Body Doubling to Success
Body doubling is a productivity technique where an individual works alongside another person to stay focused and accountable.
Wonder Twins Powers Activate! ... form of Financial Independence!
For neurodivergent individuals, financial management often feels like an uphill battle- Sisyphusian, even. Whether it's dealing with executive dysfunction, time blindness, or decision paralysis, staying on top of money matters can be an overwhelming task. Enter body doubling — an emerging strategy that has proven to be a game-changer for neurodivergent people tackling their financial lives.
What is Body Doubling?
Body doubling is a productivity technique where an individual works alongside another person to stay focused and accountable. While the concept may sound simple, it taps into powerful psychological mechanisms that help mitigate challenges such as procrastination, distractibility, and emotional overwhelm. For neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, the presence of another person can serve as an external motivator and a gentle nudge to stay engaged with tasks they might otherwise avoid.
This method has been widely adopted in academic, professional, and personal spheres—and financial management is no exception. From budgeting to paying bills to planning for long-term financial goals, body doubling offers a practical, low-pressure solution to tackling complex financial tasks that often feel insurmountable.
By Any Other Name
I know, "body doubling" can sound strange to many. These alternative terms and concepts emphasize the social and accountability aspects of body doubling while catering to different work styles and environments.
Accountability Partnering – Working alongside someone to stay on track with tasks and goals.
Parallel Work – Engaging in tasks simultaneously with another person without direct interaction.
Co-working – A structured approach to working in shared spaces with a focus on productivity.
Task Mirroring – Reflecting productivity by working in proximity to another person.
Focus Partnering – Pairing with someone to maintain focus and momentum on tasks.
Externalized Accountability – Using another person to create an external sense of responsibility and structure.
Virtual Body Doubling – Using online platforms to work alongside others remotely.
And my favorite...
Lightning Rod – leveraging the active or passive presence of another person to keep you grounded on the task at hand.
The Usual Neurodivergent Suspects
Money management requires a blend of executive functioning skills, including planning, organization, and impulse control. For many neurodivergent people, these cognitive processes do not operate in the same way they do for neurotypical individuals. Some of the common challenges include:
- Executive Dysfunction: Difficulty initiating and completing financial tasks, such as tracking expenses or creating a budget.
- Time Blindness: Struggles with future planning, leading to missed payments or a lack of long-term savings strategies.
- Decision Paralysis: Overwhelmed by too many choices, which can result in avoidance or impulsive financial decisions.
- Emotional Spending: Using money as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or sensory overload.
- Information Overload: Struggling to sift through complex financial jargon and advice, leading to inaction.
These challenges can lead to chronic financial stress, which can further exacerbate anxiety and contribute to feelings of failure. Body doubling helps break the cycle by offering structure, accountability, and social reinforcement.
The Science Behind Body Doubling
At its core, body doubling leverages the principle of co-regulation, where the presence of another person provides a stabilizing effect on an individual’s focus and emotional state. Studies suggest that co-regulation helps reduce cognitive load and enhances task persistence by:
- Providing External Structure: The presence of a "double" creates a social context that encourages goal-directed behavior.
- Minimizing Distractions: It fosters an environment of gentle pressure that reduces the tendency to switch between tasks.
- Enhancing Dopamine Production: Engaging in tasks with others can increase dopamine levels, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD.
- Normalizing Effort: Seeing others engaged in similar tasks can reduce feelings of isolation and shame often associated with financial struggles.
How to Use Body Doubling for Financial Tasks
Integrating body doubling into your financial management routine doesn’t require a complicated setup. Here are practical ways to make it work for you:
1. Virtual Accountability Partners
With the rise of remote work and digital communities, finding a financial accountability partner has never been easier. Apps like Focusmate or virtual co-working sessions via Zoom can provide the structured support you need to work through budgeting, tax preparation, or organizing financial documents.
2. Co-Working Spaces and Café Meetups
For those who thrive in social environments, working on finances in co-working spaces, libraries, or even coffee shops can provide a subtle sense of accountability without direct interaction.
3. Professional Support Groups
Many financial advisors and coaches now offer group sessions tailored to neurodivergent individuals. These sessions provide expert guidance alongside the motivational boost of a group setting.
4. Family and Friends as Body Doubles
Engaging a trusted friend or family member to sit with you while you tackle financial tasks can make a significant difference. They don’t need to participate; their presence alone can keep you grounded and on track.
Real-Life Body Doubling in Finance
Neurodivergent individuals have successfully used body doubling in various financial scenarios, including:
- Budgeting: Sitting down with a body double to go through monthly income and expenses can make budgeting feel less daunting.
- Bill Payments: Scheduled sessions to pay bills together ensure that deadlines aren’t missed.
- Debt Management: Working with a partner to outline repayment plans and track progress can provide encouragement and structure.
- Savings Goals: Collaborating with an accountability partner to work on savings challenges, such as the 52-week savings challenge.
Overcoming the Stigma
Despite its effectiveness, some individuals hesitate to embrace body doubling due to feelings of embarrassment or the misconception that they should be able to manage finances independently. It's essential to recognize that seeking support is a proactive step toward financial empowerment, not a sign of weakness.
By reframing body doubling as a productivity tool, neurodivergent individuals can confidently incorporate it into their financial toolkit without shame or self-judgment.
Tools and Resources to Get Started
If you're interested in exploring body doubling for your financial management, consider leveraging these tools:
- Apps: Focusmate, Caveday, Goblin.tools (for task planning)
- Online Communities: ADHD Facebook groups, Discord servers for neurodivergent financial support
- Books & Podcasts: "Your Money or Your Life" by Vicki Robin, "The ADHD Money Guide" by Sarah L. Cheyette
- Financial Coaches: Look for coaches specializing in neurodivergent money management
Wonder Twins for the Win
Body doubling offers a powerful, neurodivergent-friendly approach to financial management that transforms overwhelming tasks into achievable steps. Whether through a friend, a virtual partner, or a community group, incorporating body doubling into your financial routine can provide the accountability, motivation, and support needed to take control of your finances.
Remember, financial management doesn't have to be a solo journey. By leveraging body doubling, you can create a sustainable, structured approach to money that aligns with your neurodivergent strengths and needs.
