Simple Strategies

Originally posted 11th August 2023 on my NeuroDiversity University Blog FaceBook page

I have a National Trust membership.

Until today I hadn't realised having this was a helpful strategy to combat Executive Function decision making processes that I find hard.

(Executive Function is the name for memory, ordering, processing, prioritising.)

I often want to plan to go somewhere but don't know where and decision making is not my forte.

Unless it's a hyperfocus in which case it's still not an active thought out decision, but rather plans happen spontaneously, impulsively and its a risk whether things end well or not.

However when I want to do something extra nice, a day out or a trip, I procrastinate and go round in loops going, well, nowhere.

Whereas, because of my Membership, I get to log on to the National Trust website and see what's near. Simple. It's less stressful and is economical (once a year fee). It reduces the steps needed. Steps that NeuroTypical Brains don't have to think about (they just do them on AutoPilot).

So. I didn't know my NT Membership was a strategy, but today I realised it is.

My Bestie and I are picking 1 National Trust place to visit each month and I'm excited that we won't do our usual 'where shall we go ' comedic routine.

Thank you National Trust. You make my life just a little bit easier.

Pic description: National Trust Cafe in midst of picture. Wood and glass design. Blue clear sky in background, few white clouds, wooden tables in front.