The effect of this phenomenon will often be increased when you have the
opportunity to tell the other person what you will be working on. This increase is likely due to the added element of your felt accountability.
On the other hand, revealing what you are working on is not required for you
to reap significant benefits from this tool. Some people use it by simply taking their work to a coffee shop where there are others working nearby. I had a client creatively use it quite effectively by imagining a certain relative was visiting and “asking” that relative to sit down and be quiet while this client proceeded to complete a challenging task.
Whatever the situation, the presence of the other individual seems to create
an environment in which you are able to focus and accomplish your goals.
When you are setting up a body double partnership, look for a person who can
sit quietly, perhaps reading or working silently on a computer. If you don’t have such a person handy, you might consider hiring a student or even finding such a person online by using a service such as Focusmate which works beautifully for thousands of people around the
world.
The body double is just one more tool to add to your toolkit to support you in
making your life more productive and satisfying.
In addition to learning such tools (and much more) from an ADHD coach, you might find additional tools and other helpful resources by checking out the online events that are part of this year’s “ADHD Awareness Month,” described below.
