Finding balance in Creativity, Productivity, and Neurodiversity

I frequently encounter stories from fellow creatives. They share their challenges with managing work and personal life while trying to carve out time for their creative pursuits.

It’s essential to clarify my feelings about the term "work-life balance." I find it to be misleading. It suggests that work exists separately from life, as if they are two distinct entities.

This notion overlooks the reality that aspects of personal life, like parenting, are indeed work. Both elements are interconnected and equally significant, making the term fundamentally flawed.


This week, I faced a particular struggle. Despite my passion for writing, I have not produced a single word for my new book manuscript.

The absence of progress is frustrating and can lead to feelings of guilt and disappointment when personal time for creative work feels squeezed out.

The question arises: where did my time go? This week, significant moments were devoted to family commitments.

For instance, managing the wardrobe needs of my rapidly growing teens took precedence.

It’s astonishing how quickly they grow. Doctors even mention they might experience another growth spurt in their later teenage years, making clothing management a near-full-time obligation.

Adding to the mix, my teens expressed a desire to watch "The Terminator" with me, a classic film that ranks among my all-time favorites. How could I resist?

An evening spent snuggling with one son while sharing movie trivia with both of them was too precious to decline. These moments should be cherished, especially when they encompass activities that bring joy to our lives.

Yet, amidst these enjoyable experiences, there lingers a nagging voice that criticizes the lack of productivity. It’s crucial to silence that inner critic.

The popular notion of productivity often implies that being busy means being good or successful. But that perception is misleading.

While productivity tends to focus on achieving specific outputs, an excessive emphasis on tangible results can lead to poor-quality work and unhealthy lifestyles.

This is particularly true for those of us who are neurodivergent. There’s a need to approach the concept of productivity with caution.

Traditional methods of tracking habits and productivity levels may not serve us well. Typically, they fail to align with the unique workings of neurodivergent minds.

Most of these strategies are not tailored to accommodate neurodivergent ways of thinking and processing tasks.

Most importantly, if you adhere to societal pressures to constantly produce, you'll likely experience burnout. This risk is heightened for neurodivergent individuals.

Burnout is not just an inconvenience; it is a serious condition that requires a complete break from work to recover fully. Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being is crucial.

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