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Are you having troubles focusing on necessary daily tasks?
It’s not surprising if you’re having difficulty with paying attention, productivity, or being able to get things done. In today’s world, it can be more difficult than ever to stay focused. We are constantly bombarded with distractions- from our phones to email to the never-ending stream of news and information. Increasing amounts of people are reporting struggles with being able to focus on daily tasks such as homework, chores, work, or remembering needed information.
Could it be a mental health disorder?
One of the most common mental health diagnoses related to struggles with focus is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. As a mental health clinician, I find that ADHD is one of the most frequently misunderstood mental health diagnoses. However, it is actually one of the most diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood.
About 9.4% of children in the US are diagnosed with ADHD between the ages of 2 and 17, or about 6.1 million children. The estimated prevalence in adulthood is slightly lower, around 4.4%. Prevalence in both adults and children is lower among females than males.
There are three main subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. The main symptoms of ADHD are related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Understanding the struggles and strengths
What is often misunderstood is that people with ADHD can focus well in certain situations and under certain conditions. However, people with ADHD struggle with consistently following through with tasks when there isn’t an immediate payoff. Another interesting factor with ADHD is surrounding motivation and emotional regulation. It involves having motivational deficits when it comes to engaging in tasks that don’t have an immediate reward or consequence.
People who do not have ADHD have better ability to generate emotions that help them engage in tasks that they know will benefit them in the long wrong but don’t have an immediate tangible reward. ADHD’ers are fully aware that the tasks are helpful to them in the long run- but still struggle with being able to follow through with them.
On the other hand, ADHD’ers have a lot of strengths including the ability to hyperfocus, creativity, spontaneity, willingness to take risks, having a unique perspective, passion, and so much more!!
I also love how neurodivergent people have such a strong understanding that everyone needs different things to succeed and have compassion towards other people’s differences.
As is the case with other mental health conditions, ADHD can only be diagnosed by a qualified professional. Sometimes it is necessary to rule out other mental health concerns as well, and at times testing is indicated. As always, if you are concerned that you may have ADHD or another mental health diagnosis, it’s best to seek an assessment by a qualified professional!
It’s not always ADHD
Many people struggle with inattention, difficulty getting started on tasks, or disorganization and do not meet the criteria for a full-blown attention deficit disorder. In addition, inattention can actually be a symptom of other mental health diagnosis as well and often gets misinterpreted as ADHD. Regardless of whether you have an ADHD diagnosis or not, the advice at Grow Through It With Britt can apply to anyone who has general struggles with focus, procrastination, or other related concerns.
Maybe you stumbled on this page because you want to achieve more in less time, avoid making unnecessary mistakes, or improve your overall performance. Or maybe you want to feel more satisfied and accomplished with your ability to get things done and stay on track towards your goals. We can help with that!
The type of support you’ll find here:
1) Mindset tools
How we approach and think about things actually does play a role in our ability to get things done and focus. When we have been struggling to get things done for a while, we can start to get a pretty negative outlook on the ability for this to change, which in turn only makes it harder. We will provide mindset tools to help you think about the why and find a “why” that truly is important to you.
2) Behavior based strategies
When you’re struggling with focus or motivation, you need help with turning intentions into actions. Many of us know what we need to do but struggle with actually putting it into action. We will help you figure out what’s getting in the way and change the way you go about doing what you need to do. Your experience of being able to carry out plans and see positive results will help to gain confidence in your ability to handle things that you felt you couldn’t!
3) Environmental tools
As discussed, it’s not that we can never focus. It’s that we can focus in the right conditions and situations. Our environment is part of that- and we’ll provide support to set yourself up with the right tools and surroundings to make a difference in your ability to get things done.
4) Support to make helpful lifestyle changes
Our sleep, diet, movement, and ability to turn to the present moment are all important factors in our focus and productivity. You’ll find tips and tricks to support these significant areas of your life so that you are in the best position to do what you need and what to do!
Understanding your strengths and struggles will help you find the keys to unlocking your potential. It’s not about perfection- that’s boring anyway. It’s all about improved quality of life, and progress over perfection. If we have the right support, we can find success in what is important to us. As always, a commitment to change and being willing to suspend judgement about your ability to change are incredibly important factors in finding this success.
Lots more is being added all the time so make sure to check back often so you don’t miss out on helpful new posts!
Keep Growing,
Want to learn more?
Here’s a link to all of our posts about getting focused.