The gift of a working memory that lets go quickly
Neurodivergent adventures in a neoliberal world
Though being weaker in working memory can be challenging in some ways, there are some unexpected strengths:
1. Better Problem-Solving Capability
People who are poorer in working memory often employ more intuition, creativity, and pattern recognition instead of attempting to hold too much information in their minds at the same time.
2. More Flexible Thinking
Since they don't hold details as rigidly, they might be more open to new concepts, changing easily according to opposing opinions.
3. Less Mental Clutter
Weaker working memory translates to less mental clutter, allowing people to focus on the most important details rather than being bogged down by excessive information.
4. More Effective Long-Term Memory Strategies
People with weaker working memory use strategies like writing things down or using external aids, which ironically lead to superior long-term memory.
5. Improved Decision-Making in Certain Situations
In situations of extreme stress, relying less on working memory and more on experience or intuitive thinking may sometimes lead to faster and more effective decision-making.
In a world where ongoing productivity, multitasking, and fast processing of information are prized, to have a lower working memory is a kind of disability. Neoliberal states demand efficiency and self-optimisation, and it gets harder and harder on those who can't shape up.
And at the same time, that system is flawed—it rewarded short-term gain at the expense of depth, creativity, and enjoyment. The ability to step back, utilise external resources, and think laterally about problems is a long-term strength. The issue is that society doesn't always reward or value those strengths. But this doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself.
One way forward is to use tools and strategies at work to offload the heavy lifting: voice recorders, mind maps, organised folders, duplication of info across folders where it makes sense, listening to music when focusing, using caffeine strategically, using deadline extensions to elongate time and space, pushing back when safe to do so.
When at home, tap into your inner magic to create things, the art, worlds and perspectives you want. Use the beauty of your intuition, listen to guided meditation for worthiness. Don’t let the bastards grind you down! We’re all riddled with neoliberalism and could do with remixing the game. I like to think of spiders when the wind trashes their webs, they just start again, weaving as gorgeous as ever, in that way, they can never be beaten.
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