ADHD: Is Dopamine The Real Problem?

Day 27: The Problem

ADHD…you think the problem is Dopamine…what if it’s not?

Don’t misunderstand me. When it comes to a formal diagnosis of ADHD, Dopamine, Seratonin and Norepinephrine are often involved. (And by the way I am NOT a medical professional. Should you wish to pursue an ADHD diagnosis, you should speak with your primary medical provider.)

But what I’m asking about is the part of ADHD that’s causing you the most pain. The part that’s giving you the most trouble. The symptoms that show up for you and how they make you feel about yourself.

If I were to ask you “why are adhd tendencies a problem for you?” You may say:

• I just can’t make myself finish what I start.

• I feel so disorganized.

• It’s so hard for me to even get started.

• Before I know it the day is gone.

• I can’t find what I’m looking for.

• I work hard and don’t seem to make any progress.

• I can get so easily distracted or sidetracked.

• Sometimes I just feel so bad I don’t want to even get out of bed and do anything.

• I should want to be more involved.

• I should be better at gettiing things done.

• I’m horrible at managing my money.

The list goes on and on.

While Dopamine (and the other neurotransmitters) may be a part of what’s causing the problem.

The REAL problem is what you’re doing or not doing because of those neurotransmitters.

The REAL problem is what you’re making ADHD mean about you and your abilities.

The REAL problem is the shame that you feel and the boredom that you’re afraid to feel.

What I know for sure is that some of that, a lot of that, is actually within your control.

Say what?!

Yes, there is a percentage of ability that we all have to manage our brains better if we want to.

We have the capacity to use our brain as a tool instead of allowing it the freedom to work against us.

Come again?

Very often when we don’t manage our minds, whether we have adhd or not, our minds will work against us.

In an effort to keep us safe. This is true if you have adhd as well.

When you learn how to manage your mind effectively, your adhd symptoms will naturally be affected. They can be lessened.

You can experience your AHD in a new and improved way.

Learning to choose the way that you want to think about things will help you to better manage your feelings.

When you are actively managing your feelings, you will directly effect what you are doing (and not doing) in your day to day life.

Not sure? I’d love to jump on a consult with you so you can experience how it works.

ADHD and Procrastination: Getting Started Is Half The Battle

Day 25: Procrastination - Just Get Started

What if the key to stopping procrastination was really simple?

What if it was just to decide to stop procrastinating.

Right now.

Just decide to stop. Stop waiting for a better time.

Take a step towards what you want.

And then start. Start that thing that your brain wants to suggest you do later.

Build up the muscle of overriding your default brain.

Build up the muscle of I can start even when I don’t want to.

The muscle of I can start even when I don’t feel like it.

The first step really truly is just to decide. 

When we make it more complicated than that, we then want to put off making the change.

People will say things like,

“I’m really going to try to get it done.”

“I want to stop procrastinating.”

”Why do I always procrastinate?”

There is no room for trying or wanting if you are going to stop. You just need to stop.

It takes no sustained effort to stop procrastinating.

The effort is in the deciding.

It’s like ripping off a bandaid that’s been attached for a long time. Count to 3 and just do the thing.

Procrastination works the same way. The more you just take action without waiting, the more your brain will believe that you’re not a procrastinator. 

Funny how that works. Fake it till you make it...

Although there’s no faking needed. Just decide you’re going to do things differently.

Then do it it differently.

If you’d like help learning how to do this, you’re in luck. That’s what I do. Teach people how to stop procrastinating, and coach them on why they want to. I have a few consultations open for this week. ~Shaun

ADHD and Intuition: When To Go With Your Gut

Day 24: Intuition

Do you listen to your gut?

I don’t mean do you hear your stomach gurgle when you’re hungry.

I mean do you pay attention to those inner thoughts of yours?

When something just feels right, do you go with it, or do you stop yourself?

I have always had a strong intuition. I don’t always know why or how, but sometimes I just feel in my gut that something is right and I go with it.

Caution! When you have ADHD tendencies, this can also be labeled as impulsivity.

Here’s a few ways that I check in with myself and decide when to go with the flow and when to say no.

1) What’s the potential cost? Literally what will it cost me if I’m wrong? I like to consider this before making a final decision. I’ve ended up with more websites than I care to admit to because honestly it’s $11.99 via GoDaddy to purchase some virtual real estate for an idea and that is worth the risk in my book. The cost if I change my mind is low and if I decide to go with my idea I have what I need to get started.

2) Gut or desire? Sometimes when I really want something with my mind, it can be hard to hear my heart. I need to sit with it awhile and be honest with myself. I need to ask myself “is this something that I just really, really want, or is it something that I genuinely feel is the right move from a gut instinct?” The two are very different in the way they feel. A gut instinct feels grounding and solid and certain to me. A desire feels hopeful, and exciting and much more “airy” if that’s a thing?

3) Impulsive or decisive? If I feel like I have to decide now and there’s no waiting, it feels impulsive. If I can give myself the space of 24-48 hours to consider and think about something before I commit it feels much more decisive. More intentional.

I believe that when we learn to pay attention to our intuition it can truly be a gift to us. It can be a skill that we hone. When we study and learn what intuition feels like, we can use it to guide us in the direction that we go.

When we don’t take the time to notice what it feels like for us, and really recognizing how it shows up, we can easily pretend that it’s something that it’s not. When this happens, it can take us off course and lead us down a path of distraction.

Tell me, is your intuitive muscle strong? How do you know when what you’re feeling is intuition or desire? Join me over on my Facebook page and share your thoughts.

~Shaun