To explore this topic, I did some on-line research and found an interesting article that has fed into my thinking process. Below are some excerpts from that article called ‘Why People With Disorganized Mind Are More Intelligent’. The article can be found at http://www.lifehack.org/324803/12-reasons-why-people-with-disorganized-mind-are-actually-more-intelligent [COMMUNICATION MOTIVATION BY DIANNA LABRIEN]

“Why People With Disorganized Minds Are More Intelligent

The clutter continues to accumulate—it has all of your life. You can’t find your car keys or your cell phone; you get in the car to go somewhere and you find yourself going in the wrong direction; if you have a workspace, it’s a mess; nothing is ever “where it’s supposed to be.”

You “suffer” from what psychologists now call “chronic disorganization.” But, what these psychologists also now tell us it that chronically disorganized people have higher intelligence and greater creativity. So, take heart, and the next time someone criticizes you for your disorganization, give them some facts to chew on. And here are 12 of those facts that demonstrate the high level of intellectual functioning of the chronically disorganized.

1. They score high on verbal IQ tests, often in the gifted range.

2. They have high creativity levels.

3. They have a broad range of interests.

4. They process information through their right brain hemispheres—the “creative” side.

5. They develop strong attachments to often un-related things and people.

6. They want to be around high-energy people.

7. They tend to lose track of time.

8. They have difficulty focusing when they are not interested or fascinated.

9. They are intuitive, extroverted, and feeling according to personality testing.

10. They must be learning all the time.

11. They think globally.

12. They may seem “nerdy” or “know-it-all” to others.

Disorganized people need to discover the truth and, in most instances, their own brand of truth. They may spend a lot of time with books and on the Internet. In school, they may be seen as nerds; to psychologists, they may be identified as having Asperger’s. They do not have a lot of patience for those who want to “follow the book” on everything. They research and think about how not to “follow the book” and are usually pretty committed to voicing their ideas and opinions—thus they can get a reputation for being a “know-it-all”.”

Now, there’s some food for thought. If you buy into those 12 points then perhaps you can buy into the concept that even disorganized people can succeed in business….and become well-respected business leaders.

Then, the questions move from whether or not disorganized people can succeed to the hows & whats around the thinking and actions that must happen to bring out the success embedded in disorganized people.

My friend Lorie Saxby taught me about the 7 pre-frontal cortex activities known as Executive Brainsmarts:

1. Focus, 
2. Initiate, 
3. Plan, 
4. Organize, 
5. Shift, 
6. Monitor, and 
7. Regulate.

Focus is at the beginning of the list. Lorie and I created a definition for Focus that fits Spirited Leaders' philosophies, i.e., 

Focus def'n - to control one’s attention and thoughts then actions to align with goals [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD].

I see you struggle with Focusing.

I know you understand the merits that Focus brings. I know you want to Focus. And, I know you work at Focusing. Yet, you struggle with Focusing and those struggles consume much of your energy.

You talk about your struggles. It seems things need to be 'a certain way' before you can Focus. And it seems that timing must be 'just right" before you can Focus. And, it seems your best Focus plans can be quickly side-tracked by interruptions, disturbances, and even the smallest of day-to-day problems.

I'd like to help you build Focus skill. I'd like to have the key that would free up your ability to Focus. I'd like to be able to package my message simply, clearly, and in a way that encourages you.

However, I don't think there is a magic formula for Focusing. I think the ability to Focus can be a learned skill and, clearly, some people have to work much more diligently than others to improve at Focusing. To develop skill at Focusing (or any other skill), belief is a powerful starting point. Even better - a reality check, which accepts the current situation coupled with belief that things can and will improve...that's a good starting point. 

When our brains/minds register things that are important, our bodies experience stress responses.

The more important the topic/outcome is to us, the higher the stress.

The less control we feel/believe we have over the outcome, the higher the stress.

Spirited Leaders consider the following strategic things to be quite ‘important’:

• Talents & Strengths
• Values & Master Rules [Courage, Confidence, Conviction, & Creativity…and the rules that support these things]
• Vision/Purpose
• Goals

When individuals’ Talents & Strengths are ignored or sidelined, those individuals will tend to experience energy-draining stress. All else being equal, when those individuals’ Talents & Strengths are put to good use the individuals will be invigorated.

When individuals’ Values & Master Rules are challenged or violated, those individuals will tend to experience energy-draining stress. All else being equal, when those individuals’ Values & Master Rules are embraced the individuals will be invigorated.

When individuals’ Vision/Purpose is ignored or contested, those individuals will tend to experience energy-draining stress. All else being equal, when those individuals’ Vision/Purpose is supported the individuals will be invigorated.

When individuals’ Goals are ignored or contested, those individuals will tend to experience energy-draining stress. All else being equal, when those individuals’ Goals are supported the individuals will be invigorated.

Considering these points, leaders have choices:

• They can work to drain people’s energy
• They can work to invigorate people
• They can be oblivious to the things that drain energy and invigorate

Knowing all this, what do you choose?