ADHD and Motivation
“Motivate by intrest and finding things enjoyable”
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) symptoms may include aggression, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or persistent repetition of words or difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, problem paying attention, or short attention span, anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, or mood swings, depression or learning disability
ADHD & motivation have a complicated relationship. It can be so confusing when you want to get motivated for a task that’s important to but the brain says “no”. The thing is... ADHD brains don’t really care about importance (unless it’s urgent). They care more about novelty, personal interest, immediate rewards and urgency. And absolutely deslike tasks that are long, repetitive, boring or unclear.
I was able to accomplish more educationally and career-wise than the average counterpart, in part due to my needing less sleep, along with high curiosity. I had more adventures, invigorating hobbies, and just a more satisfying life in general than I hear from others who are always complaining about where they’re at in life.
That changes person to person. For me, my struggles were constantly losing my homework and panicking before school most morning. It was trying to figure out a way through my homework at school without the teacher seeing so she wouldn’t know that I had accidentally left it at school. It was zoning out on people while they were talking and having to create games to keep myself more focused on my teachers. It was getting in trouble because my room was a complete and utter disaster.
It was also struggling with overwhelming emotions that hit hard and sudden after something upsetting happened because ADHD is about difficulty regulating emotions, too. It was getting super obsessed with random things until I exhausted them and then never wanted to have anything to do with them again: movies I watched 3–4 times in a day every day for a month and then refused to ever watch it again. Eating the same food every day because I just couldn’t get enough of it, then getting sick of it at some point and not eating it for years.
It was getting lost on the road when I got my license because unfortunately, I don’t pay enough attention while driving. It was breaking down on the side of the road a lot because I also don’t pay attention to my gas light apparently.
Here’s a good cheatsheet to use:
The task is unclear > how can you make it more clear? Who could you ask for help? Externalise your confusion on paper, make a mind map, write obstacles on one side and brainstorm solutions on the other.
The task is boring > what would make it more interesting? Maybe it’s changing your environment, involving a buddy or listening to an engaging podcast, your favourite artist or tv for background noise?”
The task is lengthy > break it down to smaller steps. Focus on each day/hour, try not to look at the big picture when you’re working, this can cause panic, instead focus on what you have to do right now.
You will find that having ADHD became awesome after you stopped trying to behave the way others wanted you to behave. You will realize that others weren’t willing to alter their behaviours to make your life easier.
Motivate by interest and finding things enjoyable I often find that I need to trick myself into finding basic chores enjoyable fun to be able to do them
There’s a saying that I love: “If you’ve met one ADHDer, you’ve met one ADHDer.” It’s true—ADHD looks different on everyone.
Thanks for reading also let me know what helps you to get motivated?
