Episode 86: Ana Krajinović

Welcome to episode #86! We’re thrilled to be joined by Ana Krajinović today.Ana Krajinović is a linguist, writer, and comic artist whose work explores the intersection of language, cognition, and visual storytelling. As an academic researcher at Tilburg University, she studies how comics use symbolic structures to convey meaning.Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, Ana has navigated challenges with task paralysis, executive dysfunction, and emotional regulation—but she’s also learned to harness her neurodivergence as a strength. Through her comics and writing, she shares insights on productivity, motivation, and embracing creative chaos.In this episode, we discuss ADHD, autism, creativity, productivity struggles, and how to work with your brain, not against it.Welcome to the show, Ana!QuestionsJN: When did you first realize you were neurodivergent?Started noticing ADHD traits about three years agoInitially misdiagnosed with depression and social anxietyDiscovered ADHD through HowToADHD YouTube videosDiagnosis process in Germany was smooth, but long-term care was challengingJN: What challenges did you face growing up with undiagnosed ADHD?Was an excellent student because school was a special interestSocial difficulties—never fully understood trends, popularity, or social normsStruggled with spatial awareness—difficulty with sports, movement, and even using appliancesNoticed task paralysis in adulthood when responsibilities increasedJN: How did your ADHD impact your PhD journey?Passion for linguistics kept her engaged, but executive function challenges made consistent work difficultStruggled with bureaucracy and non-research tasksMotivation fluctuated—hyperfocused on interesting topics but shut down on tedious tasksJN: How did you manage emotional regulation and overwhelm?Experienced meltdowns and shutdowns over small tasksLearned to recognize disproportionate emotional reactions to certain demandsFound self-acceptance through embracing chaos instead of forcing structureJC: What changed for you after receiving your ADHD diagnosis?Biggest shift was self-acceptance—realizing her brain works differently but isn’t "less"Stopped feeling guilty for needing more time on tasksMedication helped initially, but her biggest breakthrough came from Chasteberry supplementsFound a balance between structure and flexibility to optimize creativityJC: What are some productivity strategies that work for you?Start with tasks you enjoy to build momentumTrick yourself into hyperfocus by doing something exciting firstUse body doubling & external accountability to stay on trackFlexible scheduling—writes down tasks but doesn’t guilt-trip herself for postponing themJC: What productivity advice does NOT work for you?"Eat the frog" (doing the hardest task first)—kills motivation for the entire dayStrict time-blocking—leads to frustration when tasks take longer than expectedForcing inspiration—instead, she reads comics or listens to creators to spark ideasJN: How do you approach creativity and motivation?Embraces chaos—lets ideas flow rather than forcing a rigid scheduleUses deadlines as external motivators to push through creative blocksAllows herself to switch between projects instead of forcing consistencyJN: What does your morning routine look like?Slow start with breakfast & conversation—important for waking up mentallyGradual movement (yoga, stretching, light work) before diving into deep tasksAvoids immediate productivity pressure to prevent shutdownsJN: How do you wind down at night?Watches Netflix or does low-effort activities to relaxUses earplugs and a sleep mask to eliminate sensory disruptionsPrioritizes a quiet, distraction-free sleep environmentJN: Where can people connect with you?Website: annakrajinovic.comMedium: https://medium.com/@anakrajinovicSubstack: https://anakrajinovic.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anacomics/JC: Final words for the audience?"Follow what excites you. If something doesn’t spark joy, explore a different path.""Don’t judge your productivity by neurotypical standards—find what works for your brain."More from Focus Bear:Website: https://focusbear.ioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-bear/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@focusbearappTwitter: https://twitter.com/focusbear1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_bear/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/focusbearapp/Podcast: https://podcast.focusbear.ioTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@focusbearConnect with Jeremy:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nageljeremyEmail: [email protected] with Joey:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeycorea/Newsletter: https://thepluckyjester.com/newsletter/