The Art of Faking Focus: An ADHD Superhero’s Guide to Surviving Video Calls

Here’s what’s actually going on in my head mid-meeting:

• Did I put the laundry in the dryer, or did I just fantasize about being a domestic superhero?

• If I blink too much, will they think I’m sending secret signals? Like, “Help, I’m lost in my own brain”?

• What’s that email I forgot to answer? The one from last week? Or that random spam from 2016 still haunting my inbox?

• Oh, a graph on the screen! Time to squint like I’m deciphering an ancient treasure map. Serious mode: ON.

I’m not just zoning out—I’m thriving in my own mental amusement park. I’m redesigning my living room, wondering if my cat could go viral on TikTok, and debating whether bangs would be a life-changing decision. Meanwhile, my on-screen self is serving Oscar-worthy vibes: head tilted just so, a thoughtful “Mmm” escaping like I’m solving world hunger.

Then, the ultimate plot twist: “Anna, what do you think?”

Record scratch. My soul crash-lands back into the meeting. My heart does a little backflip, but I’m a pro. I unmute, flash a megawatt smile, and deliver my signature line with the confidence of a rockstar: “Absolutely, alignment is key. Especially moving forward.”

Boom. Nailed it. Nobody bats an eye. Why? Because I’ve spent years mastering the art of looking like I’ve got my life together while my brain is throwing a chaotic rave in the background.

ADHD Pro Tips for Faking Focus Like a Boss

If your brain also treats meetings like a playground for random thoughts, here’s how to shine without anyone suspecting you’re mentally choreographing a dance routine:

1. Perfect the “Listening Face”: Practice in the mirror. Gentle nod, one eyebrow slightly raised, and a subtle lip purse. Bonus points for resting your chin on your hand like you’re pondering the meaning of life.

2. Strategic Sound Effects: Drop a well-timed “Mmm” or “Great point” to sound engaged. It’s like sprinkling glitter on your performance—nobody notices the chaos underneath.

3. The Squinting Trick: When a graph pops up, lean in and squint slightly. It’s the universal signal for “I’m analyzing this deeply” (even if you’re wondering if you left your keys in the fridge).

4. Vague But Confident Buzzwords: When in doubt, toss out a “Let’s align on that” or “Synergy is critical.” It’s like throwing a smoke bomb—nobody knows what it means, but it sounds epic.

The ADHD Superpower: Chaos as a Cover

Here’s the real tea: Faking focus isn’t just a survival tactic—it’s our secret superpower. While neurotypical folks are stuck in the boring world of “paying attention,” we ADHD heroes are performing mental gymnastics that would make Cirque du Soleil jealous. Sure, we might miss a few details (or, like, all of them), but we’ve got charm, quick thinking, and an unmatched ability to wing it under pressure.

So, the next time you’re in a meeting and your brain decides to go on a side quest—don’t sweat it. Channel your inner ADHD superhero. Tilt your head, sip your coffee, and let out a strategic “Mmm.” You’ve got this. Because even if your mind is busy designing imaginary bookcovers or debating the ethics of eating cereal for dinner, you’ll still look like the star of the show.

Keep rocking it, you chaotic masterpiece!