tips for successful freelancing with executive dysfunction can help you take control of your work environment and schedule, leading to a fulfilling and prosperous freelance business.

Embrace the opportunity and take charge of your future today!

Free Printable Goth Daily Planner Download – JPG and PDF

February 27, 2023 by admin Leave a Comment

Are you a goth looking for a way to stay organized? Check out this free downloadable goth planner for your day. This planner is designed to help you stay on top of your day-to-day tasks and keep your life running smoothly. This goth daily planner is designed to be easy to use and understand. It uses a simple, intuitive layout that makes it easy to find what you need. You can download an image of the goth daily planner below, or click the link at the bottom of the page to download a printable PDF.

Overall, using a daily planner can help you stay organized and on top of your tasks. You can prioritize your tasks and plan ahead for upcoming events. This goth daily planner can also keep track of your progress and accomplishments, which can be very motivating. In addition, it can help you stay focused and productive because it allows you to break down your tasks into manageable chunks. A daily planner can help you reduce stress and anxiety, as it can help you stay on top of your commitments and deadlines.

This planner is designed with a witchy and gothic aesthetic. This look might appeal to anyone who likes the goth and witchy style. This is more of a cute goth style than a scary one, though. There’s even a cute little fit goth in the exercise part for fun.

So, if you’re basically looking for a way to stay organized and on top of your day-to-day tasks, this free downloadable goth planner is the perfect solution. Download it today and start staying organized! If you want, you can check out my Etsy store for more goth planner options.

Click here to download a free PDF version of the goth daily planner.

5 Productivity Songs to Improve Work – No Lyrics, Driving Beat

October 4, 2022 by Author Leave a Comment

Our website is supported by our users. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I might earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. This won’t cost you anything, but it helps make sure that we can continue to serve you helpful content.

Getting stuff done is hard, particularly when you have conditions like bipolar disorder or ADHD that make it difficult for you to focus. Sometimes it can be difficult to focus even without these conditions if you have a noisy or distracting life. Here are 5 productivity songs that I listen to when I am trying to get some work done. These raise my work energy and productivity without being distracting. They have no lyrics but a driving beat that helps me move my work forward.

5 Productivity Songs

This song, as implied by its title, has a very video game feel. If it can make you jump over pools of lava and fight dragons, it can make you do that Excel spreadsheet!

This is another video gamey piece, but it is a little darker. It is really good if you are doing a task that doesn’t go smoothly, like editing something that is rather poorly written.

This song is short and has a clunky beat and a very digital sound where nothing sounds real. This is good for tasks where you get interrupted a lot.

If you want to feel like you’re cool and smooth in a cyberpunk wonderland while you work, check this one out. This is good for when you are designing something and you need to have your hip vibes kicking.

This one is for the fan of classic dance in their productivity songs. Everyone knows BT; this time BT will help you write that email you’ve been putting off!

Favorite meditation apps: Headspace, Flow Lab, Insight Timer

September 30, 2022 by Author Leave a Comment

The advent of meditation apps has been a blessing for people like me who want to meditate but need some help getting it done. I have been meditating most of my life and didn’t know it. In my younger years, a friend introduced me to Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. The book was a little bit further into the fantastical than I was/am ready to venture. However, I got the point that a full life requires mindfulness.

I started to look into meditation and just got rolling on the basic stuff; breathing focus and sitting meditation. When I started practicing yoga, the connectedness amazed me. I marveled at how the breath acted as support for the body and how it could help you move. I began doing breathing exercises while running through the forest. While running, I experienced a crazy sort of connection to my body that made me feel like I was flying. I looked further into meditation techniques. Through this, I found out I had been doing them on my own ever since I was a kid.

I have stopped and started meditating many times since then. It has always been difficult for me to meditate. I use multiple apps for meditation that help me do the type of meditation that is right for me in the moment; I think I have undiagnosed ADHD, so I have to change it up all the time and keep it new. My favorite meditation apps right now are Headspace, Insight Timer, and Flow Lab. I’ve tried a bunch, and most of them are fine, but these those that I continue to use.

What I like most about the Headspace meditation app are its Sleepcasts and the meditation training levels. Sleepcasts are meditations with relaxing sounds and bedtime stories. The stories change a little bit every time you listen to them and that are designed to help you fall asleep. Moonsoon Hour and Rainday Antiques are my favorites. I like its meditation levels. They start out very guided and gradually walk you into meditating in silence. For students, Headspace has a student plan that makes it very affordable.

Insight Timer operates as a basic timer system that lets you program it for different types of meditation. It is a very simple meditation app, and if you just want to do a sit in silence, it is the best thing for that. Sometimes, I find it too much of a pain to set up and just use my phone timer, though.

Flow Lab functions a bit differently from other meditation apps. Its focus is on training your mind for success. Using AI and some quizzes, it figures out what marker of “Flow,” or a peak productive state, you need to improve in order to achieve flow. This app is remarkably well-designed. It guides you through audio visualizations and sometimes hypnosis-like meditations for the purpose of addressing your barriers to flow. It is helpful for when I need to get myself back on track, and the quality of the recordings is good.

Review: The Best Hair Mask for Dry and Frizzy Hair

March 22, 2022 by Author Leave a Comment

The Best Hair Mask for a Luxurious, Pampering Experience:

Briogeo: Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

The Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask by Briogeo is the best choice if you are looking for a luxurious hair mask experience.

Sometimes, the point of putting a hair mask on your frizzy or dry hair is simply self care and luxury. You want to pamper yourself while applying the silky, fragrant product to your hair and letting it soak in while you blow through gossip articles and chat with your friends. For this purpose, the Don’t Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask by Briogeo is the best choice.

When I used it, the product was silky and was pleasant to work through my hair. It has a natural-smelling light floral scent that I find absolutely bewitching. This product goes on after you shampoo, so I like to take a bath, shampoo my hair, apply it, and then grab my phone (don’t drop it in!) and read a book or just idly browse the internet while it soaks in. One disadvantage is that this product did require a large amount to work through my dense, poufy mane, and this can be messy. As an added bonus (and one that helped me make the choice to try their products before others), Briogeo is a Black-owned Company.

The Best Hair Mask for its Repairing Effect on Hair:

Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Olaplex No. 8 Hair Mask is the best hair mask overall because it is highly effective.

The Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask is the best hair mask for those seeking results without a lot of frills, as it is unscented.

Peruse the beauty blogs in search of a hair mask to repair damaged hair, and you will come across Olaplex No. 8 repeatedly. It touts salon-quality results, partially because it is a treatment that is used in salons. Its price per ounce was a little daunting, so I was hesitant to give this a try. However, it is my overall winner. First of all, it improved my hair texture the most. The frizzies were gone, and the pouf was tamed. Second of all, it took only a few tiny squirts of the product to coat my hair. The small amount needed sort of offsets that somewhat shocking price per ounce. It is easy to use and not messy at all because you use so little that there aren’t blobs of product to rinse out when you are done.

One attribute that you could consider to be a plus or a drawback is that it has no scent. For those who are scent sensitive like I am, an unscented hair mask is a good bet. With no scent, you can be sure the smell isn’t going to fling you into a three-day migraine. If your aim is practical results on your hair, this is the best product. However, for those seeking a luxurious, scented hair mask experience, Olaplex No. 8 will disappoint. It is straight and to the point, no frills, no smells.

The Best Hair Mask on a Budget:

Hask Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner

If you don’t have $30-40 to spend on a container of hair mask (or don’t want to), the best hair mask for you is Hask Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner. This hair mask had a great effect on my dry and frizzy hair that lasted a few days. Applying it is also a pampering and luxurious experience because it has an enjoyable texture and a wonderful scent.

One thing to consider is that it took one and a half single-use containers of this to fully treat my dense longish hair. If you decide you really, really like this product after giving it a try, Sam’s Club has a big ol’ box of it. Buying it bulk at Sam’s Club brings the price down by almost half per pouch.

The Best Hair Mask is Two Hair Masks

This has been my conclusion after an extensive search for the best hair mask. In the end, I found out that I want two things out of a hair mask. I want a scent I like for an indulgent and luxurious experience and (chiefly) effectiveness. I have not yet found the holy grail best hair mask that meets all my needs, but I at least have a few good standbys that I know will do what I want them to do.

The Free Printable Daily Priority List Template That Will Transform Your Life

February 23, 2022 by Author Leave a Comment

Many people have lengthy to-do lists with tasks they need to complete for the day. It can be overwhelming to make one, and sometimes you don’t even know where to start. One way to make this process easier is by using this free printable daily priority list template. By using this template, you can plan out your day in advance and prioritize the most important things first. You’ll be able to see what needs your attention most and how much time you need for each task on your list. This will help you stay more focused and productive throughout your day.

This free printable template can be used every day as a reminder of the most important tasks of the day.

Why You Need a Daily Priority List Template

A daily priority list template is an important part of your daily life, especially if you run a business. It helps you stay focused and stay on top of what needs to get done every day. If you’ve ever had a checklist, this is the same idea, but a priority list focuses on the most important tasks that need to be done each day and skips listing minor tasks that might take your attention away from what really matters that day.

Using the Daily Priority List Template

The first thing you should do is download the free printable template and print it out.

1) Focus on prioritizing your tasks or you’ll be wasting time on things that don’t matter. Think about what needs your attention most and start there. You may want to start with just three tasks a day to keep your attention on the most important things.

2) Put this list somewhere where you can see it throughout the day.

3) Cross off items as you complete them so you can feel accomplished and stay motivated!

Use a pen or an ink color that you find inspiring and motivating!

Conclusion

This Free Daily Priority List Template works as a free printable project management tool that will help you plan your day ahead and prioritize your tasks. It’s a perfect way to ensure that you stay on top of all your important tasks and do them in the right order.

If you want to get started with this template, download it for free at the link below:

Free Printable Daily Priority List Template — Click here to download this free template as a PDF.

Free Printable Weekly Goal Setting Template

February 18, 2022 by Author Leave a Comment

Download this free printable weekly goal setting template for a relaxing way to display your main weekly goals. This is the PDF template I use to record my main weekly goal in each category. I have left a couple of categories blank so you can write in your own.

The way that I use it is this: I identify the main goal that I am trying to reach in that category that week (usually a progression of the goal the previous week), and write it in the printed out sheet and put it somewhere where I will look at it often. For example, for Fitness, last week my goal was to reach 20 active minutes per day on my Fitbit. This week, my goal is to reach 25 active minutes per day. You can print a new one out each week if your goals change, or if they tend to stay the same, you can just fill it out and post it once.

Writing out your main weekly goals is a proven way of increasing your success in meeting your goals. Some personal development guides suggest writing these out two weeks in advance, but if one week is better for meeting your goals, do what works for you.

Remember to set goals that you can quantify and that are attainable to keep you addicted to reaching your weekly goals.

I hope you enjoy this free printable weekly goal setting template.

Free Printable Weekly Goal Setting Template for writing out and displaying your main weekly goal. — Click to download the PDF version.

3 Best Relaxing Cozy Winter Ambience Youtube Videos

January 8, 2022 by Author Leave a Comment

When you want to fill your home with winter vibes, bask in a ski lodge, or seclude yourself in a winter forest with falling snow (but your home environment doesn’t do winter and you never see snow), Youtube winter ambience videos can bring you your needed winter joy. Check out these three stellar winter ambience videos that will will make you feel the winter spirit without actually going outside or being cold.

Three Best Relaxing Winter Ambience Videos on Youtube

1. Winter Cozy Cabin in Snowstorm Ambience: Fireplace, Howling Wind, Relaxing Blizzard Sounds for Sleep by The Alley of Ambience.

This is an exceptional winter ambience video because it has high definition. In this video, there is a lot to like going on, but without it being too busy. The fireplace is one of the best I’ve seen in winter videos; the fire is realistic, and it even has the detailed touch of an ash drawer.

The window showing the outside snow is large. Because of this, you get the effect of real snowy winter forest in your room, particularly if you have a large television to view it on. There is a rock wall, a large bookshelf, and a comfy chair with a steaming hot mug of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. There are also plants around the room that look very realistic. Overall, this is one of my favorite renders to put on for winter ambience while I study or just relax and read a book.

2. Crackling Fire for Studying, Reading or Just Relaxing by Blissful Ambience

This snowy ambience video is great if you are looking for a winter ambience with a luxury feel. It is in a huge room with a large snowy window. The great big fireplace is inset into a stone wall. There is a giant couch with a marble coffee table with some books, candles, and an orchid on it. There is also an elegant horse statue near the window.

The outdoor background shows snow falling and snowy trees on them bunched in front of the window. It is a beautiful, relaxing winter ambience video that makes you feel like you are sitting in a warm ski lodge in front of a roaring fire.

3. Cosy Winter Ambience | Snow Falling with 10 hours Fireplace Sounds | Sleep, Study, Meditation by Kick Back

If you prefer to get cozy in a smaller room, or you like more modern, minimalist winter scenes, you may like the video below. Like the others, it has a fireplace, but this fireplace extends down from the ceiling and ends in a ball shape and does not touch the floor.

The room is almost all white with interesting art on the walls. Also, it has simple but comfortable furniture that looks to be midcentury modern. The snowy window in this ambience video is misty, with sparse trees. It looks like the occupants have been sharing a glass of wine and enjoying the view of the snow. There is indeed a cat somewhat hidden just behind the arm of one of the chairs.

That is it for this list of my favorite winter ambience videos on Youtube. I hope this is what you needed. Enjoy the snow and fireplace sounds and share the relaxation with your loved ones.