Too many ideas = sensory overload, any advice?

Yeah, I'm amazed at how anything gets done in organisations, or progress is made. When I look around my working environment I just can't see how millions of such places add up to the society we live in. I struggle to see how any organisation stays afloat given how inefficient it all seems.

OutwardBoundBob said:

I think the phrase 'too many chiefs and not enough Indians' is an appropriate one.

That characterises most of my office experience. Once I had insight into how management functions and some of the conversations that go on I wondered how anything actually manages to get done. I've a good colleague at work and we do joke about how we could slice off most of the upper tier ones and no-one would really notice (someone else I used to work with remarked that she's surprised that more things aren't on fire - she's a little more cynical about society in general and has seen enough well-thought out initiatives and logical ideas tank when given to real people in confused organisations).

I can function under pressure if I know what the expectations are and what parameters I'm working in (worked in a hospital and delivering frontline services to the public - both of which can be pretty hectic). If I know what I need to do, even if  when the workload changes where I need to do more of that thing, as long as it's communicated clearly, I can re-prioritise. 

With the kitchen work, the plan was to start out with something with a social-benefit angle to it. Something similar to foodcycle where I could just enjoy learning something new and doing something good. 

Hi Ethan, it sounds as if you've got a very supportive direct manager. I've not really had any experiences working in an office environment but I can certainly understand about people not agreeing amongst themselves and quite often conflicting views. One theatre I was a resident designer at had 3 different committees all contradicting one another which made my job impossible. I think the phrase 'too many chiefs and not enough Indians' is an appropriate one.

Working in a kitchen? Wow that sounds like a great idea, it's a pretty hectic environment though. Do you work well under pressure? I'm guessing timing is essential, that would overwhelm me. Give me two pans on the cooker top and I can't cope! Definitely worth looking in to once the pandemic starts to calm down.

Woodland therapy is a great experience. It was never a large group (8 maximum) and two Woodland Trust 'rangers' for want of a better word. We would collect the firewood and get that started ready for lunch. Lunch was generally a one pot meal but was always welcomed and I'm quite particular in the foods that I eat. Popping corn between two sieves over the campfire was fun. If things got too much I'd just take myself for a walk around the forest. There seemed to be no expectations. I found I could easily spend the day just whittling wood.

The trust also ran forest schools and they asked me if I could create some fairy doors for them to hide around the compound. I did, again at 25th scale. It seemed to go down well with their younger age groups. I remember sitting for hours making strips of roof shingles out of mossy bark.

It's definitely worth looking in to.

I too was always meticulous on detail and that would invariably mean that I never quite managed to finish the 'bigger picture' to a satisfactory conclusion. If anything I always needed a bit more time, which is never going to happen when you have the first night looming.

Hi aidie, I've seen quite a few of your posts and you talk quite a bit about meditation. I can't seem to master even the basics. I know if anxiety is getting to me and someone is telling me to just concentrate on my breathing it just makes my breathing even more erratic. Do you have any simple, initial small steps?

Hi, sorry for the few days gap for a reply, I've been experiencing technical issues but seem to have my computer and router now happily working in unison. Buddhism seems to make a lot of sense and quite philosophical, I like that and definitely going to look further into it. Having read many posts on the forum it seems to be quite a reoccurring theme and from what people have written about it seems a very positive outlook. Also I think I may learn a bit more about emotions (something I find quite difficult).

With regards to your working environment it sounds as if you have some great people in your team, but as you say your 2 managers saying 'take what time you need' would frustrate me. It's as if they're ticking the 'being supportive' box and as you say absolving themselves so they need take no further action.

It's good sensory wise that you're happy in your working environment. Light bothers me quite a bit, I have daylight bulbs in all of my lamps and turn down the brightness on all of my device screens. It doesn't stop me from wearing sunglasses a lot of the time indoors. when I'm out it can be near on dusk and I'm still wearing my shades.

Is the intensity of PTSD something that will stay with you forever or do you just get better at managing it?

yes decluttering is a good thing to do. I hope to do that myself soon, u're inspiring me to do  things  I find reading and trying to be Buddhist helps my autism downsides considerably. 

There is a meditation centre in a town near me and I've enjoyed doing it there. Unfortunately I find it harder to do it on my own. The Nun who runs the centre has a very soothing voice and the room is so silent, it's easy to focus on what she says and not too much else. Unfortunately I no longer have a bus route out that way and with the pandemic, it's impossible for me to get there.

That's why I'm more focused on my Hobbies at the moment. Having said that, Buddhism has a lot to offer. Not just the meditation, I like the philosophy. It's so simple and practical but makes so much difference. It's how I finally managed to start clearing out my stuff. I realised that I didn't have any space to do the things I wanted to do because I had too many things. Clearing them out, made me feel like I was also clearing out my head. 

i am into buddhism and "the Dao\Tao" , Mainly Zen buddhism but I read all sorts of stuff.

My favorite modern teacher is Charlotte Joto Beck ---- there are audio videos of her on Youtube But her books are very good ----- she explains things well and in western language

favorite Master is Bankei (1600 ) 

I do sitting meditation, walking meditation, and am now adding Everyday Living Mindfulness

I think I recall hearing about the thing with the Wildlife trust. It sounds amazing. Certainly something I should have a look for! Because I am starting to figure things out better than I did, I've been considering going back into a learning environment, perhaps do a course on ecology or something similar? It would have to wait until I was debt free of course. I'm not just fascinated by ecology, but also geography and how the world and populations have changed over time so it's one of those things that could sweep me off in an interesting direction. 

Sorry, had to change computers... and I need to learn to talk less! 

I work on a reception desk so not the typical office environment. I enjoy my job, the social aspect is easy as I only need to speak to people for a few minutes at a time and send them on their way, Can't do anything about the lighting but I like it quite bright so I use SAD lamps at home which helps. We like it quite warm which suits me. I find it more comfortable without my Jacket but with my floor heater on so I get the warm breeze.

Buddhism is something I dip into. I discovered it before I was aware of the Autism but I was struggling with my Anxiety and a started to find Buddhist information when I was looking on Pinterest and YouTube. I'm not particularly religious and Buddhism is good like that because it's so practical. I made a summary of what I had found from different sources to give to one of the social workers that I work with. I'll copy it on to this message so you can have a read of it.

Your metal work sounds like fun. If you have a garage full of it, I'd definitely say that was one of your top interests! Perhaps if you aren't certain what to do with it, take some small pieces and just play with it to find out what it does? That could be a great way to start.

Here is the Buddhism information. Sorry it's long, hope it's helpful.

Whilst Buddhism is generally referred to as a religion, it is more accurately a philosophy or ‘way of life’. The word ‘Buddha’ is a title which means ‘one who is awake’ and has it’s origins about 2500 years ago when a prince named Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.

The Buddha was not, nor did he claim to be, a God. He was simply a teacher who used his own experiences to show others the path to enlightenment. Because Buddhism does not include the idea of worshipping a creator God, some people do not see it as a religion in the normal, Western Sense. The basic tenets of Buddhism teaching are straightforward and practical: nothing is fixed or permanent; actions have consequences; change is possible. So Buddhism addresses itself to all people irrespective of race, nationality, caste, sexuality, or gender. It teaches practical methods which enable people to realise and use it’s teachings in order to transform their experience, to be fully responsible for their lives.

Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.

Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves, not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. In this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understating. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in it’s entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.

The basic Buddhist concepts can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

The first Noble Truth

Life is suffering. Life includes pain, getting old, disease and ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness, frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. Instead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.

The Second Noble Truth

The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want ohers to like us, if we do not get something we want, etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness.

Third Noble Truth

The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. If we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is Nirvana.

Fourth Noble Truth

The Fourth Truth is that the Noble Eightfold path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.

What is the Noble Eightfold Path?

The Noble Eight fold Path is being Moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focusing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.

What are the five precepts?

The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: not to take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.

What is Karma?

Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How can we test the Karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at (1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the effects on others.

What is wisdom?

Buddhism teaches that wisdom should be developed with compassion. At one extreme, you could be a good hearted fool and at the other extreme, you could attain knowledge without any emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both. The highest wisdom is not simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence.

What is compassion?

Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom.

I have considered fibre optics. As this is my first proper project I was a little daunted by it so decided to stick to LED's, but it would be an excellent way to add lamp lights throughout the rooms so I might have another look.

I'm glad they worked out that it was Autism rather than Schizophrenia. My Uncle has it. He could be quite intense at times and seemed to get more hospital stays than support. 

I think the way I explained it wasn't clear, sorry about that, sometimes it gets written exactly the way it falls out of my head. Let me give you a quick timeline - I was diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety Disorder in my early thirties. (I'm 39 now) I began taking Anti-depressants in November 2018, and I had my accident in early 2019. I had an initial assessment with my PTSD counsellor in September at which point I decided I needed to come off my Anti-depressants because she was asking me questions about how I was feeling that I was struggling to answer. I realised I couldn't understand what was the Anti-depressants and what was the PTSD. I was off my meds completely by the time I started my PTSD treatment in November 2019. The meds were what I needed at the time as I was struggling to cope, but I'm equally glad that I'm not on them now. I've had a rough time (as we all have) in the last year but because I have more information, namely the autism, than I did back in November 2018, I knew that I could ride it out better than before.

While my managers are crap, my team is very supportive. They all know when I'm anxious, my PTSD was triggered at one point and rather than try and convince me that it would all be ok, one of my colleagues actively sat with me and we talked about what was happening in my head as it was happening. This was far more helpful as it allowed me to calm my anxiety by throwing logic and reason at it.

On the flip side of the coin, I had two managers who saw I was upset, knew that it was down to PTSD. They both said 'take whatever time you need'. It sounds helpful, but at the end of the day, I already know that I can do that because my team makes it possible. They say that sentence because it sounds supportive whilst absolving them of any further involvement. (I realise that sounds mean but unfortunately I have managers who don't talk to me, don't understand how to help me and aren't interested in finding out. It makes more sense for them to say 'what do you need?' but they don't do that.

Sorry, not always quick at getting back to the computer. Usually have to wait until I'm at work these days, and you certainly haven't bored me!

I was fortunate that my uni got a lot of the corsetry supplies at a discounted rate so we always had a good supply. Spatterdashes, now that is a good word to have in your arsenal! I somehow managed to side step the 20s in all of my studies. In terms of history, it was fascinating. In terms of fashion however, I was always more interested with the structure and never really got on with the decoration, so much so that I could never finish my costumes because I would focus all my attention on the pattern drafting and never managed to finish to a suitable level. It's where I always lost marks and I could never understand why I found it so difficult. It also kind of disappointed me that a piece of loose fabric was being hung from the shoulders. They also only really seemed to work on a particular body shape which always annoyed me. It seemed to be that turning point in history where fashion became dependant on the type of body shape you had rather than how you made the fashion work for you. 

Same here - I hate some of my work but as long as the customers love it. Or it fits the breif, Thats all that matters.

yes, likewise, I dont miss the commute

Quick answer (it's been a long day and I need to kip) but I tend to carry on typing when I start so it could be a longish answer....

Interests vary- I'm a pretty casual reader - I prefer breadth more than depth. I'm roaming around data science at the moment, enjoying some sci-fi (The expanse on Amazon is now daily viewing) reading a memoir by Michael Cohen (Trump's ex-fixer) and, as newly diagnosed, reading up on the idea of Intolerance of Uncertainty - still unpicking that one, it's academic papers and I've been out of those circles for a while. My recall is terrible, ask me about something I've read on demand and I'll probably forget I've read it- I kind of have to revisit it before I can talk about it.

The employment can be interesting - as sometimes I can make a difference. I've had the opportunity to train some folk in simple data analysis and storytelling which was great fun as they've taken those skills and are now confident enough to train other people. I'm pretty nifty at breaking down complex ideas into things that can be presented for different types of audiences - or picking up new ideas for us to run with. At the moment I'm trying to crunch some data into a new format which will make sense for our stakeholders - some things go under-reported because of the archaic format we're currently using.

At the moment the leadership is pretty chaotic, conflicting strategies/views etc, so I'm being challenged on how I manage day to day things with some of the ambiguity which is arising. I'm newly diagnosed and I've a fantastically supportive direct manager. We're slowly chipping away at the senior management to make them aware about the sorts of things that work well for me (and the things that don't). Part of the challenges over the last couple of days has been due to people not knowing  or agreeing amongst themselves what they want before they ask me to do things - it's generally the expectation that they've figured all that out before they approach me with an ask. It's taking some time to get that message across for some of our new staff......(.... that yes everyone feels the same about the really not-all-that-unexpected but avoidable-if-it-had-been-thought-about-thing that happened which has annoyed all of us, my reaction will be a little different because I'll struggle to process how it was allowed to happen in the first place and the implications of it --- Some of the stuff which is just allowed to happen is mind-boggling).

TBH i was thinking about changing my working arrangements.. I had ideas about dropping my hours and going off just to try different stuff - one of them was working in a kitchen because I was having great fun cooking after binging on episodes of Hell's Kitchen, then Covid hit. As it happens work has worked well, despite it's occasional frustrations. 

Oops. not such a quick answer... 

"The office" is the term I use for work. I work from home - but the team I work with has always been remote so really it's just a change of location for the computer. All the day to day interaction is the same - microsoft teams, e-mail, phone. Don't miss the commute though. And the cat reminds me when to eat and call it a day so I'm looked after 

That's an interesting idea, a 'not to do' list. I can totally relate to overwhelming myself, actioning, lists and yes it is totally exhausting, for me this generally leads to some sort of meltdown. I think all the people who have discussed this thread have suggested simplifying in one way or another is probably a very good starting point. I shall revisit these posts tomorrow and take out all the advice that I think I am capable solving. Thanks!

Hey! Simplifying mentally or physically seems to be a reoccurring theme here. I've been thinking a lot today about the replies that people have posted. I'm going to re-read them tomorrow as to not overwhelm myself with too much information but there's been some really interesting comments. I like the idea of eliminating the things that take energy from me. It's all good stuff and I need to take some time picking through it.

When you reach your 60's do you get a 'I'm allowed to be grouchy' free pass? I jest. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I hope you have success simplifying things!