Motivation for Individuals with ADHD
Do you have ADHD? If so, does this scenario sound familiar? You need to cook a meal for friends, a dish you know and they love. But the thought of starting food prep feels like moving a 300-pound couch upstairs. You’d rather do anything else, and distractions become appealing.
Inconsistent and Selective ADHD Motivators
People with this experience inconsistent, selective, and fickle brain motivators. Research shows unconscious emotions influencing behavior. Negative emotions, like fear, become associated with tasks they want to complete, leading to procrastination and distractions. Dopamine, responsible for executive functioning, is inconsistently released and stimulated only by activities of strong interest.
Motivators that Propel Action
Understanding Motivation: Negative emotions and dopamine variations highlight the stark difference between motivating and non-motivating tasks. Pressure can propel action, whether it’s taking your child to the playground, meeting deadlines, or making sales. Genuine interest in activities, competition, novelty, and new projects stimulate energy and creativity.
Struggles with Certain Tasks
However, long, monotonous tasks fail to sustain motivation. Individuals with this struggle to remain calm and interested in still activities, like sitting in classrooms or following directions for tasks such as filling out tax forms. Pleasing others and adhering to social etiquette may also be challenging. Understanding the ADHD Complexity
It’s essential to note that individuals with this don’t choose their brain chemistry and motivations. Many are highly conscientious and value performance despite struggling to concentrate, leading to distress.
The Importance of Environmental Factors
Yet, individuals with this find it hard to act unless specific environmental factors or genuine interest spark them. Baking cheesecake becomes easier with flowing dopamine, pressure, or true enthusiasm.
-Rob Davies LCSW
