Accountability Through Community: Why Needing Support Isn’t a Weakness
Accountability Through Community and Connection
Seeking support isn't a sign of weakness; it's a powerful tool for productivity and personal growth, especially in a connected and supportive environment.
If you work from home and have ADHD-ish tendencies, it’s almost a given that you struggle with distractibility and procrastination. You could try working at a coffee shop or the local branch of the public library, but there is also a way you can get more done right from home, in your yoga pants, and without even having to push your dog or cat off your lap. It also has the added benefit of reducing loneliness. I’m talking about body-doubling.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, or may have heard it called virtual co-working, the practice involves showing up online in a virtual meeting environment with one or more other people, for the purpose of accountability, productivity and community. It’s not a social club, but rather a way for people to support one another to get things done that just aren’t happening in an efficient way. You can be camera on or camera off, and after a brief introduction and possibly sharing your intention for the allotted time, each person goes to work. At the end of the work period, there is usually a check-in, when you can share your outcome or progress.
Body Doubling and Co-working: Comfort and Support
Body doubling, a practice that involves performing tasks alongside someone else, is another powerful tool for increasing productivity. Whether it's via phone, video, or in-person, body doubling can make difficult tasks feel lighter and easier. At Focused Space, they have even had members finish writing books through body doubling sessions—how incredible is that?
This practice is especially comforting for those who are shy, reserved, or withdrawn. It allows for gradual engagement with the community, building comfort and safety over time.
The Power of Team Connection
Many of us know too well the overwhelming world of solo entrepreneurship. I recently interviewed Becca Groner on the ADHD-ish podcast and our conversation illuminated an often-overlooked aspect of workplace culture: the importance of team connection and joy.
Becca explained that while productivity is crucial, it’s equally important to cultivate a sense of community that transcends the typical workday slog. This ensures that our teams feel supported, connected, and joyful, profoundly impacting our overall productivity and satisfaction at work.
At Focused Space, a virtual platform dedicated to enhancing work experiences for individuals and teams, the aim is clear: to improve how we work by fostering better, more connected environments. Whether you're working remotely or within a team, platforms like Focused Space are helping to bridge gaps and elevate the work experience.
Body Doubling is for Both Extroverts and Introverts
During our discussion, we explored how virtual workspaces impact extroverts and introverts differently. I pointed out that extroverts thrive on visible interaction and feedback in such settings, feeding off the energy from others. On the other hand, introverts might prefer a quieter, less interactive presence, although they too benefit from the structured time and sense of community these virtual sessions provide.
It’s all about finding the balance and creating environments where everyone can thrive. Focused Space encourages members to go camera-off when they want accountability without the interaction and stimulation of seeing other faces and being seen by others.
These sessions are particularly beneficial for individuals like myself, who have ADHD, or those who need a bit of external structure to stay focused. Virtual co-working offers a sense of community without the pressure of mandatory interaction and is tailored to foster actual productivity rather than being another meeting that drains your energy. It’s an innovative approach that I highly recommend exploring if you haven't already.
Rethinking Productivity Myths
In discussing productivity, I couldn't ignore the longstanding myths surrounding it. Studies suggest that only 3.5 to 4.5 hours of actual work happen in an 8-hour workday. Much of our time gets wasted in meetings, redundant tasks, and socializing. There's also a misconception that remote work is less productive, yet emerging evidence suggests it is just as productive, if not more so, than traditional office work. It’s clear that we need to rethink our approach to work and the metrics we use to measure productivity.
Normalizing Our Needs for Support and Celebration of Effort
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was emphasizing the need to normalize seeking external acknowledgment and support to complete tasks. It's not a sign of weakness or inadequacy. In fact, it's perfectly natural and often necessary. Additionally, we need to celebrate effort, movement, and momentum—focusing less on the final results and more on the journey.
I even suggested the playful yet effective idea of reintroducing sticker charts for adults. Imagine acknowledging your small accomplishments with stickers—it’s a simple joy that can make a big difference in our motivation levels.
Unscripted and the Benefits of Improv
Another intriguing aspect of our discussion was the "Improv For Anxiety" class offered through the nonprofit Unscripted. With a mental health therapist present in every class, improv exercises are related to managing anxiety and staying in the moment. This method is particularly beneficial for those of us with ADHD, helping harness our strengths in context-holding and making connections.
For Becca, teaching improv has been a game-changer. It goes beyond soft skills like risk-taking and vulnerability. It offers a therapeutic benefit, enhancing self-awareness, acceptance, and resilience. Plus, the act of making people laugh delivers a delightful dopamine hit, making the experience even more enjoyable.
Structured Flexibility and Accountability
Focused Space sessions typically last an hour and a half, with longer sessions available on weekends. The Pomodoro Technique—25-minute work sprints with breaks—is used to balance focus and relaxation. This structured but flexible approach caters to different working styles and needs, offering accountability in a voluntary, peer-focused manner rather than through managerial pressure.
Building a Supportive Future
Becca and I agree on the perspective that ultimately, the future of work lies in creating a more connected, communicative, and celebratory environment. Companies need to empower employees to do their best work in ways that suit them, be it through flexible working hours or remote models. Leaders who prioritize their team's well-being and foster a supportive culture will shape this future.
One final resonating thought was the analogy of a synchronized rowing team. It beautifully illustrates how a sense of belonging and importance can boost performance and unity. As Becca introduced, improv can significantly impact team culture, teaching mutual support and collective creativity—key ingredients for personal and professional growth.
As we navigate this evolving landscape, remember that what's good for employees is good for business. When we feel valued and connected, our contributions shine more brightly, driving both individual and collective success.
Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or Instagram @coachdiannwingert or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.
If you would like to check out body-doubling with Focused Space, you can get one month free + 25% discount with my ADHD-ish code.
