DESCRIPTION:



Learn why it is hard for adults with ADHD to start on tasks and how it can be easier using these strategies.



TRANSCRIPT:



(00:01):



Getting started can often be hard for adults with ADHD. It can be easier. You’ve tuned into scattered Focused, done re-Imagining Productivity with ADHD, A podcast for ADHD, adults like you who want to learn how to adopt the best strategies, tools, and skills to be able to get your essential work done in a way that works with the way your brain is wired. I’m Marla Cummins and I’m glad you decided to join me today on this journey to reimagining productivity with ADHD so you can get your important work done without trying to do it like everyone else.



(00:40):



When it comes to completing tasks, starting task is one of the biggest challenges for ADHD adults and sometimes once you get started, you might find it’s not that hard to continue working if you can just get started. But when starting is so daunting, you may often procrastinate also, because you may be used to doing things at the last minute, you might believe, well, that’s just how you operate best.



(01:07):



It’s because it’s become a habit. As ADHD expert, Dr. Thomas Brown explains often they will put off getting started on a task, even a task they recognize as very important to them until the very last minute. It is though they cannot get themselves started until the point where they perceive the task as an acute emergency. But I bet you’re tired of operating this way. So let’s get on with looking at this a little bit closer.



(01:37):



First, what is motivation? When you are motivated, you have the energy to do what it takes to make a change. It could be cleaning your house, writing a report for work. Let’s define it this way. Motivation is the desire to make a change coupled with the necessary energy to take persistent action to make that change. I know you have the desire to change. In fact, there are probably many changes you want to make in your life right now.



(02:07):



I also know that despite these changes, you may also not be able to consistently create and sustain enough energy to take action, and you may be dumbfounded at your inability to start, especially when you say it’s important to you. Then you may say, it must not be that important if it is important to you. So your thinking goes, you would power through and start right. After all, it seems easy for you to engage in tasks that interest you first.



(02:36):



It’s important to remember that because you don’t do something that you say is important to you does not necessarily mean it’s not important to you. Others may also think you’re choosing not to do it. Sure, on occasion, just like anyone else, you may choose to attend to what interests you at the expense of doing what you say is important. We all do this, but I know you also want to start and follow through on what’s important to you, whether it’s intrinsically interesting to you or not.



(03:05):



One of the reasons for your inconsistency in starting your important work is that there’s insufficient dopamine released in the executive function networks. In your ADHD brain, your brain is just not stimulated enough, so you don’t start. Because of this, you have an interest-based nervous system. This means you are motivated when something is interesting, challenging, novel and urgent. If you are interested in doing a task because of one of these perceived rewards or avoidance ...