How do you guys manage deadlines?

Hi there! I'm not diagnosed with ADHD, but I am pretty busy! I have a full time job here at GlobalComix, I also teach manga with Learn to Draw Manga, study Japanese in a class once a week (and do homework), as well as working on two different manga.

Some of the things that have worked for me personally is a "suggested schedule". The reason I call it a suggested schedule is that it's my "ideal" day listed out by single hours, if I were to have a perfect day. What I like about it is that it's flexible enough that I can adjust it based on my needs for that day, but it's firm enough that it encourages me to make a routine and try to stick to it as best I can.

Speaking of routine, I do struggle with focus sometimes, mostly because my mind is always running or thinking about stuff I should be doing. So I've made "rituals" that I do to help my mind transition tasks. For example, when it's time to draw, I will go get a new drink, new tea or hot chocolate is my favorite one. I'll put on a video of someone else drawing so that I can feel like I'm working along side someone else.

This is actually a technique that is proven quite effective for a lot of people (especially neurodivergent people like myself) and it's called "body doubling". The idea is that seeing or feeling someone else work with you increases your desire to work and focus, since you are "doing it together". There are lots of videos on youtube of people drawing in real time or via timelapses. Sometimes I'll mute those and put on some music of my choice. Sometimes I'll look for art streamers, but sometimes that's setting myself up to get distracted.

Another tool that I've found helpful is a pomodoro timer, which varies in length, but the core idea is that you work for a period of time, and take a break. Then repeat. I tend to use the 25min of work + 5min of break timer. It gives me time to stretch, get water, look at my socials or those for GC if I'm on clock, check for emails, etc. It satisfies my need to "do something else" but gives me a set time, then I need to get to work. A more... organized and structured way to work with the "need for distraction" while still being able to get stuff done over the course of a longer period. Some people like 45minwork + 15min break, or 50min work + 10 min break. It might take time to figure out which works better for you, but look into it and see if that helps you focus over longer periods.