The Shotgun Approach

Do you ever feel like you're firing off ideas, projects, or hobbies in every direction? The shotgun approach can be fun at first, but it often leaves us scattered and exhausted. In this episode, we explored how dyslexic or ADHD minds jump into a dozen things all at once, and how that can both spark creativity and drain our energy.

We talked about the reasons we go for the shotgun approach, whether it's because we have loads of enthusiasm or we're avoiding boredom. We also dove into practical techniques to make life feel more manageable. Below is a closer look at the highlights.

What is the Shotgun Approach?

Picture a shotgun blast. It sprays pellets in multiple directions. That sounds dynamic, but it can also lead to chaos because each pellet competes for your attention. When it comes to projects or tasks, this looks like trying to tackle five things at once. You might be learning a new skill, starting a fitness routine, planning a new business idea, and helping a friend with a project.

We eventually run out of brainpower to keep everything going. One or two things might pop out as winners, but the rest suffer, and we get frustrated. That's the shotgun approach at its core. It’s that scatter-shot need to do more, which sometimes means we end up doing less.

Why We Lean Into It

The short answer: curiosity and freedom from routine. Many of us with dyslexia or ADHD find repetition dull. We crave something fresh, so starting a new project feels exciting. We get a burst of motivation from novelty and we love that initial rush. But the shotgun method can also be a sneaky way to avoid boredom or procrastinate on trickier tasks.

We touched on how our brains crave quick wins. A brand-new task often gives us that sense of accomplishment—at least at first—yet once a new project loses its shine, we look for the next idea. This can lead to that overwhelming feeling of having way too many unfinished projects swirling around.

“There are days I wake up with five brand-new ideas, and I’m keen to do them all. But by noon, I’m drowning in half-finished tasks.”

How to Balance the Chaos

So what do we do if we can’t resist chasing novelty? It’s not realistic to expect we’ll only do one thing at a time. We’ve all tried that and ended up restless. Instead, we can channel this energy in a more deliberate way.

One tip is to choose a primary focus for the day—or for the next few hours—and give yourself permission to park other ideas. Jot them down on a “Maybe Later” list, so you don’t feel you have to dive into them right now. Then get back to your main priority. This strategy gives your brain the variety it craves, without spinning in every direction at once.

Finding Gentle Structure

Gentle structure looks like a flexible schedule or a simple checklist. You don’t need a rigid plan, but having a loose framework can help keep the shotgun approach from getting out of hand. If you’ve got three main tasks today, consider tackling them in order of enjoyment or urgency, making space for breaks. That way, you feed your need for movement and spontaneity without dropping balls everywhere.

We discussed the importance of reflecting on your “wins” at the end of each day. Even if you managed only one step forward on a project, that counts as progress. Reflecting helps you celebrate small victories and see how far you've come, instead of getting lost in a sea of half-done ideas.

Practical Strategies to Try

The episode offered specific ways to manage your wandering attention. Here are a few that stood out:

• Mindful Start: Begin your day by identifying your top priority. Write it down or say it out loud.
• Time Blocking: Set a timer for blocks of 25–45 minutes, and commit to focusing on one project during each block. Then take a quick break to reset.
• Brain Dumps: Keep a notebook or app handy for random ideas. Offload them so they don’t disappear or hijack your main focus.
• Regular Check-Ins: Every week, review all your open projects. Decide what still matters and what you can let go.

These small tweaks can make a big difference. You don’t have to give up your creative spark. You just need to harness it in a way that lets you finish what matters most.

Key Takeaways

• The shotgun approach can be energising, but it often leaves us scattered.
• Our brains love chasing new ideas—be mindful of how many you start at once.
• Choose a single main task and park other ideas in a separate list if they distract you.
• Gentle structure can keep you on track without feeling strict.
• Celebrate small progress to stay motivated.

If you’re keen to get deeper insights and hear my personal stories, tune in to the full episode. The podcast player is right at the top of the page, so click play when you're ready to dig in. You’ll pick up practical tips and feel less alone on this winding journey. Happy listening!