Welcome to episode #18 We’re thrilled to be joined by Michelle Markman today. Michelle Markman is a neurodivergent life coach in Orange County California. She is a late-diagnosed autistic adult and has faced and overcome many life struggles and dark nights of the soul. She is also a solo world traveler and adventure seeker; has taught herself to drive a manual transmission car, ride motorcycles, solo camp and hike, rock climb and conquer several high ropes courses. She has led Outdoor Trips with her University and a group she founded Outdoor Mamas; a group focused on getting moms and kids outdoors. She studied abroad in Europe and traveled to Africa solo to climb Kilimanjaro the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Welcome to the show Michelle!
Questions
JN: How does your neurodiversity impact your productivity both positively and negatively?
Diagnosed at 27 yo
Brother diagnosed with autism + ADHD
Didn’t think she was neurodivergent
The social definition of disability: disability only contextual
Working from home
Ability to take frequent breaks
Setup your environment for success
JC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?
Mentioning WFH being a game changer,
Relationship coach for late-diagnosed neurodivergent individuals
Writing a book
Combination of her story and experiences and how she uses those to help others with relationships and communication
Preparing structure
JN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
New toddler mum
Hiking
Adventures
Kilimanjaro
Surrender to the climb
JC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?
Toddler has made it more challenging but still prioritizes
Before toddler - early 5 am start with yoga, journaling
Really heartwarming to hear how having a toddler has changed her life
Gratitude Journal
Exercise
Cycling
Yoga
Hot chocolate (not coffee)
JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?
Setting up environment for success
Schedule everything
Breaks
Lunch
Exercise
Written task list
Managing hyperfocus
Breaks but sometimes if you’re in the flow it’s hard to break
JC: How do you switch off at night?
Structure and routines
Strict bedtime routine
Watch show as family
Bath/shower
Camomile/lavender tea
Blackout curtains + sleep mask
Having some alone time
Needs 9 hours
Morning routine sets the tone for the day, Evening routine sets the tone for the next day
Can talk about insidious sleep deprivation awareness (the more deprived you are, the less likely you are to know you are)
JN: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?
Books:
Neurotribes
Unmasking Autism
Martin Seligman/Flow author
Apps
Todoist
Alarm
Trello
Common romantic relationship themes for clients? E.g. “Be yourself, everyone else is taken” (assuming romantic relationship coach)
Don’t mask
Have hobbies outside the relationship
JC: Where can people connect with you or find your work?
michellemarkman.com
Neurodivergent Relationship/Social Support Forum
JC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?
It gets better
Embrace your strengths
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