Weekender #135

🎧 Check out some true crime podcast faves here.

👗 Wedding season is here—check out this guest attire cheat sheet.

🤔 When should you consider life insurance?

💬 Solid questions to ask in your next job interview.

💻 A guide to starting your own digital product business.

Life gets in the way and your living space can’t always look like it’s straight out of Architectural Digest (not that mine ever did in the first place).

But, as someone with severe OCD (and ADHD), messiness triggers a visceral reaction in me that goes beyond mere annoyance.

It’s not just a matter of aesthetics, either; the disarray creates a constant backdrop of disquiet—I can’t focus on work, personal issues, or anything other than the clutter surrounding me.

Even if it’s another room, I feel like I have eyes on the back of my head and can still sense it.

In contrast, I have friends with more severe ADHD who often seem unbothered by messiness, and are able to navigate through piles of belongings with a nonchalance that is mind blowing to me.

While ADHD and OCD brains are wired differently, the disorganized chaos on the outside can seem pretty similar.

The OCD brain is screaming “Clean this up now!” while the ADHD brain is going “Squirrel!” and getting sidetracked. (Get a more in-depth breakdown between ADHD and OCD here.)

But to an outsider, it just looks like a messy room either way.

Here are a few tips that have helped me be less messy:

• Use visual cues and containers. For OCD, having designated homes for everything can provide a sense of order. For ADHD, clear bins and labels act as visual reminders of where things belong when you get distracted.
• Set a timer. Those with OCD can use timed cleaning sessions to avoid getting stuck in perfectionistic cleaning loops. For ADHD, setting a timer for 15-20 minutes of focused decluttering can make the task more manageable.
• Reframe messiness. For OCD, remind yourself that some disarray is normal and doesn’t require an exhausting cleaning overhaul. With ADHD, cut yourself some slack – a little clutter doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it’s just part of how your brain works.

And remember—you’re not alone in this battle against clutter and intrusive thoughts.

OCD and ADHD can make even simple acts of tidying up feel like an overwhelming, anxiety-provoking chore.

But don’t be too hard on yourself.

Messiness is not a moral failing—it’s just a side effect of how your brilliant, neurodivergent brain operates.

Try to show yourself the same compassion you would a friend.

Your self-worth isn’t defined by how “together” your living space looks.

On days when the piles seem insurmountable, focus on small wins, like clearing one surface.

Celebrate those baby steps instead of fixating on what’s left undone.

You got this 💪.

Cameron (Newsletter Ops for TA)

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Planning your next trip?

We’ve rounded up some must-have travel essentials to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

From keeping your devices organized to staying fresh on the go, these picks will ensure you’re prepared for anything.

In One True Loves, Taylor Jenkins Reid masterfully explores the complexities of love and the human heart.

The story follows Emma Blair, who marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse.

Together, they build a life full of adventures and dreams until Jesse goes missing in a helicopter accident on their first wedding anniversary. Years later, Emma has found happiness again and is engaged to Sam, an old friend.

But when Jesse is found alive, Emma is faced with an impossible choice between the life she once had and the future she envisioned.

For fans of: The Light We Lost, Me Before You, The Nightingale.

Read it with: A box of tissues and a cozy blanket for all the emotional twists and turns.

Other loved books from this author: Daisy Jones & The Six, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Malibu Rising.

Take a few minutes to organize your upcoming work week with monday.com to avoid the Sunday Scaries.

It’s perfect for anyone who is struggling to…

• Prioritize tasks
• Fight overwhelm due to the amount of projects flying around
• Keep teammates on the same page
• Manage time throughout the workday

You can customize your space, color code, set deadlines, collaborate with teammates, and more.

Like any tool, we suggest you try it out for yourself to see if it covers all the bases.

💡Get started here for free.

This is Sophie (aka Princess Sophia von Schweetie, Sweets or Turd Nugget…depending on the day).

She would like you to know she loves her new wet chicken food—so much so that she used her button board to cover it for later. Smart.

Sophie is two and a foster fail — she stole the heart of her human, despite having ringworm.

She also loves exploring the backyard, treats, window hunting birds (like window shopping, but hunting), treats, wrestling, and treats.

💌 We’re huge pet lovers at The Assist and want to feature a pet each week—fill out this form for your fur baby to be featured!

• ZoomInfo is hiring for a Customer Success Manager II (Waltham, MA/Hybrid)
• Skai is hiring for a Digital Marketing Manager & Client Success Manager (NY, NY/Hybrid)
• Spot & Tango is hiring for a Growth Marketing Manager, Paid Social (New York, NY/Hybrid)
• Blue Shield of California is hiring for a Financial Analyst, Consultant (El Dorado Hills, CA/Hybrid)
• LinkedIn is hiring for a Senior Product Marketing Manager (U.S. Remote)