Breaks aren’t the problem. They might be your best productivity tool
Before we get started, please be reminded that TOMORROW is Overachievers Club where you will learn how to get more done in less time with more ease by RESTING in ways you never thought possible. I’m hosting a special guest all the way from the UK, Ula Carotto and I look forward to seeing you at noon eastern!
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How Strategic Breaks Can Tame Shiny Object Syndrome
Why your brain might be craving more than focus
If you find yourself chasing new ideas, abandoning plans mid-stream, or feeling pulled in too many directions, you might be dealing with shiny object syndrome. While this is a common challenge for many entrepreneurs, it can be especially intense for those with ADHD or other forms of neurodivergence.
The solution isn’t always “just get focused.” In fact, the answer might be the opposite: pause intentionally. Rest, rhythm, and purposeful breaks can become powerful tools to channel your creativity and bring your ideas to life.
Breaks aren’t lazy—they’re brain fuel
Let’s challenge the myth that productivity means constant motion. Breaks, especially ones that allow your mind to wander safely and creatively, can be a direct path to breakthroughs. Whether it’s coloring for 10 minutes or blocking off a full week without meetings, these pauses help you reset your nervous system and spark new ideas.
For example…in the private UnscatterMe Facebook group, I host “Coloring with Carol” every weekday at 8:00 AM Eastern. It’s free, it’s calming, and it’s a way to start the day gently while giving your brain a creative outlet. These tiny moments of stillness give your nervous system room to breathe—and they often lead to big ideas.
Strategic breaks for bigger gains
Consider structuring your schedule with consistent breaks, not just daily but monthly or even quarterly. This might look like:
- A full “no client week” each month for strategic or creative work
- A few no-meeting days to catch up or dream forward
- A ritual where you revisit parked ideas weekly or monthly
For neurodivergent entrepreneurs, this structure creates something essential: dopamine. Our brains tend to be dopamine-deprived and constantly seeking stimulation. Intentionally switching gears, rather than reacting impulsively, gives us what we crave—without derailing our progress.
Embrace ideas, then pause
As ideas come (and they will), don’t act on all of them immediately. Try jotting them down—maybe even on the back of a coloring page. Then, set a time to revisit those ideas with intention. This gives you space to reflect, prioritize, and decide what fits best in your current path.
Remember: ideation is a superpower. But execution is what brings results. Purposeful pauses help you balance both.
p.s. it was wonderful to hear how Vanessa was inspired, watch here