As an adult with primary inattentive ADHD (ie. ADD), I find that I literally can't care about a task unless it is so urgent or immanent that it excludes the possibility of doing anything else. I want to care. I know it's vitally important that I care, but I just can't... until I'm at the point that I absolutely must be working RIGHT NOW, then I can usually hyper-focus. It's infuriating. It means that I end up pulling a lot of all-nighters right before deadlines, which drives my wife crazy. (I'm procrastinating at work right now by writing this.)
This guy nails it as far as the problem is concerned, and the problem with just trying to "plan better."
I've figured out some coping mechanisms that help some, but not enough. Working directly with other people, having daily deadlines, and being physically active all help a lot. Unfortunately I've found myself in a job where I'm sitting in a cubicle by myself most days with one weekly meeting as my only accountability (which means no sleep most Wednesday nights).
I haven't ever been tested but what you're saying resonates with me somewhat.
I found the structure of school to actually help me a lot in focusing and working consistently.
Now that I'm in the work world I have far too much autonomy which has led to me groveling about doing things that are not in any way a big deal or hard. Instead, I jump around organizing my tasks or procrastinating until someone is lighting a fire under my ass.
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u/TalksInMaths May 30 '17
As an adult with primary inattentive ADHD (ie. ADD), I find that I literally can't care about a task unless it is so urgent or immanent that it excludes the possibility of doing anything else. I want to care. I know it's vitally important that I care, but I just can't... until I'm at the point that I absolutely must be working RIGHT NOW, then I can usually hyper-focus. It's infuriating. It means that I end up pulling a lot of all-nighters right before deadlines, which drives my wife crazy. (I'm procrastinating at work right now by writing this.)
This guy nails it as far as the problem is concerned, and the problem with just trying to "plan better."
I've figured out some coping mechanisms that help some, but not enough. Working directly with other people, having daily deadlines, and being physically active all help a lot. Unfortunately I've found myself in a job where I'm sitting in a cubicle by myself most days with one weekly meeting as my only accountability (which means no sleep most Wednesday nights).