Challenging problems trigger hyperfocus in ADHD
As part of my multi-part series on motivation in ADHD, we’ve talked about novelty and interest.
Today, let’s talk about challenge.
(This is an excerpt from the ADHD Career Guide, launching Monday and available for preorder right now.)
Challenging problems are really motivating for ADHD brains for the same reason novelty is: it triggers a spike of dopamine.
Jobs that involve finding creative solutions to unique challenges can more easily trigger your hyperfocus, and align well with how your brain naturally works.
Paired with your lack impulse control (if that’s one of your ADHD traits), you’re a lot more likely to take healthy risks, too. This makes you an exceptional innovator.
That voice that tells someone not to explore a new idea because it’ll never work? You don’t have that! You just go for it!
Tasks that point you in the direction of difficult, unique problems that need solving, will naturally unlock your hyperfocus.
If you’re in a role that has plenty of that already, lean harder into it. If you’re not, the same suggestions I shared when talking about novelty apply…
- Talk to your boss. Explain what kind of tasks let you do best work, and ask if there’s opportunities for more of that.
- Just start doing it! Speak up in meetings. Volunteer for the kinds of work you want to do more of. When a client or internal user mentions a problem, jump in to fix it.
- Leave. Sometimes, a job just isn’t a good fit. I wouldn’t personally quit without something else lined up, but I would definitely start looking for new jobs.
If you want to dig deeper into how to use your ADHD as a career advantage, check out the ADHD Career Guide, available for preorder now.