Flow State. (Even with ADHD)

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If you’ve been on the internet in any capacity in the last few years or so, you’ve probably at some point come across at least one video or article talking about something called the “Flow State”. Sadly, to me it seems like the concept of Flow State has been hijacked by the “hustle and grind culture” and has been made out to be all about “peak performance” and “10X-ing your productivity”, and if you’re like me you probably find that stuff really exhausting.
But as someone with ADHD, when I first heard about Flow I was really attracted to the idea of being able to have complete control over my focus, and I think the reason interest in Flow has exploded with popularity recently is that it’s harder than ever for everyone-especially people who have a hard time managing their attention-to focus on the things that really matter: our relationships, our jobs, even our hobbies and special interests.
And while it’s easy to point to our phones and social media as what’s creating an environment that’s hostile to our attention, it’s not always helpful to just say “don’t have a phone” or “uninstall social media” because the reality is that these tools are also how we do our jobs and maintain our social relationships in the modern age.
So today I want to go on a deep dive into the idea of Flow, how building a relationship with flow has helped me in my ADHD journey, and how you might explore Flow not just as a method of getting stuff done, but maybe even as a way of living a happier and healthier life.
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[@Bards.98]

Oh yeah, this is a certified Watch Later classic

[@PuzzledPlay]

Watch later... yeahhhhhh

[@grem_]

Don't call me out like that

[@Alpha_beef]

How did you know that…..?

[@NintendoFan4104]

I have never resonated with something more in my life than this comment.

[@Occultic_Pot]

Same here

[@Mr.Allagrande]

You knew what you were doing by putting Sonic in the thumbnail of an ADHD video

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

YES SIR I DID hahahahaha

[@AKcess_Dnied]

Idk why it took me until your comment to realize that Sonic is the hedgehog embodiment of ADHD

[@hajilee4539]

I was about to roll my eyes, but then I realized that's why I clicked...

[@LightModeIsHot]

Just to be clear, he puts Sonic in most of his video thumbnails. I guess he's a versatile lil bastard.

[@Ajanimations17]

Ong

[@oclone120]

Impulsively clicked on this video thinking it was about Sonic’s flow state from a game design perspective. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised to see the video’s actual topic.

[@WAFFENFABRIK]

Truly an ADHD-fuelled script

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Thanks for sticking around!

[@DukeCyrus]

realizing that this was recorded while he was playing was genuinely so real

[@krislancaster1214]

Makes the pause after the "A thousand years ago I wouldn't be playing video games, I'd be in one" so much funnier

[@shoopiesty805]

Me having to constantly rewind cause I keep daydreaming mid video MIGHT be an indicator

[@vper93]

Sorry, what? I was watching a Sonic video

[@joemkdd]

i found it easier to close my eyes so i can actually focus on what hes saying

[@TheRealSathyaSoma]

I have ADHD, and I was watching this while folding my clothes. I have minmaxed the perfect amount of stimulation. But seriously, what you said about the loss of your sense of self during flow state is so accurate. Whenever I'm consuming fiction, it feels like I disappear and the only thing that exists is the fictional world and its characters. Great video!

[@d.o.p.d.o.p.1775]

I was curious about the loss of self of sense. I didn't really understand the point of it though and so im intrigued by how the diagnosis causes that (if im understanding right).

[@KingRidley]

I don't think that's actually flow state. The kind of sounds like the opposite. Flow state is like pouring your entire self into one thing, while you're describing something that sounds a little bit more like dissociation.

[@seg_fault884]

13:26 I wanna point out that this is something the Sonic Franchise itself understands well. Sonic and his friends aren't tree dwellers who never interact with technology and industry, hell sonic pilots a plane, tails builds mechs, Amy's a city girl, and Shadow works with the government to defend earth. Furthermore, in Sonic CD, the Good Future versions of zones aren't completely stripped of any technology or infrastructure, but rather a healthy and mutually beneficial blend of the two, while the bad futures are entirely, oppressively industrialized, leaving no room for nature.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Someone else mentioned the Good Futures too and it's a brilliant thought, I can't believe I didn't think of it for the video!

[@lupeylycan]

you see this a lot in how the pokemon world is depicted also! the ideal isn't a society where nature overtakes human development, it's where both of those things exist in harmony with respect and consideration for one another. if a developmental project harms nature, it stops. when they depict things like an animal height drinking fountain beside a human height one, that speaks to something. nature always has its place alongside the technology. this outlook is a big part of why I really love both series.

[@Akira-Aerins]

What America needs to be vs what the corporate lobbyists and billionares want it to be

[@Scrap_]

Damn it, you got me with Sonic in thumbnail, then kept me with a call out to my own ADHD bad habits/habits.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

That was the plan! Mwahahaha

[@JayFrii420]

me too and i don’t even like sonic 😂

[@Sonicthehedgehigger1234]

@@JayFrii420and i do i don’t mean to be rude but its kinda funny how things work ya know?

[@ayumiixo]

I also fell for it but adhd talk peaked my interest

[@StarStadium.rad1]

@@NeatOnTheRockslmao I do also have adhd so this also got me

[@WettestMuscle65]

“Insomnia is to sleep what adhd is to flow state” that’s a great point that I never thought about

[@Varxiii]

honestly, i kind of struggled to concentrate on the topic itself too due to the quick sonic gameplay in the background. lol

[@alexgreer6336]

It was bold of him to assume that insomnia is to sleep isn't what adhd is to sleep

[@hekusblaze7042]

When you have insomnia and ADHD 😢

[@HogeezHoagies]

I love that you can read from a script, hold this topic for the enture video, and play Sonic 3 well enough to fool people into thinking it was pre-recorded footage speaks volumes

[@Vivigreeny25]

Holy shit when I read this comment I thought it was a JOKE and then I got to the exact part where he said that he was literally playing Sonic S3&K WHILE recording oh my god

[@quackman]

voice syncs up w button presses sometimes, I'd noticed. like a *jump* for emphasis/to finish a sentence.

[@proddrocas]

25:49 "Just because you're spinning in place doesn't mean you don't have the potential to take off and get going" and then Sonic does exactly what you said in the game, that was satisfying af🤣

[@felipne87r2]

That had me laughing for a good while lmao

[@nikpikstx7739]

4:34 this made me laugh I thought I was watching a pre recorded sonic 3 footage until u said this 😭

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Hahaha I always make sure to put a sincere reaction in the first few minutes to make sure people know that it's live!

[@godliket5092]

Yeah realizing he's talking to me about flow state and ADHD AND playing friggin sonic 3!🤣 Gold. Only 5 minutes in and you make me feel better about how I usually have something going on. Undiagnosed but we all have been pretty sure I'm ADHD lol. But it's how I roll it's fine.

[@NonJohns]

exact same thought process but I had the gift of reading this comment at the same time

[@Pk_Chesire]

I’m 26, and I know I have undiagnosed adhd, when I was a child I always did terrible in school when one day my family promised me a game console if I did well, I got honor roll in middle school and my family basically said “we actually didn’t think you would achieve this sooo… we’re not buying it for you regardless “ and from that point my mentality for middle school and high school was “there’s no point to any of this” eventually I got moved to another high school as a second chance to get my diploma and thanks to my wife(girlfriend at the time) she motivated me to get it.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

That's awesome, thanks for sharing :)

[@janelle57759]

I'm also sorry your family was being a pile of sh*t and they shaped your mentality that way by being absolute liars and I would go even as far as to say they failed you by being fine with breaking your trust like that. Imagine not being parents that follows through on your word to your kid. Your wife is a real one for helping you out bc adhd is a mfer and she probably realized that better than your parents

[@Pk_Chesire]

@@janelle57759 there are more incidents as well that made me dislike and disassociate and go no contact with them. And I’m not calling myself a saint either since Ik I’ve done a lot of things as well that made them dislike and disapprove of me. I have made an effort to have a heart to heart but to no avail since they chalk up they’re actions as justified or in my sisters case “she had it worse than me” despite being the golden child

[@Maroz4106]

Similar thing with me for three things, I was doing shit in school. Had a really hands on project for a science class and we actually got to dissect a pigs heart. I locked in so fucking hard, even my teacher who knows I'm not great at tests or hw asked if I actually meant to try on this test and I truthfully said yes. He believed me and let me pass when I got one question wrong by getting the tubes mixed up, another was for school when I did shit, new school new class options and saw an option for photography class. I picked up my slack and assumed I didn't make it until I checked my schedule and got in!... moved away because of neighbors and my mother... after school I got hyperfocused into building a gaming pc, needed money grinded a week or 2 for 1k budget build and boom ez pz. Now I'm getting my drivers license soon and hopefully more.

[@Pk_Chesire]

@@Maroz4106 thank u for sharing bro and I’m glad your teacher took your side instead of using previous knowledge to doubt you

[@VesDegree]

"Negative emotions can be powerful motivators, but the long term goal should be to break out of being beholden to your base level motivations, so you can have the true freedom to make decisions for yourself." ...WOW. I'm remembering that.

[@lars2675]

13:00 There is something called the social model of disability, where the theory is that the primary difficulty with having a disability is not the physical impairment itself, but the fact that our society is not structured to best serve those with disabilities. While this model is usually used to talk about physical disabilities, I think it is especially true when looked at through the lens of mental illness. Many people who otherwise would have thrived in society have been put at a disadvantage because of the way our society developed, not because of something naturally or inherently wrong or bad about themselves. Thinking about it this way helped me understand that ADHD is an important part of my identity. It's not something I need to get rid of, but something I just need to find different ways to deal with (like flow) because society is not optimally structured for me (especially college courses lol). Great vid

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Well said!

[@HomingAsatoMass]

While it might suck to say, I really think there is no type of society in which people who struggle with their executive functions flourish more than those who don't. Some forms of organization are more accommodating to us, but that's about it. You always have to remember that, firstly, there is a reason that specialization developed, and secondly, that those who are worse at specialization aren't automatically better at being generalists or innovators. Of course, I still think society needs some restructuring and put a greater emphasis on mental health, but it's important not to downplay these issues as a mere coincidental mismatch between mind and society.

[@johnaquino7619]

@@HomingAsatoMass Agreed. For instance, difficulty communicating, socializing, verbalizing thoughts coherently, finishing anything and unable to function without any mental crutches, can cause the human brain to try to adapt in order to cope and function on some level, but still puts us behind the curve of those who can adapt, who can finish what they start, who are resilient emotionally and socially, and who can do it without accommodation. The brain of a blind person can learn to pay more attention to the other senses in order to make up for the lack of one of them, but they are still hampered by their lack in an inherently sighted planet.

[@Verozuu]

I went from Watch Later to Watch Now because I want that flow state

[@first___last]

I watched the whole video and didn't get into flow.

[@seandorama5932]

@@first___lastwell not everything work for everyone (:

[@dhazedxz007]

This needs to be highlighted, put on a frame or something, because this quote: "It's better to focus on not whether you meet your goals but whether you find meaning in the pursuit itself" is one of the best advice in this lifetime we need to learn to be happier and stronger individuals in my opinion 27:04

[@mangorelyk]

Watching this while not listening and reading the comments instead really shows the actual purpose of the video

[@Whimz]

Absolutely love your weird sonic + self-help content niche. It's so unique and scratches an odd itch in my brain, lol. There's something super cozy about someone unwinding with a fun video game and just rambling about a topic off the top of their head. Keep up the good stuff and I hope the channel gets more attention soon cause you deserve it!

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Thanks!!

[@caveirainvocada9438]

If you like this kind of video and also like Megaman I can recommend a channel called Manus Zero who does the same thin with mostly Megaman Zero vids

[@chrisencelan4021]

1:18 Was accidental timing for sure, but the way the game transitioned with your words, "Building that relationship..." WAS SO COOOOL

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Hahaha this format leads to lots of happy accidents!!

[@Mystic-Aidan]

Probably the weirdest way I’ve figure out how to enter a flow state is probably Instagram gym motivation videos. Y’know, the ones with anime character speeches set to motivational music and some guy working out. I have no idea why it works, I’m not a gym bro or anything, but it gets me back up and back to work. Crazy stuff.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Motivational speaking/content is a real thing! When our brains refuse to cooperate, hacking them intentionally to do what we need them to is sometimes necessary.

[@Mystic-Aidan]

@@NeatOnTheRocks Hey man if Vegeta says I gotta go super or something I might as well take his word for it.

[@Varxiii]

@@Mystic-Aidan this made me crack up lol

[@nexus8824]

as a 15 year old who had the same problem of daydreaming when im not engaged, it feels good when i can see an adult who has felt the same way.

[@CataclysmicVortexx]

Genuinely relatable asf dude

[@Punky_Enjoyeroftrains]

As a 15 year old with ADHD who maladaptive daydreams on the daily,I've never felt so seen by a comment

[@grzegorzrolnik2855]

the constant cuts in the background footage perfectly describe how I feel when replaying Sonic 3, I just completely forget what happens in these few parts

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Lol that's a consequence of me playing live while recording, or else I wouldn't be cutting around so often and abruptly. But I think your experience indicates that you play this game to relax and let your thoughts wander off, rather than to engage your brain!

[@theelectronic3738]

This is the most adhd video ever. With the script and video in the background. You can TELL that a person with ADD/ADHD did this video. I love it

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

😄 I feel so seen

[@LunamPuer]

"Flow is the state of being, which is achieved when a level of skill and capability in performing a certain task matches the difficulty and effort requirement for that task to be performed flawlessly, start to finish." this is, I believe the official definition of the flow state.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

I think that describes one instance in which the flow state occurs, but also fails to define what the experience actually is It'd be like defining sleep as: "the state of being, which is achieved when a tired body and mind lay still in a low-stimulation environment for an extended period"--that definition tells us nothing about the wonder and terror of dreaming!

[@supercoolpanda]

this is the only video i will be coming back to regularly. I'm in college and i'm dying. I can't focus. I can't study. I can't balance work and school and my social life. This video found me when I needed it. Ill be re-watching until i reach the self actualization lmao

[@Tujae_]

7:27 "Sonic played basketball one time and somebody told him to be the ball. And he took that literally. And he made that his whole personality." I never looked at it this way. I will now see a basketball every time I see the Spin Dash 🏀

[@NoggTV]

You hit the nail on the head here. Focus is so hard to achieve these days and takes so much energy and effort out of me to try to achieve something I may not sustain. Flow on the other hand seems to come more naturally and I find I'm far more productive as a result of it. Great stuff Neat!

[@Brandon-xc2pk]

at around 23:00 this was me with fucking essays in school, i would stare at a blank page and always feel like i couldnt put anything down, i one time spent an entire class period looking at a blank paper with my mind racing and also self doubt making my experience even worse and whats even worse is i didnt know adhd was the cause so i just was told i was lazy or no one could understand i was seriously having trouble 😭

[@jarvis5552]

THIS IS ME RIGHT NOWWW (College)

[@ByrneBaby]

Dude, flow state being hijacked by the grind is so wack and so true. For me, Sonic is also one of my role models, but it's his duality between being an energetic, busy-body hero and his desire and willingness to just relax and chill between big adventures that endears me to him. And I think that duality is what flow state is. Flowing is all about turning "if" into "when," and just doing something when it feels right and effortless. Stopping Eggman is going to happen, it's just a matter of when. Relaxing afterwards is going to happen, it's just a matter of when. The idea is to let life and your intention to do something tug you into when it's most convenient and possible. Like choosing what day to go bike riding on. You can force yourself to ride in the rain, but that's going to be a DRASTICALLY less enjoyable experience than a few days after the storm, when it's all dried up and there's a bunch of clouds mixed into the blue sky. It's not about being consciously optimal, it's about being unconsciously effortless. Allowing, not forcing. This comment was made by the ADHD gang (I'm also diagnosed :P)

[@sushiIabel]

the flow of this post was crazy relatable lol. hope all is well dude.

[@Joneender]

Oh my gosh everything just clicked. Sonic is the embodiment of ADHD Super Sonic is when you channel your ADHD to hyperfocus on a topic youre genuinely interested in Ultra Sonic is sonic on meds

[@180Personal]

As someone with adhd this completely described me within the first 2 minutes. I genuinely felt seen and inspired watching this as im someone who kind of supresses my adhd and interests out of a fear of judgement from other people. Im really glad there are people who understand ADHD and especially in a way that revolves around sonic the hedgehog. Thanks for making this.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Thanks for the superchat homie 💖

[@amsgamingandmusic]

Words cannot express how accurate this video is, and how helpful it feels. I'm at a point in my life where everything feels like it's building up and is about to crush me, and I've felt so frustrated with my own brain and the way it works. This feels like it helps explain stuff for me, and gives me a light at the end of this damn tunnel. Even just having someone else describe exactly what I experience. Thankyou ❤

[@theyakkoman]

If anyone is interested, the concept of flow was first coined by psychologist and researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his book "Flow". While many psychology-professors and researchers focused on "why are we sad? What makes us so depressed?" Mihaly wanted to know what makes us feel good and how to put emphasis on that. And in his and his teams research when they talked to people the word "Flow" kept popping up to when people felt best. And it was in tasks as different as mountain climbing, meditation, basketball, playing instruments or creating art etc. etc. So they started to look for the common denominators and found things that are talked about in this video. Like clear goals, good feedback, just the right amount of challenge etc. The book is simply called Flow and I highly recommend it. It's one of those books I feel comfortable to recommend to any- and everyone. Since it's themes are very interesting and truly universal. Lastly, thansk for a great video. Will check out your other stuff now :)

[@awtlander]

that was the most informative sonic 3&k playthrough of my life

[@mrman661]

I felt so called out when you said “to those of you listening to this while playing games” considering I was doing exactly that😭

[@ND747]

Bro, this essay practically hit the nail on the head for me personally. Too many ideas and concepts here aligned with practically everything I do now-a-days and its inspired me to start incorporating the Flow State to more of what I do. You've earned this sub. Thanks for the enlightenment. Here's to hoping I can tackle all the aspects of life, and my KZbin channel, in a better and more intuitive way.

[@yurick]

Since moving to the Netherlands to study, I've found myself traveling all over to any friends I knew spread across the country. People in my life pointed out how I was always in a different city every day and I myself likened it to side quests I did to keep myself moving. This video really resonated with me in that regard and so many others (including Sonic), so thank you so much for providing a voice of direction and encouragement! (Extra points for the spinning in place and taking off thing... Sonic really strangely fits all of this so well, makes sense why I gravitate to the franchise so much)

[@andy-opia4306]

Bro, this video could not have been recommended to me enough. I’ve been struggling a bit with online college courses and this video talking about flow over focus hit home, especially since I have been getting better at entering flow states more recently. I especially love the allegories with video games and historical context. These type of subjects are universal, so allegories make it much easier to think about. I really hope this video blows up, not just because you deserve so much recognition for your amazing work, but also because so many more need to hear this.

[@logikali2030]

I just wanted to say thank you. This video was perfectly timed as a university (college for you guys?) student, the pressure of deadlines can flip between both under and over stimulating (not enough motivation to start when there's a couple weeks left, but too much pressure when its a few days left till the deadline). I am undiagnosed but a lot of what you said during this video rang true for me. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you for this video, and for showing up on my home page. From the script and video the pacing of the two was perfect to keep me engaged and really helped convey the message across. I'm gonna start from the bottom of the pyramid and work my way up to flow because honestly I feel like I forget the basics and then wonder why I'm struggling with the harder things. Thank you so much

[@byaee]

0:40 the irony...

[@LoganverseS1]

What irony

[@c4k3yyz]

Somehow i watched this entire thing from the youtube feed, without clicking to even read comments. take this as a compliment

[@Hyp3rSonic]

I watched this while working on 1 of my college assignments 👍

[@yochrisnelson]

Listen man, I was only watching KZbin at 1.75x after finishing my third coffee 😅 I cranked the speed down for this BANGER though. So much hit home for me, man. I appreciate it

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Appreciate you 😁

[@doofmoney3954]

Hell yeah. What has helped me with flow state the most is meditation and rational philosophy (Reading the fountainhead has been invaluable to me)

[@fireofvictory7008]

watching this to procrastinate on an assignment that I havent been able to lock into for hours lmao

[@thatgamingauthor]

As an author, I have had SO many of those Spongebob essay moments in my life. Despite the fact that I've been writing for over two decades, I'll open up a document and suddenly forget what words are. In reality, I know my mind is making a thousand different calculations at once: "is this really how you want to start this chapter?" "What if it sucks?" "What if this whole 500+ page story sucks and needs to be deleted and started over?" Things like that. Even now, I'm procrastinating editing my current book. But this was an insightful video and I very much appreciate it!

[@MrBulgarianbadass]

I feel called out - washing dishes with the video playing at 1.5x speed in the background through my headphones 😅

[@AKcess_Dnied]

I can't absorb anything audible if I'm doing something else. I like to watch videos at 1.5x but sometimes I want to be quiet so I read my videos, and I can't do that at 1.5x, so I'm a bit torn.

[@MrBulgarianbadass]

@@AKcess_Dnied To be fair most bigger YTers have started talking slowly, to the point 1.5x feels like normal speech rate. Have you tried 0.8/0.5x or normal speed witb CC enabled? (i know they aren't the best but you can kind of get 80-85% of all of the conversations)

[@AKcess_Dnied]

I just play at normal speed, this video was too long to read so I'll come back when I can listen to it. I'm put off by anything longer than 10 minutes, I'm never sure I want to commit that much time to something I might not like anyway.

[@Retro_Keys]

My adhd first manifested in like 4th grade when I first learned about the titanic and I got hooked on the crash and wanted to read every book and watch every video talking about what may have happened to cause the ship to go down

[@MysticSlime]

Wow, I was shocked to see such an interesting format of a more scripted video while also playing a game DURING the recording of it; I wholeheartedly agree with your point about how it makes it more genuine. Great video!

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Thank you!

[@slugcatsu]

Oh, I didn't expect to see you here! And I agree, playing the game during the recording of it makes it so much more genuine!

[@Kazner0h]

I'm always skeptical of youtube videos about ADHD because I feel like we're an easy population to manipulate and that attracts a lot of grifters, but I really appreciated this video. It was nice to hear your perspective, and I got emotional around the halfway point because I related a lot to your idea of "in the past I would've just been doing quests." Trying to fit myself into the lifestyle that works for most neurotypicals has always been difficult for me, and as a result I've had a lot of periods where I crashed out and just wandered, doing random jobs instead. Those 'breaks' from everyday life, where there is no correct path and we *have* to live in the present and explore, have always felt the easiest and happiest for me. Anyway, thanks for making this video. I felt seen.

[@TeltStory]

This is exactly how I advised my team to play splatoon during league rush... when I kept harping on about having fun and making silly decisions even in serious matches, we dominated. They were deep in their own heads, second guessing everything, so I encouraged them to just do stuff. Things like ambush the enemy charger with a clash blaster, or start spinning in circles in the middle of a firefight, or squidbag in enemy ink so that sneaking past 1 block tall walls is possible. Take the risk when it pops up, it'll be awesome.

[@kingkenno8803]

Tutor in Mental Wellbeing here, and someone with BPD. This is a fantastic video, you've done well to understand yourself over the years, and do a great job of that conveying that info 😊

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Thank you!

[@ITZSMILES69]

As someone with ADHD myself, I've still struggled with focusing with I was younger. But over time, I had taught myself to stay more and more focused 90% of the time allowing me to get things done. Something I really want to know about myself is if I achieve the flow state, what is possible for me as a whole? Once I ever manage to get that answer, I'll be able to do whatever I want.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Good luck, I believe you can do it!

[@LilacMonarch]

For most of my life the possibility of being adhd never even crossed my mind, so i was totally stumped why i suddenly stopped being able to function when i hit college. But the more i see about it the more everything starts to make sense. I just recently got diagnosed and was surprised when i took the test how many of the questions were spot on.

[@What-Hapen]

I zoned out and had to rewatch sections like 5 times throughout this video. Yeesh. This really brings to light for me how even with certain "stimulations", they sometimes just aren't right and will yank your thoughts away. I'll put on a video essay while trying to draw and find that 2 hours later I haven't done anything. I wish it were so much easier to find that special point of focus.

[@FunFun-zq6pj]

Idk why but after watching a few minutes of this video, I became motivated on doing my mountain homework that was piling up everyday (I also have ADHD & you knew what you were doing with the thumbnail)

[@frostyfoxteals]

as a sonic fan with adhd and autism that loves watching video essays, there could not have been a more perfect video for me on this entire platform. I love all the jokes and references you include while talking and how you progress in the game as we progress in the video I dont know how to end this comment so ill just say that this video is awesome and you should do more stuff like this

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Thanks! I will definitely be doing more--in the meantime you'll also like the other vids in the playlist I mention at the end of the video (they're the same format, except it's with Sonic 1, 2, and CD 😄 )

[@frostyfoxteals]

@@NeatOnTheRocks i will definitely be watching those!

[@MechaMario64]

Ive suffered with adhd my whole life and i have never found a video more suited for me being able to throw at someone I know who goes "well why dont you do X instead of your weird coping systems" and its because thats how I get into my flow. This is beyond words useful and helpful for a video, immediately earned a sub.

[@Jebsjebsjenebs]

Just saying at 17:33, just realized a whole lot of time has passed and i was watching this to procrastinate, the irony of life.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Like I said--sometimes I'm part of the problem!!

[@micropig6098]

This video is perfectly edited, usually if I watched a video about adhd my adhd brain would zone out and watch something else almost immediately but the fact there’s sonic in the background I was hooked the whole video and still took in everything you said.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Major compliment

[@ZanyCat]

I have ADHD and autism. The worst part is when the autistic side of my brain is overstimulated but the ADHD part of it is still seeking stimulation, so I end up having to sit there being bored waiting for my brain to recover from being overstimulated. It's hard when your brain constantly wants stimulation while also getting overwhelmed by that same stimulation.

[@12DAMDO]

flow in taoism is the state of being in your element.. you effortlessly and naturally do things in autopilot, basically speaking.. you just gotta chill, go with the flow, and be in the zone.. that's a great and natural way to live..

[@jamesgibbs6716]

Okay so I heard everything you said in this video... But only about 5 words total actually sank in. Now I'm gonna have to watch it all over again so I can properly understand it.

[@zincorelearn980]

Thank you for making a half-hour video on how to beat ADHD. The core audience will definitely watch it till the end ;)

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

I'll take what I can get

[@Ad3m30w]

Oh the irony of watching this while needing to get work done

[@treyvonjames270]

You know as a person with HEAVY ADHD I really appreciate this video. Seriously I agree with 70% of this video easily. So thx for making it man.

[@theunfinishedkitkat]

I'm so used to prerecorded footage that the reveal of it being live gameplay held the same weight as an unexpected plot twist

[@Ondestus]

As someone with ADD(ADHD minus the hyperactivity) i feel like ive been in the flow state without noticing it multiple times and noticed how time has passed. But now im at a point in my life wondering what do i love to do and enjoy while watching people be passionate and love doing things they enjoy

[@jenzii]

Currently trying to overcome the fear of getting a diagnose, because I'm already aware how I behave and how I struggle in modern life. This video was so good, thank you for sharing your journey and thoughts ❤

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Try to remember that a diagnosis does not condemn you with something for life--it empowers you with the freedom to understand yourself fully, and can give you the tools necessary for you to receive the accommodations you need to be successful! It can be a scary process, but it is so worth it.

[@jenzii]

@@NeatOnTheRocks You're so right, thank you so much for your words!

[@ZeldaGirl66]

Having Sonic the Hedgehog gameplay passively going on in the background while you're talking about all this important stuff was actually a genius move for appealing to, and being easily watchable for its intended audience. (Providing a little bit of backround stimulation) Fantastic Job! Loved the comparisons you made with explaining things and used your own personal experience!

[@tamazhi6762]

25:48: Sonic "spins in place" 25:53: Sonic "takes off" Lmao

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Like I said, crazy how the script sometimes syncs with the game!

[@ZachX888]

You know I noticed half way through that you MUST have been reading the script while playing the game, but the way you put it together in words at around 24:00 minutes in honestly just makes it all that much more IMPRESSIVE. Seriously, you've got some talent man.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Thank you 🥰

[@BernardoCreator]

Man, Im loving these videos. Please keep going, youve have been a really good inspiration for me! Thanks.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

I will, don't worry! :D

[@P4ncakez_Stack]

You know, this has been sitting on my "Watch Later" list forever now. At first, I thought it was about the flow state of video games and how to build a successful state of flow in your own game, but I was pleasantly surprised when I decided to tune in and hear what it truly is all about. Listening to your story, I genuinely believe that I also may have ADHD. I thank you deeply.

[@Thekki]

24:12 i absolutely agree i dont know what it is but it just feels more authentic

[@slimestaff1]

I remember having flow states twice: One for coding, and one for english; I learned algorithmic logic and coding basics in a few weeks, and then the medium and advanced in 3 months, and a few weeks to learn how to use sockets, etc. Basically the same with english; learned the language logic in a few weeks, the basic understanding and reading in a few months aswell, and then a few years perfectioning writing and listening. But it was all SO FAST, and i was SO engaged; when I realized that pattern of learning, I tried understanding it, but i failed. If I were to understand it, i would basically learn anything i want.

[@YeggJPG]

I geniuenely love this because I've never heard of Flow State before! (ALSO because THE GOAT Sonic 3 and Knuckles is on display, ESPECIALLY because it's Sonic 3 A.I.R)

[@jjmyhero469]

I've thought about almost all of this for the past few years i am undiagnosed and you gave me some courage to check myself out

[@Snonc41]

lyle lyle you gotta wake up you gotta wake up please neatontherocks uploaded another inspirational rambling over sonic gameplay

[@Iroduckling]

TURN ON THE TV IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT CHANNEL

[@necrowdancing]

You know, I respect you for playing the game while reading the script. I don't know how to describe it, but it makes sense and gives a sense of personality for the video itself

[@hipersonicc9736]

My watch later playlist doesn't even let me add new videos, i had to create a new one and IT'S ALMOST FULL TOO.

[@creeps664]

I watched half of this video and I think you just indirectly diagnozed me with ADHD

[@AreoSky]

So ive noticed i work best when i listen to the sonic advance 3 sound track from zone 1 to zone 7. since ive played this game so much, theres this feeling of progression that i get while working. the Music in every act builds on the previous track so that helps to!im an animator so theres days when im working for a bit and i feel nothing is getting done. the sonic advance 3 ost has this feeling of progression to it that motivates me but since ive played it so much and i know how to zoom through the game, when i hear the music, it like turns on them flow pathways does this makes sense :c

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

It sure does, I return to Chaos Angel music specifically all the time

[@zetten4109]

Was diagnosed when I was 6, I’ve been medicated but it doesn’t always help. Just hearing someone having similar issues or difficulties with life and putting their story out there makes me feel very seen. Great video, definitely subscribing.

[@NeclirGo]

Got damnit, I was baited with a sonic thumbnail then forced to face my own problems! Really good video though, and yes, I DON'T really like Marble Garden zone

[@fishcakes3186]

This was so validating for someone who also didn't get diagnosed till later in life. I didn't get it until half way through my college life and that made so much stuff clearer. Thank you for this!

[@Creepyquiller]

Existentialism and Sonic are an oddly good combo.

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

Sonic and Existentialism basically sum up my whole personality, so I'm glad you think so!

[@AnimusBehemoth]

I have been chasing flow since before I was diagnosed. A bit of advice to the ADHDers out there - if you want to meditate, focus, process thoughts and emotions: you have to “give your ego a cookie.” Go on a walk, play a game you love where the challenge is even with your skill. We CAN meditate, we can focus and work through stuff. We just need to put the front of our brain in autopilot first. If you don’t know where to start with the game thing: try shmups, try Hoolow Knight’s pantheons, anything that requires lock in between your brain and your hands. You know you’re in flow when you realize that your eyes are unmoving from the center of the screen and you’re using your peripheral vision to process your position and incoming threats.

[@alllstuff]

6:25 oh my god i did that all the time and now im realizing thats because of adhd probably

[@SkulltexWasTaken]

the fact that im 18, im still growing up, AND i can relate to this is INSANE

[@AreoSky]

DUDE facts, all my homies hate marble garden zone

[@thelazyblade1016]

Me with ADHD watching this video instead of studying for my test in two days so I can enter the flow state to study harder: *_"Ok. Now, this is epic."_*

[@EdgyTheHedgy891]

man that video hits me personally (in a good way) I may be delaying important tasks that take literal minutes to complete for weeks, but I have no problem spending hours on researching background between paranormal activities and old enternet legends to figure out just what really happened, or learning to speedrun a sonic level, or building and balancing a yugioh deck I also noticed that I work and focus a lot better when I'm working in a team with someone or in order to help someone, but I find it hard to focus on something that only benefits me for example, I really like skateboarding, but I am also not very good at it and on top of it learning and practicing new tricks becomes boring way to fast for me but on the opposite end of the spectrum I am a part of a dancing group, and there I have no problem focusing on learning and repeating new moves over and over again because I just have a lot of fun with this new group of dancer friends I made

[@PsychGh]

New Comfort/Helptuber just dropped, 10/10 love everything about how this dude talks and represents things, not just that he's relatable :)

[@VegaVibing]

I lost focus somewhere and lost the point somewhere I think...somewhere...

[@NeatOnTheRocks]

yeah me too lol but we go again

[@bervin3232]

I love how you talk about stuff bro, you sound like you've been deep in thought about these things. You remind me of myself for the most arbitrary topics. Keep it up!

[@jm_art_ist439]

Curious how far people go before focusing on something else. 2:50 for me

[@draco6349]

watched this while i was supposed to be doing a rough draft for English 101. 10/10

[@timgorg1919]

1:48 I was, in fact playing video games to keep attention. Creepy, how the algorithm gives me videos.

[@CataclysmicVortexx]

Dude, you made the only 15+ minute video I didn't actually continue later lmfao (Thanks man this helps a lot also)