Mentorship Thoughts

For Mark • Pixel Light

I am a creative entrepreneur and founder of Pixel Light Creative Group with 35+ years of experience in strategic visual storytelling.
(35 photography, more recently film).
As a 56-year-old business owner with ADD, my unique personality profile shapes both my strengths and challenges.


Background & Profile

My assessment shows I am highly cooperative and considerate and very creative and innovative
BUT
I struggle with organization and follow-through and tend to be more reserved and inward-focused

HOWEVER
I maintain exceptional emotional stability under pressure.


While driven by creativity, empathy, and big-picture thinking, I recognize the need for structured support to enhance focus, organization, and consistent execution to ensure my creative vision translates into sustained professional success and better work-life balance. I am particularly concerned that my difficulties with focus, organization, and follow-through might sabotage my ability to fully engage with and benefit from the mentorship program, despite my genuine passion and commitment to filmmaking.

 Synthesized Profile: Strengths & Challenges

Core Strengths

  • Ideation & Strategic: Thinking: Naturally adept at generating novel ideas and seeing the bigger picture, connecting concepts in unique ways to develop compelling narratives and strategies.
  • Adaptability: Comfortable and effective in navigating change and adjusting approaches as projects evolve or new information emerges.
  • Empathy & Connection (Developer): Skilled at understanding and connecting with others' perspectives, fostering strong relationships, and mentoring talent. This translates into authentic storytelling.
  • Creative Vision & Openness: Possess a strong aesthetic sense and a drive to create meaningful, high-quality visual work that resonates emotionally.
  • High Agreeableness: Collaborative and supportive team player, focused on positive interactions and shared goals.

Concerns/Weaknesses

  • Implementing Structures for Consistent Execution & Follow-Through: Seeking mentorship on practical filmmaker workflows for project completion.
  • Enhancing Prioritization & Focus Amidst Creative Flow: Need guidance on ADD-friendly focus techniques and prioritization frameworks within a dynamic production environment.
  • Streamlining Operational & Administrative Processes: Looking for advice on efficient systems, tools, or delegation strategies used by successful filmmakers.
  • Refining Planning & Organization Systems: Aiming to learn specific planning methodologies suited for creative projects and managing deadlines under pressure.
  • Establishing Sustainable Work-Life Boundaries: Need strategies for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries while managing a creative business.

Proposed Productivity & Focus Initiatives

I have identified the following strategies that I'm considering implementing, potentially refining them within the mentorship program:

Time Management & Focus Techniques

  • Pomodoro Technique: Working in focused 25-minute blocks with short breaks
  • Strategic Sprinting: Committing to specific tasks with defined durations and outcomes
  • Task Chunking: Breaking down large tasks and starting with just 10 minutes (leveraging the Zeigarnik effect)
  • "Parking Lot" System: Quickly noting distracting thoughts/ideas to address later
  • Environmental Optimization: Creating distinct zones for deep work and creative activities


Prioritization Framework: Meaningful Impact Tiers

I'm considering implementing a value-driven prioritization system using a visual Kanban board to organize tasks into three tiers:

  • Tier 1: Urgent & Important/High Value - Critical tasks impacting revenue and core values
  • Tier 2: Important/High Value but Not Urgent - Strategic growth activities requiring proactive scheduling
  • Tier 3: Delegable or Low Priority - Tasks that could be streamlined, automated, delegated, or eliminated

Tools & Technology
Integration

I'm considering these technology tools as potential "extended mind" and efficiency boosters:

  • Musey 2.0/MuseOS/RelevanceAI
  • Google Workspace for calendaring and time-blocking
  • Evernote for idea capture and "second brain" functionality
  • Bloom.io for CRM and client workflow management
  • AI writing assistants to expedite routine communications
  • Voice dictation to leverage verbal strengths


Weekly Review &
Improvement System

I'm considering establishing these reflection habits:

  • Weekly review process to evaluate progress and adjust strategies
  • Monthly reset for deeper metrics review and system cleanup
  • Quarterly deep dives to assess goals and realign systems


Mentorship Consideration Statement

My goal is to leverage my creative and strategic strengths more effectively by building robust systems and habits that mitigate my challenges. I am fully aware that without addressing these operational weaknesses, I may struggle to fully benefit from any mentorship program, regardless of the mentor's expertise or my creative capabilities.

I believe that transparent communication about these challenges is essential for establishing an effective mentorship relationship. With the right guidance focused on both filmmaking craft and complementary organizational strategies, I can channel my creative energy more productively and sustainably.

The productivity initiatives I've outlined demonstrate my commitment to self-improvement and readiness to actively engage with mentorship, though I would welcome guidance on which approaches might best complement the program structure. I am eager to learn from experienced professionals who have navigated similar challenges while building successful careers in filmmaking.

I am proactive, self-aware, and ready to put in the work required. With structured support in the areas I've identified, I am confident I can transform potential obstacles into opportunities for growth and achieve both creative excellence and operational effectiveness.


**********STOP here for Mentorship High Level Details**********

(read on only if you want more details)

Primary Goals

Improve Focus & Productivity

Manage ADD-related distractibility.

Prioritize Revenue-Generating Work

Focus on high-value client tasks.

Streamline/Offload Admin

Reduce time on disliked tasks.

Restore Work-Life Balance

Set boundaries, reconnect with family.

Follow Through on Ideas

Execute creative concepts & commitments.

Leverage Strengths, Mitigate Weaknesses

Design workflow around strengths.

Core Philosophy & Mindset Shifts

1. Structure Creates Freedom

View systems as scaffolding enabling creativity, handling the mundane to free mental energy.

2. Self-Compassion & Resilience

Acknowledge patterns. Leverage Low Neuroticism to bounce back without harsh judgment. Progress, not perfection.

3. Focus is a Trainable Skill

Like a muscle, focus strengthens with consistent practice using the right techniques.

4. Harness, Don't Suppress, Creativity

Capture ideas effectively without derailing tasks; schedule time to explore them intentionally.

5. Align with Your "Why"

Connect daily tasks to core Values (Meaningful Work, Helping People, Creativity, Stability, Balance) for intrinsic motivation.

Strategy Overview: Structured Flexibility

Built on “structured flexibility” – enough framework for guidance, enough freedom for creativity and variety. Key principles:

  • Leverage Strengths: Design tasks aligning with creativity, strategy, empathy. Reframe unpleasant tasks. Distinguish Creation vs. Execution time.
  • Externalize Organization: Use calendars, task lists, apps as an “extended mind.” Implement Daily Focus List & single task hub.
  • Prioritize Ruthlessly (Value-Driven): Use the Meaningful Impact Tier system (MITs) via visual Kanban. Focus daily on Tier 1.
  • ADHD-Friendly Focus Techniques: Pomodoro, Strategic Sprinting, Task Chunking, Parking Lot, Environmental Controls (Zones, Aesthetics), Body Doubling, Timers, Interruption Scripts. Schedule "Creative Input" time.
  • Automation and Delegation: Use AI, voice-to-text, CRM automation. Delegate low-level/disliked tasks (VA, family).
  • Accountability & Support: Coach, peer group, family check-ins, dedicated partner (non-spouse ideal).
  • Regular Reflection & Adjustment: Weekly Review, Monthly Reset, Quarterly Deep Dive. Ask: "Is this system honoring my values?"

Prioritization Framework: Meaningful Impact Tiers

Triage tasks using this value-driven system, ideally on a visual Kanban board (limit 'Today' to 1-3 items).

Priority Tier Description Examples of Tasks Action Plan
Tier 1: Urgent & Important / High Value (Critical Now) Deadlines, crises; tasks impacting revenue, key clients, core goals/values (Meaningful Work, Stability). Cannot postpone. - Client projects due soon/overdue
- Following up hot leads/proposals
- Issuing invoices
- Critical operations
- Family urgencies		 Do First: Schedule into peak focus. Use deadlines. Delegate if possible.
Tier 2: Important / High Value but Not Urgent (Strategic Growth) Tasks for long-term goals, aligned with values (Creativity, Wisdom, Connection). Planning, growth, relationships, creative dev. Requires proactive scheduling. - Marketing strategy, content creation
- Networking, relationship nurturing
- Skill development
- Strategic planning
- Scheduled Creative/Ideation Time
- Exercise, health
- Proactive family activities		 Schedule & Protect: Block dedicated time ("Deep Work," "Creative Block"). Treat appointments seriously. Break into milestones.
Tier 3: Delegable or Low Priority (Minimize/Delegate) Tasks not critical to goals/values, could be done by others, low-impact interruptions. Routine admin requiring low creative energy. - Basic bookkeeping, data entry
- Routine emails, scheduling
- Excessive social media
- Perfectionist tweaks
- Tasks someone else can do 80% well
- Low-value requests		 Streamline, Automate, Delegate, Batch, or Eliminate: Use VA, family, AI, Zapier. Batch admin. Time-box. Politely decline (use scripts).

Implementation: Review/label tasks daily/weekly. Use visual Kanban. Write Daily Focus List (1-3 MITs from Tier 1/2) & keep visible. Aim to handle Tier 1 by midday.

Tools & Automation to Streamline Work

Leverage technology as an "extended mind" and efficiency booster. Prioritize optimizing current tools first.

Tool / Platform Purpose Usage Plan for Mark
Google Calendar Time management, scheduling, time-blocking. Time-block (Deep Work, Creative, Admin, Family). Single calendar. Multiple reminders. Schedule reviews. Integrate Tasks/Keep.
Evernote/Notion/Keep Idea capture, note-taking, "second brain". Digital notebook & "Parking Lot." Capture ideas frictionlessly. Store checklists/templates. Organize. Review weekly.
Bloom.io CRM, Project Management, Client Workflow. Full Leverage: Input leads, automate follow-ups, use tasks for projects/deadlines, invoicing. Check dashboard daily.
Visual Kanban Tool(Trello, Notion, etc.) Task Management, Workflow Visualization. Implement Prioritization Framework visually (Ideas, This Week, Today (1-3 max!), Doing, Done). Review daily/weekly.
AI Writing Assistant(ChatGPT, etc.) Drafting, brainstorming, summarizing. Efficiency Booster: Draft routine emails, outline content, summarize docs. Brainstorming partner. Review output.
Voice Dictation(Otter.ai, phone) Capture thoughts, draft content via speech. Leverage Speaking Strength: Dictate drafts while moving. Transcribe meetings/brainstorms.
Focus/Accountability Apps(Focusmate, Forest, Freedom) Enhance focus, track time, block distractions. Focusmate for co-working. Forest for Pomodoro. Freedom/Cold Turkey for blocking. Introduce gradually.
Automation Services(Zapier, IFTTT) Connect apps, automate workflows. Streamline Connections: Set up 1-2 high-value Zaps (e.g., lead -> Bloom + Calendar task).
Book Recommendations Further Learning. Consider: Deep Work, Atomic Habits, Getting Things Done (adapted), Indistractable.

Daily Routine & Habit Building

Morning Kickstart

  • Consistency is key
  • Brief prayer/meditation (Faith value)
  • Light exercise (dopamine)
  • Review visible Daily Focus List (1-3 MITs)
  • Nutritious breakfast

During the Workday

  • Morning Deep Work:~2 hrs protected Tier 1/2 tasks (Pomodoro/Sprints)
  • Midday REAL Break: Step away fully. Movement/social reset. Quick urgency check only.
  • Afternoon Blocks: Less demanding Tier 2/3 tasks or Admin Sprint. Lighter creative work if energy low. Gamify admin.

Shutdown Routine (Critical)

  • Fixed cutoff time
  • Review day, tidy space (physical/digital)
  • Plan next day's MITs
  • Physically/mentally transition (Presence Ritual: walk, meditate, change clothes)
  • Communicate cutoff to family

Evening & Wind Down

  • Focus on family/personal time
  • Schedule specific family activities
  • Put phone away
  • Personal downtime (reading, hobby)
  • Prepare for consistent sleep

Habit Formation: Start small, use triggers, track habits, use accountability, adjust in Weekly Review.

Weekly Review & Continuous Improvement

A cornerstone habit for reflection, adaptation, and maintaining momentum.

Weekly Review Process (~60-90 mins, Fri PM or Sun PM):

  1. Collect/Process inputs (notes, emails).
  2. Review past week's Calendar & Task List.
  3. Update Task List (Kanban board).
  4. Evaluate Wins & Challenges. Ask: "How were energy/focus?" "Did I honor values?" "What patterns emerged?"
  5. Review simple metrics (focus blocks, MITs, key business indicators).
  6. Adjust Strategies for next week.
  7. Plan Personal/Family time.
  8. Clean Up/Reset workspace (digital/physical).
  9. Reward completion.

Long-Term Maintenance:

  • Monthly Reset (Half-Day): Deeper metrics review, system cleanup, strategy revisit.
  • Quarterly Deep Dive (Full Day): Assess goals progress, realign systems, identify new needs, set next quarter focus.

Engaging Family Support & Accountability

Leverage your support network and High Agreeableness positively.

  • Share Plan/Goals: Explain the 'why' behind changes.
  • Schedule Family Time: Put it on the calendar and protect it.
  • Family Accountability Check-Ins: Brief, positive updates.
  • Family Body Doubling: Work quietly nearby during focus blocks if helpful.
  • Spousal Support: Discuss needs, boundaries, and shared goals.
  • Delegate Home Tasks: If possible, free up mental load.
  • Emotional Support & Patience: From family during adjustments.
  • Celebrate Successes Together: Acknowledge progress as a team.
  • Visual Priority System: Use cues (e.g., colored card on door) for availability status (Focus / Interruptible / Present).
  • Accountability Partner (Non-Spouse): Seek a peer, mentor, or coach for regular check-ins.

Roadmap: Phased Implementation

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-2)

Focus On:

  • Workspace setup (zones)
  • Family communication
  • Core routines (morning/shutdown rituals)
  • Daily Focus List (visible)
  • Try Pomodoro/Sprinting
  • Parking Lot
  • Quick win (Zeigarnik)
  • Basic tool setup (Bloom reminders, AI email test)
  • First Weekly Reviews
  • Start 5-min mindfulness
  • Setup Idea Capture tool

Phase 2: Consistency & Momentum (Weeks 3-6)

Focus On:

  • Solidifying daily schedule/blocks
  • Implementing visual Kanban
  • Refining prioritization (value-driven)
  • Introduce more automation (Bloom flows, Zapier)
  • Explore delegation seriously (VA trial)
  • Address procrastination triggers (Focusmate)
  • Track habits
  • Mid-phase family check-in
  • Start long-term thinking (vision map)
  • Schedule Creative/Ideation time
  • Start tracking simple metrics

Phase 3: Optimization & Maintenance (Weeks 7-12+)

Focus On:

  • Scaling growth activities (sales/marketing)
  • Deepen delegation (permanent VA?)
  • Refresh tactics (avoid boredom)
  • Major 3-month review (metrics)
  • Sustain habits with reviews (W/M/Q)
  • Find accountability partner/mentor
  • Celebrate progress
  • Adjust goals
  • Implement client selection strategy

Conclusion: Putting It All Together

Mark, this enhanced plan integrates insights specifically tailored to your unique profile as a creative, strategic, empathetic entrepreneur with ADHD. By embracing structured flexibility, leveraging your strengths (Ideation, Strategy, Empathy, Adaptability), utilizing external systems, aligning with your values, and engaging your support network, you can transform your workflow and outcomes.

Remember the core principles: Structure enables freedom. Focus is a skill. Self-compassion fuels resilience. Your combination of strengths is powerful. These systems channel that power effectively.

Stay patient with the process, celebrate every step of progress, and continuously adapt the system to serve you. The goal is not just a more productive business, but a more fulfilling life where your work enhances connection with family and core values. You have the capability and now a clear roadmap – embark on this journey with confidence.

Sources

Mark’s personalized profile data (Big Five, YouMap, CliftonStrengths), ADHD productivity strategies (referenced articles/books like Deep Work, Atomic Habits, Getting Things Done, Indistractable), and insights from provided reports guided this plan. Specific external links available upon request.