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- 7 Reasons You're NOT Lazy
Have you been told:
"if you really wanted to, I'm sure you would do it"
Hearing this my entire life has made me feel crazy, lazy, insane, broken, and alone.
The problem is, so many things are important to us and we want to do them, “in theory.”
But when we try, its like our brain shuts down and says:
"uh uh, we don't want to".
So the internal struggle is constant.
Well I have good news!
You are not crazy.
And you are not lazy!
Introducing:
The "Interest Based Nervous System" for us ADHD folks.
This means that our brains are wired to be motivated and activated not just by the importance of a task, but primarily by how interesting and engaging we find it.
Scientists found this isn’t just about preference; it’s about how our brains are naturally geared to operate.
When something catches our interest, our brain lights up and we can accomplish incredible things!
But if it doesn’t spark that interest, it can feel almost impossible to get started.
Understanding this can help us find new ways to approach tasks and harness our unique strengths.
7 Common ADHD Frustrations
(and why they happen with our interest-based wiring)
#1
"I can only focus on things that excite me."
This reflects the ADHD nervous system's reliance on personal interest rather than obligation for engagement. Mundane tasks can seem nearly impossible without a spark of curiosity.
#2
"Why can't I just do this like everyone else does?"
Tasks that others manage easily can be frustrating for someone with ADHD if they don't find them engaging. This often stems from their need for stimulation to activate their focus.
#3
"I get so much done when I’m really into something, but otherwise, I can barely start."
The drastic swings between high productivity during periods of interest and struggles with engagement otherwise highlight their dependency on being genuinely intrigued by a task.
#4
"I’m not lazy, I’m just not interested!"
Misunderstandings about motivation can lead to misjudgments by others, making those with ADHD feel misunderstood. Their engagement issues are often seen as laziness, rather than a neurological need for interesting tasks.
#5
"Everything seems equally urgent, so I can't decide what to do first."
Without strong interest to guide them, individuals with ADHD may find it hard to prioritize tasks, leading to decision paralysis or a scattered approach.
#6
"I procrastinate until the last minute because I need the pressure to get interested."
The urgency and excitement of a looming deadline can often kickstart their engagement, explaining why procrastination is a common issue.
#7
"I get bored so easily unless something constantly keeps me engaged."
The need for ongoing stimulation to maintain interest and focus can lead to frequent shifts in attention, making long-term tasks especially difficult.
Just learning about our ADHD brains is transformational!
I have found so much relief and developed next level self awareness by learning about how many ways my ADHD brain plays a role in my day to day.
It allows us to work with our natural wiring and figure out what we need to:
change
accept
learn
work around
communicate to others
These are the types of things we are working on as a group in the new ADHD Productivity Club.
We will open it to the public in June so stay tuned!
Much love,
Ian
Ready to make a change in your life?
If you would like to better understand yourself, your patterns, and learn new skills to be effective, schedule time with me to learn about 1:1 coaching or the ADHD Productivity Club.
🐰 The “Rabbit Hole” 🐰
“People with ADHD need to learn to tap into the meaning, importance, or worth of the task at hand…The key to putting the meaning back in motivation is to let go of the way it works for everybody else.”
Most people are neurologically equipped to determine what’s important and get motivated to do it, even when it doesn’t interest them.
Then there are the rest of us, who have attention deficit disorder, and a totally different brain chemistry.
Join the conversation