I do wonder if, I was left completely to my own devices,  time frame etc that things would get done more because there'd be no pressure. Either that or I'd be a hollow blob staring into space for all eternity.

If you fancy a long read, I found this very insightful indeed - 

“No Way Out Except From External Intervention”: First-Hand Accounts of Autistic Inertia

www.frontiersin.org/.../full

Yeah I would definitely keep things in mind and utilise any support you can get hold of. 

Autistic Inertia- That is a phrase I think I saw on here quite some time ago and was what I had in the back of my mind somewhere when I was trying to explain what I am experiencing and have experienced many times before. I just could not retrieve the wording. I think some reading lies ahead for me - when I eventually get going and am able to begin reading that is!

Hey Number. Thank you so much for your detailed response. I am really grateful for the effort you’ve put into this. Lots to think about on the back of this. Your comment on the constant loop of focus and fogginess is very interesting. I feel that perhaps this is something that I have been struggling to understand, define and explain for such a long time and I think your words have helped illustrate it a little more for me. The moments I described in my original post are certainly something that I’ve masked my way through several times before, but recognising the cyclical nature of it is quite interesting. Something to try and think about in greater depth.

It’s great hearing from you again Number. Take care buddy.

Hi out_of_step. It’s nice to hear from you- thanks for your reply. It’s good to know that I’m not alone in this, although not good to learn that you are impacted by something similar. Perhaps this is another example of the shared experiences many of us tend to have. I too am working on being kinder to myself, but I do have moments of frustration too. As always, it’s nice to hear your thoughts, so definitely no apologies needed!

Hi, I’ve had struggles with starting simple tasks, it’s an inability to take the first step. Have a look at something called autistic inertia., it answered a lot of questions for me.

Hey CG Oakling - what a lovely surprise !

Great to hear from you......but obviously sorry to hear that you are struggling a bit by the sounds of things.

Mate - I'm sure you will receive some more comprehensive and detailed answers.....but all I can manage right now is to report thus;

You have simply described my entire being above.  I live in a constant foggy loop interspersed with episodes of extremely concentrated and inspired work and thought.  Unfortunately, there is no regularity nor reliability in when, or to what extent, I get myself going into one of my 'productive' episodes.

One of my most basic methodologies for "kick-starting" myself is FORWARD MOTION.  This can be walking, jogging, running, driving or being driven.  Whilst I am in that state of forward motion, I think about just one of the many, many things that I am always behind with.....and steel myself to do it as soon as I stop moving.  This approach often works for me.

Another methodology is that, when I get "proper stuck" on getting one particular thing done (naturally, this would always be the MOST pressing of my outstanding tasks) - I deliberately tackle the least important task so at least I can comfort myself that I have achieved something!  Hopefully, this action will get the ball rolling.  This approach rarely works for me - but at least I do get something done so the self-loathing and frustration is kept in check = a win!

This is another thing that I do......but not a recommended route.....but it is one that I use........sleep deprivation.  If I get REALLY REALLY stuck, then I will stay awake for a ridiculously long time.  Personally, I find that after about 28 hours of being awake, I don't have the energy to resist doing the things that need to get done.  As a former "Coffee Guy", you will appreciate that coffee helps me attain this state and I can get about 6 hours of reasonable work done until I crash out and then ALWAYS need to sleep for a minimum of 12 hours.

Anyway.....talking of things that need to get done.....I must keep moving brother.

Lovely to have you back.

Kindest regards

Number.

Hi Oakling,  it's nice to see you back. I don't have much to add but I'm feeling a similar sense of stuckness with tasks and life in general. I really need external momentum to get going. I have this some days but others I just feel vacant in the head. I feel happy too but am emerging from a period similar to burnout but with different reasons behind it. Im trying to be kind to myself but it can get frustrating. Now i feel i can be getting on with things a bit more but dont know how or where to start. I need a kick up the *** but it wont come from myself. Sorry I have no solutions!

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I think there is merit to the question of burnout. I don’t think I’m quite there yet, but perhaps these moments are a bit of an early warning. It’s certainly worth thinking about. You’re right about motivation too- it can be tricky at best!

It could be burnout? I've felt the same way you're feeling for a while, although I wouldn't say I'm happy!

I'm still trying to find a job because I don't have much of a routine apart from therapy and a chat with a trusted contact. That's basically Wednesdays occupied.

Motivation is a difficult one. I've never found a single thing that has pushed me, but support from those around me helps.