Episode 18: Michelle Markman

Welcome to episode #18 We’re thrilled to be joined by Michelle Markman today. Michelle Markman is a neurodivergent life coach in Orange County California. She is a late-diagnosed autistic adult and has faced and overcome many life struggles and dark nights of the soul. She is also a solo world traveler and adventure seeker; has taught herself to drive a manual transmission car, ride motorcycles, solo camp and hike, rock climb and conquer several high ropes courses. She has led Outdoor Trips with her University and a group she founded Outdoor Mamas; a group focused on getting moms and kids outdoors. She studied abroad in Europe and traveled to Africa solo to climb Kilimanjaro the world’s tallest freestanding mountain. Welcome to the show Michelle!QuestionsJN: How does your neurodiversity impact your productivity both positively and negatively?Diagnosed at 27 yoBrother diagnosed with autism + ADHDDidn’t think she was neurodivergentThe social definition of disability: disability only contextualWorking from homeAbility to take frequent breaksSetup your environment for successJC: What "work" projects are you concentrating on?Mentioning WFH being a game changer, Relationship coach for late-diagnosed neurodivergent individualsWriting a bookCombination of her story and experiences and how she uses those to help others with relationships and communicationPreparing structureJN: How about the rest of the time? What do you enjoy doing in your off time?New toddler mumHikingAdventuresKilimanjaroSurrender to the climbJC: What does your morning routine look like and how has it evolved over time?Toddler has made it more challenging but still prioritizesBefore toddler - early 5 am start with yoga, journalingReally heartwarming to hear how having a toddler has changed her lifeGratitude JournalExerciseCyclingYogaHot chocolate (not coffee)JN: What do you do to optimize productivity during your working hours?Setting up environment for successSchedule everythingBreaksLunchExerciseWritten task listManaging hyperfocusBreaks but sometimes if you’re in the flow it’s hard to breakJC: How do you switch off at night?Structure and routinesStrict bedtime routineWatch show as familyBath/showerCamomile/lavender teaBlackout curtains + sleep maskHaving some alone timeNeeds 9 hoursMorning routine sets the tone for the day, Evening routine sets the tone for the next dayCan talk about insidious sleep deprivation awareness (the more deprived you are, the less likely you are to know you are)JN: What resources (books, philosophies, apps, sensory toys) do you find most helpful for productivity and habit formation?Books:NeurotribesUnmasking AutismMartin Seligman/Flow authorAppsTodoistAlarmTrelloCommon romantic relationship themes for clients? E.g. “Be yourself, everyone else is taken” (assuming romantic relationship coach)Don’t maskHave hobbies outside the relationshipJC: Where can people connect with you or find your work?michellemarkman.comNeurodivergent Relationship/Social Support ForumJC: Do you have any final words or asks for our audience?It gets betterEmbrace your strengths