ADHD and Motivation

Hello Brains! Having trouble Doing the Thing? You're not alone. Motivation is one of the biggest challenges most ADHDers face. This episode is all about how to fix Motivation Bridge.
Special thanks to Doctor B from TakeThis.org for coming up with the clever phrase "fill in the planks" -- and for motivating me in so many ways.
And of course, a giant thank you to my brilliant editors and animators Palestrina and JustCallMeGary for working tirelessly to help me bring Motivation Bridge to life (and making me cry). You should...you should sleep now.
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#ADHD #Motivation

[@leahapplebee]

Your videos have helped me more than anything in working through the challenges of ADHD. Looking back at my life before I found your channel, I was struggling so much to fully understand how to manage my symptoms and a lot of things were falling apart. Since I've found your channel, I feel less crazy, more validated, and more in control of my mind than I ever have before. It is not an exaggeration to say that your videos have significantly changed my life for the better and I cannot thank you enough for the impact you've had on me. ❤

[@HowtoADHD]

I’m not crying you’re crying 😭

[@ayrenbethancourt9379]

@@HowtoADHD I'm crying! 😢. Well done you both!!!

[@shelby204]

I am also like Leah with my story, we have you to thank Jessica ❤️

[@chuckles0692]

Leah Applebee agreed!

[@npkiv]

Leah, I couldn't agree more or put it better.

[@ChessHistorian]

the "five minutes or five years" comment hit hard. I've literally procrastinated on a thing for years that I think about every day, and it's not even that hard, I just...

[@FrttMs]

Same here. And it's a horrible feeling.

[@langtryvlogme]

It took me THREE YEARS to finish a 300 page-long PDF book :(

[@orintrost8611]

same here.. i really can´t believe how many people are writing the same stuff i would write in the comments

[@afnan3225]

IKR??? it's just undefined fear or anxiety of something I can't figure out

[@imjustaguy4340]

@@langtryvlogme i dident even finish a 5 page book

[@darkwisteria9120]

Rewards as an adult haven’t worked for me. Me: if I do the thing I can have a cookie Brain: or you can have a cookie now and do it later Me: can’t argue with that logic

[@Mark-sc6ob]

Same lol

[@kittycat1302]

Same, but worse LOL Brain: I’ll have a cookie anytime I damn well please. I don’t have to freaking *earn* a cookie or anything else!! HELP! What to do about this??

[@arieheim5001]

Literally my whole college/grad career.

[@charlottefreebairn1228]

Try having someone else give the reward! I personally would do anything for the sticker chart 😂 a new sticker everyday, I know if I didn’t have anyone to initiate that for me and help me along than id probably just put the stickers on my laptop or hoard them all.

[@kenninast]

I really LOVE that you say that! My psychiatrist tried to push that method upon me. I always said exactly what you said, but he didn't understand. He basically "fired" me after a while. He said he couldn't help me. After reconsideration I kind of figured out: yes, he was right. He was a hack. Now I'm a few years later and still in the VERY same mess.

[@aldobima9868]

"don't waste time trying to tell someone how important it is that they get it DONE. They know." touched my heart:')

[@Rajgitaa]

but then are those people who need to hear that going to be watching this video so they can hear it from someone else?? If I tell someone that I know I need to do something, they respond with: "Then get it done!"

[@samsmokes3100]

@@Rajgitaaand I respond with I wish it was as easy as that

[@TheMusicalHarmonee]

That part touched me too. It’s me telling my family as they are lecturing me.

[@christahester9174]

I honestly started to cry when the brain was struggling to get over the bridge and the average person couldn't see the missing planks from their perspective. You captured that often un-nameable and unexplainable feeling so well

[@charliedoubl]

oh my gosh i did too. its really the feeling thats so familiar but you cant describe

[@StreetNickel]

Neurotypical people are too lazy to stop what they're doing and understand what we're going through

[@fhdang8978]

The amount of times as a kid I would try to explain the feeling but also being autistic and verbally inept I couldn’t, really ruined my life

[@coastercraziness]

I did too. This year has been such a huge struggle for me, my mental health has absolutely tanked because of my ADHD. This made me feel so understood

[@gigi-xn1bj]

i almost started crying when she said people with ADHD see people getting things done and start to think "maybe i am just lazy" bc I really think that at times and its hard not to feel that way ):

[@tristantheoofer2]

ik im not lazy i just dont notice i procrastinate lul

[@inconnu4961]

I totally agree. In fact, I am so frustrated with myself that i even tell people I am lazy or my quirky work-around is the 'lazy man's' method to do it! I have 'embraced, in a way, that people find me lazy.

[@john_p]

omg this

[@devgoplani1387]

Same for me , my sister is hard working and instead of feeling motivated iget demotivated and just unable to even lift a book

[@SharlenesJourney]

Right 😞😞😞😞

[@johnnypayne5626]

"don't waste time trying to tell someone how important it is that they get IT done. They know." That was so incredibly validating that I stopped eating my lunch and cried. I want to get it done. So bad. I want to do a top-notch job, want to be effective, want to care for people well, but sometimes it's so hard to get myself from point a to point b. When folks tell me, "just get it done" it is so anxiety-producing and stirs up such difficult thinking in my head.

[@letiziaciancarini3804]

I'm now crying, I feel the same way. Next week I have this exam, it's the conclusion exam of my 5 years of high school. I'm proud for what I have accomplished and I want to study for the exam but I'm so not motivated, I'm so bored, I don't even know what to do. I'm so tired of my brain not working like everyone's elses. Thats so frustrating, my mum is helping me but she is also telling me "it's very important, don't waste the last 5 years!!" I know it is. Its not that, I know more than anyone how important it is, I just find it so hard to get it done

[@Illfury]

And the guilt is equally as crippling sometimes

[@DylanC828]

I feel like I finally found people who understand

[@heatseeka4468]

It’s such a weird feeling personally because I don’t even understand it sometimes how I want to be good at my job working from home and provide for my wife, but sometimes the motivation is just not there and it’s a very weird feeling because I’ve done it before and had plenty of success before

[@SugarMakesMePOP]

I can totally relate *hugs*

[@sethvanrinsum265]

This 7 minute video has given me more insight than 1.5 years of psychotherapy

[@alexandertato]

watching that little brain finally crossing the bridge got me more emotional than I'd like to admit

[@MeBeCreepy]

“When it’s a bridge we crossed before” *remembers writing being a fun and satisfying thing for me, but now I can’t even muster a sentence!!*

[@penelopeabreu4083]

mememememememe!!

[@orsolyahegyi4193]

I have that with reading! Once I adored reading everything, but now it is difficult to even read a page..

[@letsrocknskate]

You just did, that's a perfect sentence-comment (y)

[@ephemera...]

I wonder if smart phones and other parts of new technology are causing this in me.

[@kiserra]

@@letsrocknskate It's far easier to type out a sentence than verbally saying it on the spot lol

[@TheMysterysea]

"Get it to me whenever" the scariest phrase of my college career

[@iqi616]

I really hate that. Just as bad at work. It really makes me wonder if their boss actually needs it to be done.

[@cryw1092]

This is probsbly why I hated online schools. I had no reason to do anything other than the bare minimum, and it was horribly boring.

[@RianeBane]

That and "semester-long project." Because let's be honest....the former just ends up becoming the latter, with twice the guilt.

[@pinkapoppy]

i really hate it too... i mean, the teacher is obviously just trying to be friendly and nice but then, after several months of not having completed it, they’ll either get super mad about it, or tell you that you don’t have to do it anymore which is an AWFUL habit to make.

[@gingit3239]

I've been procrastinating on a huge work project for literally half a year because of how flexible they've been with me 😩

[@saphirestarr9952]

As a 30-something year old with a socially "respectable" profession, I was so ashamed of my personalized little sticker chart I spent time on every day while trying to build at-home habits- (an absolute nightmare!!) And I was battling both pride and shame when I'd show it to others. It is so nice to hear that sticker charts got a shout-out in the video!! I found that no commercial stickers were interesting enough, so I color and cut tiny pieces of paper out and use clear tape- BOOM! Any printable or drawn design is now a sticker! For extra large ones, clear packing tape is a huge success. Just remember to be careful!

[@laurad257]

Took me three years to get around to watching this video, but this is the best way I've ever heard someone explain motivation and how it happens for me. This makes me feel understood in a way I didn't even know I needed. I so appreciate your content. Thank you!

[@klygrover]

The problem with procrastination/urgency is that while you're finally doing the thing, you're simultaneously regretting that you didn't start the thing sooner because you would do such a better job of it if you had. I really like the idea of breaking the thing down into smaller pieces with different deadlines.

[@ameidle]

omg LITERALLY! i spent weeks struggling to make progress on my assesments, now that the deadline is a few days away, my sense of urgency is motivating me, but i'm so incredibly stressed and keep wishing i had this motivation before ahh 😭

[@winxmons4140]

gosh I spend hours regretting why I didn't start sooner. Its so draining.

[@discopants68]

There’s also the “rush” you get with the sense of urgency followed by feelings of immense relief when the task is finally completed. You don’t get the same adrenaline and dopamine hits from doing things in a timely manner.

[@7-sodel323]

Literally 🤕

[@SkanMLL]

For me the problem is almost the opposite.. because I procrastinate and get things done anyways, it makes it easier to justify the procrastination because "I always get it done in time in the long run"

[@fatmn]

Ugh, if someone says "turn it in whenever", I'm essentially guaranteed to not get it done.

[@arieluv615]

‘Take your time’ is the enemy of progress. 😂😂😂

[@Walkinjoy]

Lol same I think I have a million years to do things until the day before

[@LusiaEyre]

It's such a double edged sward for me. On one hand, it limits the added anxiety of failure, messing up especially at work but on the other hand it's like 'fine. next year it is then'

[@Suiseisexy]

lmao I rewrote this macro to "turn it in ASAP" to avoid that problem and occasionally confused people when I reacted to what should be a lenient choice with annoyance

[@janielewis8178]

Maybe make that item the urgent one? The pay off - the person will be impressed at how fast it's completed.

[@landonmoses6663]

In one adorable 7 min video, you perfectly explained every single failed project I've ever started in my entire 42 years, and the subconscious ways that I fixed the projects I completed. My mind is significantly blown right now.

[@GeorgeBeckingham]

I was diagnosed with ADD at 50 (non-hyperactive, so I flew under the radar for years). I developed a lot of coping strategies over the years, but I still struggle with motivation for tasks that are unscheduled, not urgent, or don't have a short-term reward. This bridge analogy is great; I think it will help a lot. The main strategy I use is split-tasking. I jump around between tasks at a rate most people would find confusing, but for me it helps make incremental progress. It doesn't help much with very long-term discretionary projects, though; I have between 20 and 30 novels in various stages of completion.

[@jillthomason6032]

This is my most successful way of trying to get stuff done too 😊

[@sannyn.5442]

Do you jump between tasks of different projects or different tasks of the same project. I‘m asking myself what would be better for out brains: try hard to stay focused on one project and doing it until finished or maybe switching between 2-3 projects to make them less lengthy, repetitive and boring….🤔 I was always afraid of getting distracted if not being focused on one thing, but now I saw this video I‘m not shure anymore if this is exactly what an ADD brain needs to get things done.

[@mikemuldoe2986]

When brain made it over the bridge: “don’t cry, don’t cry”

[@daphne1065]

totally. It hit home quite hard lol. I just want to get there, but it is so hard for me.

[@parkerking6410]

Same here.

[@estelaramirez779]

I cried... Just a bit ❤️😅

[@pavani17]

@@estelaramirez779 I am with you on that!

[@krysalis2077]

RIGHT??!

[@SuperGoose42]

"Wanna get your house cleaned? Invite someone over." Ohohohoooo that's dirty

[@hatsunemisty]

i notice this is the only time i actually clean and i was like WHOOP there it is!

[@SuperGoose42]

Misty Antonio same!

[@kylie200]

I only notice how dirty the room is when someone get in my room

[@audreyblair7180]

I actually use this one pretty regularly. I can go almost completely manic cleaning mode after inviting someone over and I get done in 2 hours what normally would take me a week XD

[@jakewwwjake]

Honestly. This is extremely effective for me.

[@AdriianMoreira-iq3ih]

I could remember several years ago I suffered from severe depression and mental disorder. I was addicted to illicit pills, alcohol, and smoking until I was recommended for psilocybin mushroom treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly I'm 8 years clean now. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against anxiety and depression.

[@AlfonsoGavilanes]

To be honest, mushrooms are one of the most amazing things on the planet and it is natural, they serve in many ways not only for mental related issues.

[@Tomas-tw5ju]

Can you help me with a reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. It is very hard to get a reliable source here in New Zealand. Really need!

[@TaylorLawrence-cv8sv]

Yes, Sporeville. I had the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction... Mushrooms definitely made a huge difference to why I'm clean today.

[@TatianitaVillavicencio]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He's 59 & has many mental health issues plus probably CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD knows if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@Tomas-tw5ju]

Is he on Instagram?

[@JustinElkinsII]

I have had ADHD longer than there has been a diagnosis for ADHD (I'm 59). Your videos have helped me out several times when I was feeling frustrated with myself, which is easy because I'm also on "the spectrum" and have been since before they began talking about "a spectrum." This video, however, has been exceptionally helpful; I've shared it more than any of the others. You do an amazing job helping others with this brain-thingy that no one who isn't ADHD can clearly understand. Thank you.

[@shrestrasharma5093]

POV: you’re watching this as you’re procrastinating and seeking motivation to get the job done 🥺 These videos always make me cry, and they’re immensely helpful. Thank you.

[@jorinlutz4363]

Right, I should be studying for my exam in two days but I'm watching this...

[@katelynekeddy2560]

They make me tear up to. Before these videos, it's like I felt the world isn't built for me, and I am not built for my culture or surrounding community.. I never understood how the world doesn't understand me... Almost as though seeing these videos helped me face a subconscience fear.... that maybe I've made up these scenarios or challenges I face... to explain why I'm not always productive in this world. Watching these videos makes me cry because it makes that's a part of ME real.... and that helps... acceptance and understanding helps take away a barrier Sigh of relief

[@Zeraphei]

Me right now!

[@JS-rv3et]

pov im wondering if on top of my autism and highly suspected ocd if im also adhd or add

[@izzyyy9797]

literally what I'm doing right now and this video made me cry because I just haven't been able to understand why I have such a lack of motivation and now that I know some ways to overcome it I feel like I can actually meet my goals I'm so happy.

[@lukeo.6410]

I lost it at “Wanna get your house clean? Invite someone over...” 😂😂 I’ve definitely used this tactic without realizing it.

[@Yanayofficial]

Foluke O. Me all the time!

[@ambiguism]

1000% almost knocked me out of my chair when she said that

[@SleepyLestatSF]

this his how I clean the toilet!! works every time!

[@pegasusquilts]

Wanna get unpacked after moving? Plan a party!

[@misqdabarber]

I just did that yesterday 😂 When she said that I was like "YASSSSSSSSSSS" 😄😍🤩💪

[@Ericbrown-se3kx]

Research has shown psilocybin to have potential to treat a range of psychiatric and behavioral disorders.

[@morgancr1993]

started microdosing mushrooms in place of my prescriptions and the difference is night and day in my mental health and my anger i feel like ive become a better person best decision ive ever made wish it was more accessible to those that need

[@dorathyfoster1459]

Heard so much about magic mushrooms I'lld like to give it a try please where do I get from ?

[@uncle-nice6556]

I really don't know how Doc.toddshrooms grows em!! he's strains are %100 pure.

[@leannegosmeyer9294]

I'm just commenting to say that I am openly weeping while watching this video. Tears of happiness. My doctor and I have just approached the possibility that I have ADHD and I feel so seen by this video series and your channel in general. Understanding my brain makes me love me more. You've given me a gift!

[@EbilGeneyus]

Man, that whole "it's even harder when it's a bridge we've crossed before" thing kinda stung. That hits home for sure!

[@yoyo9winner]

It made me think of doing work for education, things have gotten a lot harder since I’ve been at uni

[@angeliqueligaray6146]

:((((((((((((

[@yolanda6283]

For real

[@bamu9889]

This really stung. As a university student, I was struggling badly with ADHD but I managed to push through, such as completing a project report set for a month and just a night, and was able to meet deadlines with stressed-out late-night work now in my master's I can't get myself to do anything, and now I am moths behind on my progress.

[@michaelheliotis5279]

Speaking of deadlines, I believe the receptionist at my dentist has cottoned on to the fact that I'm always late for appointments (in typical ADHD fashion) and now tells me it's an earlier time when actually it's booked for later. That way, when I'm inevitably late, I'm actually still on time. I can't know for sure as neither of us has brought it up, but now when I'm on time there's a conspicuous wait before I'm called, which never used to happen. I love her for that.

[@texasseastar]

I've asked my family to start doing this with me. If I'm ever "on time" for a family function there is something seriously off, because I'm inevitably ALWAYS late. I have always misjudged how long it takes to do something or how long it takes to get somewhere. Even with GPS, I underestimate or lie to myself about how long it's really going to take depending on the time of day. With appointments now when I book them I put them in my phone calendar as 15-30 minutes EARLIER than the actual appointment time to trick myself into being on time.

[@rudyrodriguez762]

Lol. My doctor's receptionist too knows I miss appointments because I forget and she calls 3.2.1 days before appointment date.

[@stocktawk]

You’re not late because of adhd lol

[@AustinGuidoPlus]

@@stocktawk poor time management and becoming overwhelmed with the steps it takes to get ready for events (even something that’s seems simple like a dentist appointment) is indeed a trait of ADHD.

[@danktankdragkings7117]

Send that woman a fruit basket (other office gifts)

[@esould]

What works for me is to start doing a job without thinking about it or pushing myself. After a while, my brain is attached to the job and it goes on naturally. If it does not, it means I am too tired for this and I leave it. But I start with small and easy steps until my brain is 'warmed up'.

[@davidrichards613]

First visit. I'm undiagnosed but the more I learn of ADHD and Autism the more sure I become that I've lived with them my whole 44 years. This video had me close to tears just to see this explained. It's cost me so much, caused financial issues, cost me a higher grade on my University degree and High School exams before that, my house is like a journal of tasks not started or finished... now there are so many tasks I'm so overwhelmed I can't make any of them feel rewarding enough to get then done before more pile on, only the urgency of serious consequences impending within days or hours seems to be enough to make that jump across Springifeld Gorge.

[@sannyn.5442]

I‘m also 44 and undiagnosed, but did some online tests, read and listened to a lot about ADHD and I‘m absolutely shure I‘m at this party, too. My life is exactly the same like yours. So many unfinished or not started tasks concerning house or business or kids or pets. The long story of not doing but procrastination undermined my self-confidence extremely. I started to pay for an organization coach that - I‘m so lucky! - is specialized on ADHD (in fact SHE was the one who told me I should inform myself about ADHD so I came to my conclusion I got this, too). One day a week we meet online and organize my home. I get many tipps and different perspectives on my needs and individual organizing strategies, but also the permission being ok like I am and the understanding that everything I need is finding a personal way to approach the things instead of changing and breaking me just to be able to do it like everyone else does. After the household I‘ll do my business. The more my environment becomes clear the more my head becomes clear, too and the other side around, of course. But somewhere I had to start and I chose my house. Your comment is 10 months old and I hope you have found some good steps to get along with yourself and your things. And I hope you could understand me, English isn‘t my mother language.😅

[@helanesteinmuller9279]

It made me cry when the little ADHD brain teared up after crossing the bridge. I have a 65 year old ADHD brain that often got lost on the way to the bridge. One thing I learned (very late unfortunately) is to concentrate on getting better at what you are good at rather than wasting your life trying to match a neurotypical stereotype. ❤️

[@CBL-if8jr]

Helane Steinmüller WE know so very well w h y the brain teared up after crossing the bridge..... I (67) did not get a diagnosis so far but since June ( a BBC reporter spoke about her ADHS and my brain signalled: This is US, too.) I am a much more relaxed person, telling ( almost proudly, because of feeling so free of SHAME and GUILT *NOW* ) people : 😉 I do what I can, being an ADDer ...; or I say: "Well, that was because of my ADDism and laugh " But I will try to find a specialist. Not easy in Berlin.

[@Treeofwysdm]

"Concentrate on getting better at what you're good at rather than wasting your life trying to match a neurotypical stereotype." Amen Helane! 👍🏾

[@cerealis_5432]

Thank you! I really needed to hear this!

[@helanesteinmuller9279]

C. BL1986 ❤️

[@helanesteinmuller9279]

Treeofwysdm ❤️

[@elishahdavis]

I’m at a point where nothing works. I can’t trick my brain because it knows I’m lying to it and it doesn’t care about anything. I feel like i’m just watching life pass by while my adhd drives and I’m just in the passengers seat.

[@anjupakanju3950]

Same here

[@MrRedberd]

It got worse for me after an injury. Being incapacitated taught me new tricks on how to be more lazy. PT was put off, so...

[@deprofundis3293]

same... :(

[@alliumporrum1728]

same same, at least we're not alone :')

[@jessicahernandez7644]

it might be time to invest in seeking therapy from a ADHD specialist?? thats what i'm looking into now cause i feel the same as you. ADHD feels crippling at this point.

[@skittlznt2611]

Ngl, I cried a little bit watching this. I thought something was wrong with me. 😢 feels good to hear someone describe my daily struggle so accurately. I really needed this. Guess I will go get some stickers so I can finish this pile of work on my desk I'm neglecting so I can lay on the couch and watch this video. 😅

[@krash_1]

This is so true for more than having to deal with ADHD. My depression and anxiety gives me issues that are very much the same or similar. There are differences though. For instance, for me, self interest used to be a sure fired motivation. It has been a long time since my interest started to remove those planks in the motivation bridge. These videos done by How To ADHD actually help by bringing realization and recognition to the front of my mind. Even if the different subjects are things I knew or realized in my thoughts previously. Somehow hearing them changes things. As if hearing them in my own thoughts was where things stopped. But hearing them confirmed/validated the thoughts and my mind has permission to investigate another of my lane brain schemes/ideas.

[@skip_helps]

“It’s okay to cycle back to your hobbies.” Insanely helpful to hear. I always feel like a failure when I don’t do a little bit of every one of my hobbies every day. The messaging out there is always: if you really want to get better you have to do it every day. Hellooooo feeling of failure! Then I realized when I pick up my banjo for the first time in a year, I haven’t forgotten a thing and I’m the same skill level I was when I stopped. Nothing lost. I’m not a failure. I just pick up where I left off.

[@arrow1255]

Same here! I never stick to anything for too long and it used to make me feel so useless, I thought "I have friends who have done one thing for many years (whether that's a sport or instrument etc.), why can't I?" (plus my parents really wanted me to "just pick something and stick to it") but now I realise it's okay to change hobbies a lot and seek novel experiences and it's much better to go along with what my brain wants to do rather than try and fight it and force myself to stick to something until I'm completely bored and end up hating it

[@madelinecoats3421]

Amen!!!

[@1129buttons]

Everything you said I have felt so hard. I picked up my guitar maybe 5 years later, beat myself up about not playing. And though it was physically painful on my fingers, I was shocked to be able to still do everything.

[@skip_helps]

@@1129buttons That's amazing! I'm happy to hear that. I was the same way, fingers needed to build up a bit of skin but at least the muscle memory was still there

[@VolkColopatrion]

I feel like I'm the polar opposite

[@pe9147]

Laughed out loud when she said “we don’t have little gaps in our motivation-half the bridge is missing”. Never heard something so accurate

[@paulodonovanmusic]

yep, it's a really great workable analogy.

[@Lilian040210]

More like a brick wall to me. Even if I want to do something, I just can't. And the more I try it feels like squeezing my skull and brain against that wall

[@NicholasWiewiora]

@@Lilian040210 Me with my 99% complete taxes that just need to be signed and sent... for the past 3 weeks...

[@onmyway1574]

It touched a nerve the therapists I have been to couldn't understand

[@mohammedmaniar6722]

When it dawned on me that my “effortless” grades were not sufficient for going abroad, so here I am in my masters trying my best and putting in work. Also I heard it was hard so I said why not.

[@wellsmall]

I was diagnosed with ADHD by my psychiatrist THIS YEAR at age 41. I immediately found your channel and it was an "ah hah!" moment. You explain everything I've gone through my whole life that I was always told was laziness. I have 100 alarms (literally) on my phone to remember to do things, like get in the shower, pick up the kids, leave for work, take medication, go to bed, pay that bill! The alarms are never ending. People coming over is definitely a motivation for cleaning, until too many people come over and I start making excuses why the floor doesn't need to be mopped again this week or the laundry can be thrown in the other room out of site. My mom helping me do things like clean the garage are often the only way certain things will get done. My husband has worse ADHD than me and won't set a single alarm to help him remember...anything. It's obnoxous. I'm high anxiety so just people judging me is a motivation. I totally agree about people saying "no rush" is terrible. Clients will tell me that thing they want is "no rush" and it falls to the bottom of my inbox until they email me again for an update. I need deadlines, and I'll likely still do it the day it's due unless I'm having a really good day. For college (yep I'm trying college again) I have a fear of a B! That's my motivation to study hard, even the boring stuff like humanities. It's always worked for me, even in high school, but I was a little less OCD in high school about A's, I would often settle for a B if it meant not working as hard and papers definitely got written the night before they were do. Thanks for your great videos! Definitely helps me feel more normal and understood!

[@meechynailedit]

Omg that urgently cleaning the house when someone is coming over has been my life. It goes from dump to hotel room in a couple hours 😂

[@simonanardi4312]

I recently decided I just have to invite someone, let’s say… twice a month for the rest of my life! 💪

[@PrincessNinja007]

I have a friend who comes over to help me clean. I feel so bad about making my guest work that I'll do as much as I can before he comes over, so by the time he gets there he can just chill while I finish up

[@Aabergm]

If you are curious there is a word for it too. It's called Scurryfunge and its a rather old word.

[@KimUlrick]

I think I will have to be a renter for ever because I rely almost entirely on rental inspections to have a clean house.

[@clayjug4893]

That doesn't work with me because I tell myself that a real friend won't judge too much the state of my appartment..

[@trunk1033]

Does anyone else find themselves openly weeping while watching these videos that are not supposed to be at all emotional? Having someone illustrate so many of the struggles so vividly and accurately, after 40+ years of feeling like no one else experiences things like this... is just a bit overwhelming. thank you for putting all this content out. seriously... Thank you

[@BrockPlaysFortnite]

Yup

[@Ryptahi]

Yes....

[@ChristyThompson1221]

Yes but not as much as the autism videos I watched learning that I'm autistic. Now this is helpful and I am crying a little, but it's not as intense. That initial understanding of ourselves is so intense and incredible!

[@evelynk9688]

Yeah I just cried too watching this

[@rachelposavetz2698]

Once I became more empowered with my ADHD and stopped guilting/shaming myself, these videos made me smile and no longer cry. You WILL find your way that works for you, keep having faith in yourself and love yourself through every perpetual "fail". Remind yourself, "That was the best I could do today. I love me". Our gifts of this different brain are needed in this world, don't put out your Light 🌟🙏💗

[@juliemartinez3312]

I am so grateful I found you on KZbin I have struggled my whole life and was never actually diagnosed with ADHD or ADD however every single thing that you talk about is exactly my life for the last 64 years thank you so much 🌻

[@CY-vd4sh]

Hey Jessica, I started watching your videos just a few days ago, and I just want to say that your channel has changed my life. I'm in college right now, and I have been since 2016, and oh my goodness it has been an uphill battle from the very beginning (and that hill has only gotten steeper). I've developed at least 2 mental health conditions and multiple traumas, so as you can imagine the suffering has bern overwhelming for years. I've seriously thought of giving up on my dreams. However, these videos have given me info that can seriously change this battle I've been fighting with college. So thank you so much for giving me enough hope to keep going.

[@jjju3]

God the bridge metaphor hits really hard. I've always had a hard time explaining "I just can't make myself do things...", People don't understand. With that metaphor it's more that I CANT do things because what I need to do them is missing, not that I _wont._ not that I'm not putting in the effort or that I'm not trying or that I gave up. Thank you

[@pinkapoppy]

B-atiful! same here! my friends and i have been trying to do work together over quarantine and i stopped showing up to our video calls because i wasn’t actually doing the work during the previous video calls because even with them there, i struggled to just do it

[@anitanapp6759]

It’s hard! I plan and want to do something in the house, try to pump myself up and end up sitting and “dazing “ getting mad at myself. Like right now, I need to get something done, but here I am looking at videos!!🙄🙄😞

[@jul2447]

Same

[@jonkimmel]

Same here. Thousands of times I’ve had something that I need to do, something I truly, desperately WANT to do, but I simply can Not do it. It could be something as simple as doing the dishes, or doing some laundry, cleaning, or anything really. It’s not just someone else saying, “clean your room”, and me thinking, “no, I don’t want to”. It’s me really, Really wanting to, but being absolutely unable to. It’s infuriating!

[@kristenacaroline8821]

yeah same! I think my brain exploded when she said that because it literally explained everything! so wonderful!

[@mirandahemsworth3628]

literally cried when she talked about how we feel so down about ourselves due to wanting to do tasks but unable to.

[@flipnshifty]

whats the difference between crying and literally crying

[@henryfitzgerald4965]

@@flipnshifty The word “literally” in this context adds the inference that crying is probably not an expected reaction for the writer. Also, think of the phrase, “I was floored by…” (an internal, emotional response) as compared to, “I was literally floored by…” (as in, found myself on the floor). I hope this is helpful.

[@loris4142]

I'm with you on this. A close friend how much on the possibility of me having ADHD, more learn, the more easy it is to accept and correct. But sometimes the realization is overwhelming.

[@shan22777]

same here, im constantly called lazy by my family for this

[@coastercraziness]

I burst out in tears within the first 2 minutes. I feel so understood for once. This year has been so hard for me and I’ve struggled so much with my ADHD and it has absolutely tanked my mental health. Especially cuz I took hard classes for my senior year of high school. I just wanna be happy and figure out how to cope with my ADHD. I’m now working on it, thank you so much for the amazing content

[@Lericah4902]

Thank you, I didn't know I had ADHD until I started hearing "lack of motivation" from the psych channels I watch. This video gave me new tools that I've never used and explained the pain I've felt from years of feeling lazy and useless.

[@katculbertson2444]

Thanks for mentioning that artificial deadlines don't always work. Setting "intentions" and writing them in a calendar or telling other people about them is such a common recommendation for productivity, but I have gotten so used to setting little goals and then NOT meeting them over time that I think it's actually damaged the motivation that urgency is supposed to give me. Not meeting deadlines feels so natural and inevitable to me at this point that it barely registers. Instead of giving myself a million finish lines and revising them constantly, I need to keep my expectations of what I can get done by when loose, and focus on making the actual work easier or more accessible. A helpful thing for me has been shutting down extraneous goals or barriers to starting. I don't HAVE to shower before I go run errands, and as soon as I start telling myself I do, I've basically lost my whole day. Whatever way I get the thing done is okay, and little rules I create for myself about how I need to accomplish something are just barriers to doing the thing.

[@iqi616]

Exactly! An unnecessary task discarded is as good as a task done because it's out of the way.

[@DeZusVanMijnZus]

Wow. This feels so true to me. Thanks for giving me an extra way to understand myself.

[@estelaramirez779]

Yeah aryificial deadlines dont work a lot for me either... Paying 50 buvks for each day I don't do my public speaking training to a friend that was motivating!! Sticks work better for me now. 🙈😜

[@emilys3638]

"Not meeting deadlines feels so natural and inevitable to me at this point that it barely registers". Yes. This.

[@cherrybomb2272]

Wow, you've just described my life.

[@maxhess3151]

How is it that I have every symptom mentioned in this channel and yet I was never even suspected of having ADHD?

[@samanthashumway8168]

Same!

[@scottbowman27]

Same it took me having a son who is ADHD for me to realize that I'm not broken

[@miles7885]

Same, probably because I never let anyone see what was going on in my brain. I guess i’d rather stress myself out instead of people telling me “Focus” “Work harder” “Stop being lazy”

[@devent10n]

No one ever thought I did until a couple years ago, at which point we realized my brother's had dramatically overshadowed mine when we were kids, because they presented differently (he had a lot of behavioral symptoms and I didn't), and I didn't know enough about what it actually was to say "I think I also have it". Once I learned about it, a lot of pieces feel into place in my brain puzzle.

[@betaCarrotYT]

In my opinion, this a serious problem in the global education system, the lack of awareness is... astonishing.

[@user-ux6wm9qu3j]

I found this (and you today). I'm a licensed counselor and am blown away at the succinct , articulate, and brilliant manner in which you explain material. I am blown away. Thank you.

[@salmank3131]

How brutally relevant and exact video is this , every aspects is so co-relating , thanks for this content.

[@UsagiOhkami]

When I'm struggling with reading, especially for school or study, I start reading out loud with different voices. It helps to keep me engaged and also gives me some associative memory for what I'm reading.

[@ami0611]

I will try this! I struggle a lot with reading for unviersity haha

[@dragonerd5305]

I as well find that it's easier to remember stuff when I read it out loud!

[@BlueDauntless]

That's BRILLIANT!!!

[@araschanne1]

ohh I started doing this too and it's SO helpful!

[@lucifasta7502]

OH MY GOD I HAVE TO REMEMBER THIS

[@savannahhaley7473]

Omfg I'm about to cry. The amount of times I've been told I'm lazy is too numerous to count. I actually finally freaked out on my boyfriend and told him if he ever calls me lazy again I'm leaving. I just don't need to hear it anymore, even in a joking way, it's so discouraging.

[@migtwitzr4734]

You shouldn’t be with someone that calls you Lazy, and you know that.

[@dianeaishamonday9125]

Leave him anyway, sis. No one should invalidate you even in a joking manner, and that's on PERIODT

[@codex4046]

I would tell him to watch these videos. People who say this (even jokingly) don't understand us and these videos will help a lot in starting to understand us. I can explain it so many times and in so many ways but people don't grasp what I mean when I do so. Nowadays I just tell them to go to this channel and watch at least 3 videos with the topics they get frustrated by when it comes to me.

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

Been happily married 24 years. I am dealing with several losses right now including my 87 year old mother who has a brain injury from a car accident, and my most constant buddy died in November... he was a collector of stuff and the final bits of stuff that was his is in boxes on any floor of this 950-sq ft house we could find. My hubby does things quickly... he doesn’t agonize about decisions. Every little item in the boxes is a decision my friend can’t make himself. One day I broke down and said “If I can do it, I do... I love to work, I love accomplishing things. If I say I can’t, I really, truly, can’t.” And he finally got it.

[@imjustaguy4340]

And he should understand or yall shouldent date, i agree

[@modernphil1049]

Thanks for the content. I love this channel because for years i thought it was just me being me. Was filled with anger and hate towards those who criticised and judged me. Knowing there are a lot more like me, who can understand the shoes i am in, fills me with kindness and hope that i havent felt my whole life.

[@catk961]

The “turn it in whenever” make so much sense in quarantine. Teachers are so flexible and I feel myself procrastinating more and more.

[@Tolyuhh]

oh, same. Quarantine has been terrible for my studies. Online lecture that you're meant to watch "sometime in the week" is... never going to get watched. Assignment officially due next week, but the teacher says don't worry if it's late? Not going to get done until the end of term. I know that for some people these things have made it much easier but I wish teachers would understand that for some of us they really really don't.

[@Alex-fu3mi]

I started a “self-paced” online course that’s supposed to take about 40 hours to finish. That was two months ago. Almost done now though!! 🥳

[@reillylafreniere2077]

I feel like verbal acknowledgments are underrated. It makes me so happy when I get an good job, or an I'm proud of you from someone I care about

[@TT-rz5td]

Let me tell you about my boss. My boss in the how many years I have worked for them, it has given me maybe three compliments. No wonder I hate my job. It's boring and I'm not good at it. And then I was trying to diplomatically tell my boss that I need more encouragement and acknowledgement when I do a good job because there are times when I do a really great job. And I told my boss about how when I was going to school and I was struggling very much with the subject, when I had a teacher that encouraged me and motivated me, every single class where that happened, I ended up getting an 'A' in the class. My boss simply didn't get it. I always do well when someone gives me a compliment

[@QT-oc9rn]

...Change the job if you can. My Boss knows I have ADHS and I told him that telling me I have done great gives my lots of motivation. He always tells me I am doing great with the tasks given to me (which I am :D) and it's really good for my work quality.

[@irelyndhenry1176]

I always glow with pride when I get a “well done!” from my teacher, but for some reason when my mom tells me that, I just... brush it off. I don’t know if maybe that’s just not my love language, or I subconsciously feel like she doesn’t mean it, or if it’s something else entirely, but for me, only certain people’s compliments help me.

[@Happy.Accident.]

Reilly Lafreniere Ahh, words of affirmation can be very powerful! Usually the people who are fuelled by words of affirmation, are the ones that deliver it the most. However, the people that are more socially intelligent are the ones that will deliver motivators specific to a certain individual, even if it’s not a style that works on themselves; these are the people that are amazing employers, leaders & mentors!

[@Happy.Accident.]

Irelynd Henry Are you referring to a specific teacher or any of your teachers? Perhaps you really admire your teachers and therefore hold their opinions of your abilities very highly. Perhaps you feel your mom doesn’t know enough about a task you’ve done ( hasn’t read it or etc), so you feel that her acknowledgment or comments of tasks don’t carry a true value. Perhaps your mother more often criticizes you, than praises you, thereby generating a response that dismisses and devalues any praise from your mum. Either way, I suggest just saying “thank you” to your mom, when she does acknowledge something she thinks you’ve done well on or something you’re proud of.

[@JackClayton123]

Stuck on multiple deadlines, feeling paralyzed. In a crunch, typed in “ADHD paralysis “ and, what do you know, it’s the term used. And the found my favourite ADHD channel has already covered it. Thanks for the help👍. Also, congratulations on your new addition!! With an ADHD parent, kids don’t tend to have a boring youth (judging from my family).

[@mjhopgoodswe]

As a parent with a child who has graduated high school and is now sitting in his room doing nothing, this is helpful advice. It is heartbreaking for a parent to see their child wasting their lives doing nothing. No job, no driving license, no goals, no hobbies, no substance. Just a lot of explanations of why things did not get done and why KZbin videos giving advice are BS.

[@maddylions5680]

*me watching this while in bed with 25 things on my to do list and 0 motivation, feeling depressed and frustrated* This video came at the perfect time, thank you

[@novictim]

Lol then do good things seems like u dont wanna feel good lazy bum

[@blckheart8148]

@@novictim you don't get it..

[@kenninast]

Once I went to bed, trying to sleep. And my brain went crazy. With one thought only. The same thought all of the time. Kept me awake for at least an hour. Wanna know what that thought was? "Don't think about anything or you won't sleep!" in all possible variations!

[@zackaryjackson4568]

Hang in there bro!

[@mostazezo]

same I'm trying to stay in this really good school and my grades are terrible and my ADHD gave me severe depression and social distancing made it worst (all though I'm an introvert) and I just AGDHSHHDHS

[@lulaklaw4101]

My mom is always confused as to why and can't just "do it" and I always thought I was a lazy idiot so i literally started sobbing when i watched this, it feels so good to have someone understand

[@Boules99]

Did you show this to her? Did she respond well?

[@chester8420]

I know a lot of lazy idiots. They are just lazy idiots. Is "not wanting to be a lazy idiot" a motivating plank? Does the excuse of knowing I have ADHD remove motivational planks? Yep. That's why I think it does no good to label people. Everybody is different. I think these obscure undefinable mental "disorders" are detrimental. Oh don't get mad at poor me, I have ADHD....

[@lightdark29]

Same! I always used to get scold for forgeting things since i was a child....

[@saturday8587]

My family , friends and even my teacher have said i'm lazy and dumb. And it's frustrating...

[@saturday8587]

I remember getting hit by my teachers for this exact reason

[@TheGibberingGoblin]

You have a very nurturing outlook on ADHD as a whole. I think a lot of people really appreciate that. 😊

[@DUBS720]

This is one of the best ADHD videos I’ve seen. It really is an eye-opener for not only understanding my son’s brain, but also my own (since we both have been diagnosed with ADHD)

[@greeniegames835]

That statement about 'not giving deadlines can make things harder for those with ADHD' really spoke to me. Had a professor who made everything due by the end of the semester. I got to the last couple weeks of the semester and hadn't done hardly anything. Especially when you throw depression into the mix, it's really difficult.

[@f.d.6667]

I am a college teacher WITH ADD/ADHD. I consciously don't distribute due dates over the semester any more b/c I know that people NEED to develop a strategy to manage their resources - one that fits their brains needs. People learn from failures more than from successes. Getting a bleeding nose in university has a *much* smaller negative impact on people's lives than getting fired from your first job because you can't manage yourself.

[@becciprairie7963]

I’m literally sitting in my kitchen tearing up whilst watching this video, I feel so spoken to! Thank you @How to ADHD ☀️

[@estelaramirez779]

Me too... I also got teary eyes... Thank you!!!

[@Felsenkeks]

am literally also sitting in my kitchen crying right now...

[@harpistforever3137]

I also cried watching this

[@kyliecarrasco10]

Me too omg 😢

[@lexuslloyd5576]

i totally agree

[@hailypegasister816]

Where have you been when I was growing up?! Literally I love you!❤ I’m 20 and have been diagnosed and medicated for adhd since I was 8, but only NOW learning how to properly explain it to others instead of being frustrated! This “motivation bridge” explains my issue with following through on plans perfectly!🤩 Awesome video! Looking forward to watching the rest and any you make in the future!

[@nigelchua4055]

Thank you, I don’t think I’ve watched anything more relatable ever. You’re doing great things. Keep up the great work!

[@AnnClaire]

I can't believe it took me this long to discover that everything I've been struggling with is (likely) ADHD. Every video is just seeing my life explained.

[@jeng6786]

Same. And I keep thinking that maybe I'm wrong and tricking myself into believing I have it but then I go to another video and it explains another thing I've been having a lot of struggle with for the last 2+ years

[@MJR_heyfunny]

Same I turn 44 on September 6th here soon and I was diagnosed back in like 2nd or 3rd grade but I stopped taking my medicine my senior year of high school so being off meds for 27 + years I'm now realizing after finding this channel yesterday that I needed the medication for far more than just doing better in school

[@britty23]

I got diagnosed last year at 30 years old. It's been life changing and made my life so much better. The process of getting diagnosed can be a long one, but it is worth it if you have a happier, more productive life.

[@angeldeal3291]

Girl. Same.

[@NikoruNinja]

Same ㅜㅜ

[@pssnyder]

"I tend to get bored of my hobbies really quickly..." YOU ARE IN MY BRAIN...so far this quarantine I've dabbled in web site design, electronics, robotics, programming, gardening, amateur radio, home improvement, aquatics, 3D printing, and guitar...and that was last week so who knows what I'll get into this week... Thank you for the videos, they are really helpful in making me feel like a regular human being again.

[@fieldy409]

I suddenly got obsessed with fungus growing. You can buy the kits online and like a potted plant they''re clean enough to watch them grow mushrooms in your kitchen lol.

[@pinkapoppy]

Patrick Snyder LMAOOO same here!! the one thing that has kinda stuck with me was minecraft, which i’ve been playing daily from 8-10pm with my friends and there’s a lot of different things to do within it, and it’s nice to talk to my friends too so it’s quite entertaining. lately it’s been a little boring though and i don’t know how to make it more fun and exciting again-

[@ryno4ever433]

I've given up trying new hobbies because I know it won't stick. I just play video games now. The only thing that has stuck with me is gardening, and even that is starting to fall off.

[@kristenacaroline8821]

yeah. its like 'yeah thats interesting but nah, not today' and like I can't figure what I want to do with my life.

[@blahblahblahblah2837]

Can I suggest - for those of you who want to stick to hobbies and make it 'your thing', find one with a community and solo component. Eg. dancing, calisthenics, art classes, music groups, archery, model planes, mountain biking etc etc - take a friend, make a friend, go once a week. It's also something you can work on at home with youtube videos. If the hobby has a few different rewards to it (social, novelty, physical stimulation, skills progressions) you're more likely to stick to it. Otherwise, if you like to cycle through hobbies like many of us do, buy the equipment second-hand in good condition or buy it new and keep it in good condition. That way, when you're bored of it in days/weeks/months/years you can sell it and get your money back on it. Or rent the stuff first to get a feel for it.

[@ellaquimque2711]

Thank you so much for making this! It feels like a back hug that someone out there knows exactly what you feel and what's been missing. It's really hard to explain it to other people since they wouldn't know how hard it is to want it but feels and seems that we can't do it with their pace. Thank you!!! God bless you!

[@SailorRalph]

This hits home so hard for me. I have often just blamed myself for being lazy, beating myself up emotionally and mentally which fuels my depression and then the cycle begins again. I appreciate this new nugget and understanding about myself and life.

[@hobihope2981]

Recently, I've started to listening to audiobooks while walking/jogging, and I only let myself listen to the story while _on_ my walk. So if I'm listening to a really good book, I end up actually motivating myself to go walking because I want to know what's going to happen next! I know it's a pretty small thing, it's just walking, but as someone who hates exercise it's really been helping me out!!

[@paigemcninch3003]

This is a wonderful idea! I have the opposite problem where I don't know how to make time to listen to audiobooks because I get too focused on what I'm doing to pay attention to the story. Maybe I should start going on walks!

[@hobihope2981]

Paige McNinch Thats why I started doing this in the first place actually!! I needed to start walking and I missed listening to audiobooks! Its also really nice because walking's not distracting enough to take over your brain's attention, and if you're listening to the right book the ambience of wherever you're walking really adds to the experience (Ive been listening to a small town mystery while I walk around my small town which makes it so much spookier and cool!!)

[@AVspectre]

Podcasts and audiobooks are pretty much the only way I can ‘get in the groove’ for tons of tasks (laundry, dishes, snow shoveling...). It keeps my brain from wanting to bail early, and provides a good source of BYO (“bring your own”) stimulation. Only problem? It doesn’t always encourage me to be quick with the task. For time-sensitive things, I sometimes use audio content as timers/deadlines (this task must be done by the time this podcast/playlist is over. I even use a (music) playlist in the mornings that provides subtle prompts for my getting ready routine (by Song X I should be brushing my teeth; by Song Y I should be heading out the door). One favourite for mornings (especially for difficult parts of the routine like waking up or leaving on time) is “My Shot” from Hamilton. I find it energizing and motivating. :)

[@mrsaskander]

Hobi Hope its SUCH A GOOD IDEA

[@mercuryfever392]

I've started listening to podcast while I do the dishes. Music itself wasn't cutting it anymore. It's much more tolerable listening to a podcast about history.

[@jammypat996]

I was recently diagnosed with ADHD after years of thinking I was unmotivated, unintelligent or just flat out lazy. Seeing the videos on this channel, and realizing that other people go through the exact same struggles I do has been a huge help for me.

[@TheAngelFireStar]

You described my own struggle and it's so validating. I was diagnosed this year (very recently) and I've spent decades thinking I was everything you described. I was relieved and angry when I found out because of the support I could've received and the grace I could've given myself years, letting myself know that it's not my fault. Better late than never I guess but still. Thanks for sharing. 💜

[@Doc-jw7rh]

​strange how I constantly rekindle motivation and lose it perhaps I lack a true commitment

[@cosmicpuma1409]

I totally agree. I am finding this out very late in life and while I wish I knew it earlier, I am happy I understand what's behind the personal challenges.

[@xrayanegamer7486]

potato 🤑🤑🤑🤑

[@pharynx007]

i've thought i was just depressed for years, but then i finally started antidepressants, and they didn't really... do anything. like i think they helped my mental attitude a little bit, but i still lacked motivation to do the things i wanted to. and i was worried that i was actually just lazy. but i've recently discovered that ADHD also has a motivation problem, and i'm thinking that might be the real issue, that may have even caused my depression. i'm hoping to see if i can get evaluated soon, and get some medication and therapy, i can start being a functional person.

[@thisworldneedsjesus313]

I've just learned about your channel. I'm an adhd homeschooling mom with an adhd child. For years I have struggled with getting my child to do the things I need them to do. I understand the lack of motivation, the distraction, abs everything else that we both struggle with. I also now understand my parents frustration because they didn't know how to get me to do something, just like I don't know how to get my child to do something. This video was very helpful and a good reminder of how I was in school, how my child currently is in school. I'm going to try to change things up with some of the ideas you gave adhd see if we're not both more at peace and happier. Thank you!

[@6UY29]

I may not believe I have adhd, but this whole video was extremely relatable, to an alarming level, and I think these tips will help a lot

[@Kadotus]

Those missing planks have cost me so much money... :´(

[@HowtoADHD]

Omg same. I call it the ADHD tax

[@22angd]

Yes so true!

[@92RKID]

@@HowtoADHD Useful description! Kind of unfortunate that we have this kind of thing here in the US. Motivation bridge, that's exactly what I've got to work on filling for a couple of routine things that are not interesting and need to do anyway for various reasons.

[@irelyndhenry1176]

Alison Jordan what did you mean by that first sentence? I’m not trying to start an argument lol I’m maybe just uninformed? Are ADHD accommodations better in other countries or were you referring to taxes or...

[@a.z.fellco.1704]

And so much time. And frustration.

[@airblows5249]

i’m in one of the biggest slumps of my life right now and this video is making me tear up. i hope i can build my bridge

[@wesleyy5224]

so am I!! We got this bro

[@beatlesqueensabbatheclashc6301]

Same here, I'm feeling hopeless rn. I wish we'll overcome this.

[@scjmusic]

Remember how your emotions shift - you will be ok... and then you will be able to implement some of these ideas! I am 62 and still learning - but this is the best information I have ever received here on this channel!

[@Fubarahh]

Me too. I was just diagnosed - at 64! I've had executive dysfunction my whole life.

[@Emotionless0000]

Same I need to finish school at 22 to go on after... sometimes it's hard and I can't focus on my work.

[@emceeboogieboots1608]

You know what you are doing that's for sure. You had me almost through the entire video before I started to scroll the comments 😂 Being officially diagnosed some 5 or so years ago was something of a relief, but seeing videos like this and reading other people's comments really gives me some solace. It is hard to imagine sometimes that anyone knows what it is like when other people are are just getting things done and I am struggling But knowing is half the battle. I am sure many of us have found some of these techniques ourselves, however support like this channel, meds and other tips can really help. Thanks for helping people 🙏

[@Nomad_3040]

This Is the first video I've seen from you, and I already love it, because it not only shows me more ways to help myself do stuff, it also proves why certain things work. Thank you.

[@Z.A.M.1359]

Now I'm wondering how many times when I thought my lack of motivation was depression that it was actually ADHD. I also wouldn't be surprised if there are times the two causes have teamed up against me.

[@avril.227]

I haven’t yet met someone with ADHD who *doesn’t* have comorbidities: the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient.

[@nanakatz1492]

Same!!!!

[@nanalove3819]

same! I don't know if I have ADHD but I relate a lot to some symptoms. And now I'm just there, because I know I am depressed : do I like motivation because depression makes me think I'm not good enough, is it because my ADHD can't focus on the reward, is it because I am too anxious about it, or I am just a lazy person who finds herself excuses?

[@MrRedberd]

I don't think my self medication has helped either

[@mcacleanjackson9437]

If you are shot of AdderaII" for your ADHD then get more at darkfax.com No prescription is Required

[@Elusar316]

I love how Brain respawned at the savepoint after falling down the canyon.

[@mailesmith168]

elb that was very reassuring!!

[@prilem7408]

I just wanna say thank you for you channel 🥺 it's so helpful. I've been diagnosed with ADHD 10 years ago, I got prescribed some medication but no education on how my brain works and how to manage myself. I finally found what I was looking for and the little brain character is adorable 😊

[@mands_ca]

I got a huge boring time to fix a problem at my system at work, and then, yesterday, I spoke with another department about it and it reminded me of the importance of this work to be done, and how it would make my own job better and easier, and it was magic. I'm now extra motivation with finishing that as soon as possible. Now I have to learn how to do it because I want to. The tip is amazing

[@butterflypaint4332]

I can explain how relieved I was when I found out that this was caused by my adhd and not bc I didn’t care. For years I thought the reason I couldn’t just sit down and do my home work was bc I just lacked the proper motivation and i continued to think that when I got into high school and tried to start doing things that will make me more prepared for a good future only to fail at it every time. I’ve been diagnosed with adhd since kindergarten but until that year ended and I tried to sit down with all my might and just study for my SAT bit by bit every day I finally realized something wasn’t right. So I finally reasearched if adhd has an affect on us other than just our ability to focus and remain calm. I have such a low self esteem over this bc it’s easier to see when you’re not able to get something done bc you’re not able to focus and hear what the teachers saying. But it’s so much harder to realize it’s not your fault when it comes to motivation, bc it can often feel like we really don’t care. “And if you really DID a care you would have done it by now.”

[@iqi616]

It's actually the opposite - caring is a big part the problem. Unimportant stuff is often easy to do. Vacuum the carpet? No problem. I try to reduce the amount I care - just enough to make a hole in the wall, not so much that I can't be bothered.

[@tamecapless]

This speaks volumes to me. Recently, I’ve been noticing how my struggles have gotten worse in spite of how increasingly hard I have been trying. I‘ve contacted a GP in regard to what makes things so difficult for me, initially enquiring about a different diagnosis. When the doctor had a look at the list of what I’ve been experiencing, he said it could actually be ADHD, not what I’d thought. My initial inner reaction was “HA, impossible!” and it was very much based on a stereotypical and shallow understanding of ADHD, but the more I research, the more I seem to understand how I work... It’s safe to say that I am now pursuing getting tested and finding techniques that work for me in the process.

[@armorsmith43]

For me, the important things to building my bridge are: - Knowing the “why?” of the task. What is the impact? - Knowing how to picture a vision of “done”. - Believing I have a path to “done” - Knowing how to recognize signs of incremental success. - Actually seeing incremental successes along the way. - understanding the world better incrementally as I go along. As a programmer: Test-Driven Development is great!

[@taetems2536]

I can second the TDD! It's a godsend for me. :)

[@lilowhitney8614]

Learning to see incremental successes was one of the most useful way of thinking I've ever learned

[@JanelleRTD]

“Believing I have a path to done” Yessss, if the task feels dauntingly unrealistic I often will simply avoid the thing.

[@a.z.fellco.1704]

Andrew Farrell this is helpful. Thanks!

[@Any0therGirl]

I have a really hard time picturing the final task completed though. However, when I can, it's helpful.

[@amyhoover9]

With your channel as a valuable resource as well as pairing myself up with a coach that I found through Instagram, I'm feeling a lot more hopeful than I ever had in the past when it comes to becoming more motivated to reach the harder goals I have set for myself. In the past, I could never find the right words or vocabulary to describe exactly why motivation has been so hard for me... I always thought it was just a thing for me to deal with, and finding solutions has always felt very difficult for me. Thank you for this video! 😊❤❤

[@justindunlap1235]

These videos are great to come back to and rewatch when you feel the need for a little validation and guidance.

[@Snazjazz17]

1:21 the shaking eyes making it look like it’s about to cry is literally the most relatable thing

[@whatisahandle221]

“Shame free accountability is really helpful.” YES, yes, yes!!😄.

[@godivapresents143]

This it hard, for sure.

[@norpedholland5696]

I just found this channel. I’m already really thankful for this video.

[@DBLQ06]

What motivates me is YOUR INCREDIBLE WORK ON THIS CHANNEL!!!

[@Koolio2213]

The discovery of this channel had made me cry more than once, because of how much I relate. I always thought it was my fault, I was not motivated, I was not smart enought or good enough, I always put it on me. I've only watch a couple of your videos, because I only found you a week ago, but you have show me so much and I appreciate you putting your self out there and showing every one what its like to have ADHD. Your Ted talk was so amazing and I really just love you for showing me steps to reach my potential.

[@NyghtWolf]

Started watching this video & literally started crying.

[@caztastic9120]

Oh man, I had a similar experience. I can’t even remember which video it was but I found myself crying because finally things made sense.

[@patrickhennessy8040]

Oh this makes so much sense... I need to buy me some stickers... I like that idea

[@brendareed5050]

Bowen Homeniuk can you link to er Ted Talk? Thank you!

[@auctionrogers]

Wow more people crying ! Lmao thank god!

[@Moechella444]

Every single task where I could "turn it in whenever" has never gotten done. Currently in the middle of doing one of those now, and I'm GOING to get it done this time.

[@nekroneko]

Have you done it?

[@luminousstrawberries]

@@nekroneko yeah, update please! :) You can do it

[@chasedunn6259]

You got it done, right??

[@Moechella444]

Unfortunately I couldn't get it done and had to hand it off to someone else 😭 I'm really sad about it because I wanted to see it through to the end but just couldn't.

[@chuchu5923]

@@Moechella444 It's okay, feel you bro

[@ludwigetc]

The way you immediately start explaining with images and analogies makes me feel so seen 💗

[@tristannaylor5197]

theres so many people that make videos trying to help with adhd. but they are so boring, and just talk and talk and i zone out when im literally trying to find help for myself😂however...you guys do a tremendous job with your videos, keeping it short and sweet with animations and diagrams to help explain everything. you guys truly help and are the best source ive found on youtube for adhd help

[@ltjgambrose]

One of the simplest ways to make a task novel is to do something novel and the task at the same time. Podcasts and audiobooks are my secret for cleaning and other chores. Listening to new stories while doing the same old laundry means that it doesn't feel nearly as boring. Unfortunately things like TV and movies don't work as well (because you have to visually focus too) and it might not work with more complicated tasks (having someone talking in your headphones makes it nearly impossible to write an email) but it's a tool in your toolbelt, and one that has made my house a lot cleaner.

[@cathyinoz]

Oh, ditto! Rewarding myself with Audiobooks while cooking makes the task less boring. Only problem is when I find the ingredient i missed using b/c i was too engrossed in the story. 😖

[@ed_vilon668]

See, I love this idea. I really do. Sadly, I end up tuning out whatever is in the background and not enjoying it. The only time this worked was one I had a really dull day doing testing on a lot of thin clients. The test was literally plug it in and wait. If it booted up, good. Didn't boot up, bad. Was able to enjoy my audiobook through the whole day. Doing this while driving? I don't remember a damn thing in the book.

[@1129buttons]

I can't focus on someone talking in my ear, if i try I either won't hear them anymore or I'm literally just standing in place not doing whatever project I have. I have to have the person in my face in order to listen. Is that an ADHD thing? I was taking a business course online, was doing every video lessons:) Then lesson 5 came and it was just reading, no video. I read the same paragraph like 10x before I closed out, I've never finished since.

[@bharbarawyrstwaemasyn8741]

I always turn on KZbin whenever I'm vacuuming or doing the dishes. I always make sure to put earphones on to tune out MOST distractions. I won't always understand the videos at times since I'm horrible at multitasking, but it brings me so much relief and comfort.

[@bharbarawyrstwaemasyn8741]

@@1129buttons I have the same issue. If the person's to my side I'll lose track of what they're saying. Best to go to a doctor for a diagnosis. I suspect I have autism or adhd (maybe both) and I plan on applying for medicaid to see if I can enroll and get myself covered in my state.

[@scotmelville]

You finally had the motivation to do the motivation video! #successfulADHD

[@HowtoADHD]

We diiiiid! We had to fix motivation bridge to get it done 😂

[@ElizabethCTelle]

@@HowtoADHD was there something specific you did to fix motivation bridge on this video?

[@davidjassogranados3162]

I almost cried at the end of the video… seeing little brain getting to cross the bridge. Hard week this has been for me, world won’t ever stop reminding me I have adhd.

[@Fincaurum]

i have a university exam the day after tomorrow and I have been procrastinating the study since now. This of coursehappened before and had me struggle a lot trought my academic career. This video alone helped me a lot to exit the vortex of depression I was going trough rn, thanks a lot

[@olbdj9239]

These videos really help to put exactly what I'm struggling with into words. I literally just pulled an all nighter, telling myself that I won't sleep until I get this work that's weeks overdo done, and I STILL haven't gotten around to it, opting instead to tidy my room, sketch, play on instagram, and literally anything else. I want to get this task over more than anything, but the lengthy, repetative task has become so daunting that it created a gap in my motivational bridge that I've been struggling to get over for weeks.

[@AlexAminoff]

Story of my life. I would advise just doing 2 minutes of it. Just start but without any obligation to go longer than 2 minutes, but be mentally open to going longer if you feel like it. For adhd brains like you and me, starting is the hardest part. If those first two minutes peak your motivation or interest it’ll get done no problem, if not it’s ok just try again tomorrow. Don’t feel bad, trying to do a task when your adhd brain is uninterested is like torture.

[@cerealis_5432]

@@AlexAminoff what about something like an essay? Or college work in general?

[@AlexAminoff]

The Matrix I’m still struggling wit ADHD pal, I did well in college because most of it you can do with last minute work. But I flunked out my first year in law school.

[@elishahdavis]

story of my lifeeeee i said i would go to bed rly early tonight but i know imma stay up till 4am anyway.

[@noemita494]

I've also done the same and I've started doing the work like at 4 or 5am and I don't think I've always finished.

[@astranoel895]

Watching the little brain struggling to cross the bridge and looking sad and disappointed hit me SO HARD. I'm almost in tears myself, cause it's so relatable.

[@jul3003]

This video always makes me feel better, and help me realize I can do it. It is EXACTLY how I feel, and it’s so validating. Thank you. This is life changing

[@Catsandzindagi]

These videos are helping me tons to show up to college and face my fears. Thank you sooo much

[@azratosh]

Never pressed this quickly on a notification; I'm struggling to study for my exams and your timing is honestly a lifesaver. Thank you so much.

[@abbskebabs6288]

Same I got 2 months worth of coursework due in 1 week. I HAVENT STARTED IT 😩😩😩

[@sophiediangelo9680]

Same😊👍

[@millivanil4102]

Me too!! Tomorrow starts my exam week (haven’t read) and I have essays to write that are already late. But I’ll do them and have to accept it even if it’s not my best. Good luck to you all too!! :)

[@haha__hihi]

so did I and I did unfortunately fail it. How about you guyz ? What are the techniques you have implemeneted and how ? Majority of the comments say how this video helped them. Surely, there are things I missed.

[@omsnaga]

How did it go?