Bottom line up front: Pure selfishness.
If you glance through my social media posts, you may get the impression that I’m a do-gooder. Like most folks, I’m only putting the good stuff on social media (note that there’s no mention until now of the time I shouted at my teens because they disrespected the rules of “shotgun”. Not my finest moment.).
I might be a bit of a do-gooder, but I’m certainly not selfless. I get a lot out of volunteering around our town, and I especially benefit from the free body doubling sessions I lead every Wednesday.
Quick side note: What the heck is “body doubling”? It’s working quietly next to someone else. You can be on different tasks, but you both exist in the same space and thus provide some accountability. It's especially useful for people with ADHD or other difficulties with focus. Some people body double for difficult tasks they often avoid and others use it for long tasks that require devoted time.
In my weekly Wednesday group, we start with a couple of minutes of introductions and stating our goals, and then we get to work. Most folks keep their cameras on, and everyone mutes their mics until it’s time to say goodbye.
My metrics vary, and once in a while I’m the only one on the Zoom. But here’s my trick: I don’t pay attention to how many RSVPs I have until the session begins. That way, if no one has registered, I can’t goof off and watch old The People’s Court episodes while cross stitching. I have to show up in case some of you are there in the Zoom waiting room. And once I’m at my desk with 90 minutes in front of me, I get productive and creative.
If you use body doubling, what works for you? I hope you’ll join us and try it out!