Are you struggling to find motivation for a project or task? Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to get started? You’re not alone. Many of us, especially those who are neurodivergent, face challenges with motivation and focus. However, there is hope. In this article, we’ll explore the PINCH system, a strategy for revamping those never-ending tedious projects and finding motivation in the process.

The PINCH System: A Framework for Neurodivergent Motivation

Developed by well-known author and parent coach Elaine Taylor-Klaus (2020), the PINCH system is an acronym that stands for Play, Interest, Novelty, Challenge, and Hurry Up. Each of these elements is designed to help individuals with neurodivergent brains find motivation and make progress on their projects.

P is for Play

Neurodivergent brains love to be playful! We enjoy games, rewards, sticker charts, fun markers, and being artistic and creative. By incorporating play into our project planning, we can make the process more enjoyable and engaging. This can be as simple as creating a Bingo board or setting up a reward system to motivate us to complete tasks.

I is for Interest

Neurodivergent brains love our interests. The interest-driven nervous system of the ADHD brain and the special interests of the ASD brain thrive on passion. By connecting our project to our interests, we can tap into a powerful source of motivation. This might mean using our favorite music, movies, or books as inspiration or finding ways to incorporate our special interests into the project.

N is for Novelty

We are often motivated by new things—new ideas, new methods, and new experiences (especially if our anxiety isn’t acting up!). By introducing novelty into our project planning, we can keep things fresh and exciting. This might mean trying new tools or software, experimenting with new formats or styles, or seeking out new sources of inspiration.

C is for Challenge or Competition

Book promotion is already challenging, but not in a motivating way; it feels tedious and like it will go on forever. To spark that competitive drive, we can create challenges that feel winnable. This might mean setting up a reward system, creating a competition with friends or colleagues, or finding ways to make the process more engaging and interactive.

H is for Hurry Up

Hurry up is all about deadlines and external accountability. By setting deadlines and seeking out external accountability, we can create a sense of urgency and motivation. This might mean sharing our project with friends or colleagues, joining a accountability group, or setting up a reward system with consequences for not meeting deadlines.

Applying the PINCH System to a Real-Life Project

Let’s say we’re working on a book promotion project. We can apply the PINCH system by creating a Bingo board with rewards and challenges, setting up a reward system, and seeking out external accountability. By incorporating these elements, we can make the project more enjoyable and engaging, and find motivation to make progress.

Here’s an example of what a Bingo board might look like:

• Connect a post to Taylor Swift.
• Use Canva to create a post.
• Talk to my spouse about going away for the retreat.
• Post about dictating drafts while walking.
• Post something about Ireland during my summer vacation.
• Connect a post to romance books.
• Promote my RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria) workbook book club.
• Write about the challenges of summer and things not going to plan.
• Create a challenge related to concepts in the book.
• Share a meaningful quote.
• Post this ADHD & Motivation blog post.
• Free Space.
• Ask someone to hold me accountable.
• Share early feedback on the book.
• Share an idea from a book I like.
• Post something music-related.
• Post about RSD in rom-coms.
• Post a collage of books that feature neurodivergent characters.
• Post about the challenges of managing an injury.
• Plan two book promotion events.
• Post about RSD and the experiences of being a mom.

By incorporating the PINCH system into our project planning, we can find motivation and make progress on even the most daunting tasks.

References:

Taylor-Klaus, E. (2020). The essential guide to raising complex kids with ADHD, anxiety, and more: What to do, why to do it, and how to make it stick. Fair Winds Press.