here are so many stereotypes and stigmas attached to ADHD that don’t get addressed. One is that people with the disorder are “lazy” or don’t want to do anything.
In reality, those with ADHD often experience a lack of motivation due to the way their brain is hard-wired. It’s not a matter of laziness—it’s a lack of motivation that occurs through no fault of their own.
Some research has discovered that people with ADHD may have less dopamine in the brain, which often limits motivation. Other studies have shown that individuals with the disorder are less likely to stay motivated when it comes to long-term goals, and they tend to do better with faster gratification.
If you deal with a lack of motivation due to ADHD, there are things you can do. One of the best solutions is activating the reward center in your brain. Everyone has one, it’s just a matter of “triggering” it so you can stay on track.
So, how do you activate that center to accomplish your long-term goals?
Smaller Goals
It’s difficult for almost anyone to stay motivated when a goal seems too large or unattainable. For someone with ADHD, it can seem impossible. That’s because the reward feels so far away. When there’s nothing driving you to continue, you’re likely to “lose steam” quickly.
By setting smaller goals for yourself, you’ll receive rewards sooner. Even if they’re small, those rewards can act as fuel to keep you moving forward.
Think of smaller goals like stepping stones to get to the other side of a river. The big reward might be on the other side, but every step forward is another accomplishment that will encourage you to keep going.
Check Off Tasks
Another way to activate the reward center quickly is to create a task list. You can do this at night for the following day or first thing in the morning.
A task list allows you to clearly see everything you want to accomplish for the day. That, on its own, can seem daunting and make it easier to feel unmotivated. But, you’ll activate the reward center each time you’re able to check off something from that list.
A simple “check” will provide you with a sense of accomplishment and pride, boosting the dopamine levels in your mind and leave you wanting more. That equates to motivation, boosting your desire to get more things done.
Create Your Own Rewards
If you’re really struggling with motivation, offer yourself rewards for getting things done. Sometimes, the sense of accomplishment is its own reward. Other times, more incentives might be needed.
Think about a few things you really enjoy doing or something you really want. Maybe it’s treating yourself to your favorite dinner or a treat. Maybe it’s spending time outside. Whatever it is you truly love, set that as your reward for accomplishing something. When you know what’s waiting for you at the end of your goal, you’re more likely to stick with it.
There are so many ways to activate the reward center within your mind. If you’re struggling to get motivated on your own or know how to trigger that center, consider leaning on others for support. Your motivations are likely to be stronger when they are external factors pushing you to move forward.
If you’re still having a hard time, understand that you’re not alone. Feel free to contact me to set up an appointment and learn more about activating the reward center. Together, we’ll go over more ideas you can use so you can break free of stereotypes and stigmas surrounding ADHD, and accomplish the things that matter to you.