Thursday Press #111: is this the smartest thing ever?
[21 DEC 2023] 23 lessons from Zoloft to lizards
"That's the smartest thing you've ever said"
Now, I don't mean to toot my own horn, friend, but I consider myself a pretty smart person.
And while I'm sure I say plenty of smart things, what I'd told my friend hardly merited the "smartest thing ever" designation she'd given it.
Wanna know what it was?
Of course you do. What a silly question.
Here's how the convo went down. (and yes, we're both named Sara(h), yes it's confusing, I'm sorry)
Sara: I really need to organize my Canva. I'm never going to remember to do that.
Sarah (me): Oh I have a whole list of shit I need to get to between Christmas and New Year's.
Sara: Wait, what's that list?
Sarah (me): I just keep a notebook open on my desk to write down any of those little back-burner tasks that pop into my head so I don't forget them but I also don't have to stop the flow of whatever I'm doing to do it RIGHT NOW THIS SECOND.
Sara: That's the smartest thing you've ever said.
aaaaaand scene. 🎬
In case dramatic retellings of inconsequential conversations aren't your preferred learning style, here's this so-called smartest tip ever:
Keep some kind of notebook, paper, post-it, list on your desk at all times.
I suppose it could be digital, but if you're anything like me, the second you open another tab or your phone, there are a billion and one other things that could distract you, so analog is my preferred method for ultimate focus.
That list is going to be for any random thoughts or ideas that pop into your brain while you're in the middle of doing something else.
It might be big things — like organizing your Canva files — or it might be the tiniest, inconsequential things that you still really wanna do — like checking your ex's sister's best friend's Instagram to see what they're up to these days.
I'm not kidding. Even the smallest thing like checking your newest Reel performance or responding to your BFF's podcast-length voice note goes 👏 on 👏 the 👏 list. 👏
I recommend this "hack" for anyone, but especially anyone who, like me, faces the daily challenge of being a functional member of society with raging ADHD.
Call it whatever you want: the back-burner list, random things to do, ideas, notes, etc.
But this trick seriously changed the game for me, and I think it will for you, too. You'll have to let me know — is it the smartest thing I've ever said???
Maybe it is, maybe it's not. But if you're interested in more random thoughts from the inside of my holiday-scrambled brain, this week I'm sharing 23 lessons I've learned in 2023.
BELOW THE FOLD
If your feed is as full of “new year, new me” posts and 2024 prepping, goals, and planning (oh my!) as mine is, it can get a little noisy.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good planning moment. I can’t wait to spend that week between Christmas and New Year’s organizing my folders, setting up my new calendars, and everything else to start 2024 on the right foot.
There’s one thing I have to do first, though, and I highly encourage you to do it as well — reflecting on the past year.
“The past is the past! Leave it behind!”
Okay, I hear you.
But if you truly want to set meaningful intentions for the new year instead of just copying what every That Girl on TikTok is telling you to do, you have to look back at what’s worked and what hasn’t.
Here are 13 of the 23 lessons I learned in 2023 as a recovering perfectionist online business owner with ADHD trying to figure out how to be the best version of myself:
001. You will find the people that are meant to be in your life
002. Just because your experience is different doesn't mean it isn't valid
003. Use the tools available to you (including medication, if applicable)
004. Stop trying to fight your brain
005. Sleep is way more important than you think
006. People love a hot take
007. You are the only thing you can control
008. You are responsible for your own emotions
009. More doesn't always mean better
010. Overcommunicate
011. Lizards know what they're doing
012. Always write that thought down
013. Not all growth is visible
If you want to get reeeeeallll personal, learn the “why” behind these lessons, and read the rest of the list, it's all in this blog post!
I'm gonna be honest bestie, coming up with 23 unique lessons was harder than expected, even for someone who has never been called concise in her life.
And don't go around assuming I'm already living these lessons perfectly. Ohhhh no honey, we are a permanent work in progress.
What did you learn this year? Is there anything on this list you'll be taking into the new year? Let me know!!
Next week we're wrapping up the year with a very special Friday Favorites moment, but until then, I'll be baking (and eating) Christmas cookies and hastily wrapping last-minute presents.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!!