I still remember a fascinating presentation I attended at the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) Conference 5 years ago, where one concept has stayed with me.  Andrea de Paiva, creator of NeuroAU, explained that our physical environment influences our behavior, habits, and mental state in two important ways: it reinforces existing patterns and nudges us toward new ones. Even though we are influenced by many external factors, we often think we make our own deci

Last month, I hosted eight Momentum Body Double sessions. The purpose of these sessions is simple: to help clients turn their intentions into action. During each session, participants work independently on their own projects through two focused Pomodoro work periods, followed by a brief reflection. What struck me was how often I heard comments like: "I should have gotten more done." "I didn't finish." "I only worked for 25 minutes." "I still have so much more to do."

When Work Becomes Who We Are One thing that always strikes me when I return to Japan is the dignity people bring to their work. Whether it is a doctor, hotel staff member, cashier, or someone clearing dishes at a small restaurant, I often notice the same qualities: attentiveness, competence, politeness, and quiet dedication. There is pride in doing the work well — regardless of status. And perhaps even more surprising to visitors from North America: no tipping. The experi

Why We Need Both Have you ever set a big goal with excitement and determination… only to feel overwhelmed a few weeks later? I have.   Many of us, with or without ADHD, but perhaps more intensely if you have ADHD, swing between two extremes: dreaming big and pushing hard… or feeling discouraged and giving up altogether. We tell ourselves: “This time, I’m finally going to get organized.” “I’m going to wake up early every day.” “I’ll completely change my routines.” But

50s Are the Perfect Moments to Let Go Every year, there seem to be more empty homes in the small town where my dad grew up—and still lives—in Japan. I remember the people who once lived there—my grandmother's friend who ran a snack shop, the barber who cut my dad's hair, the mother of a famous sumo wrestler. These weren't just houses. They were lives. But over time, something changed. Japan now has over 9 million vacant homes—about 1 in every 7. In rural areas, entire neighbo

How small shifts in thinking can change how you experience your days. Do you wish you had more time? What if you could stretch or shrink it? We already do this. When we're in pain, ten minutes can feel like an hour, while a week on an amazing trip can pass in what seems like two days. Time, as we experience it, seems fixed but is deeply personal. Our perception of time shapes our reality more than the clock does. Yet many of us still hold the Newtonian view: time is fi