Projects, Hobbies, and ADHD: Why You Never Finish Them

🚦 If you're familiar with the struggle of starting and abandoning projects and hobbies, you're not alone. But have you ever wondered WHY people with ADHD often find themselves overcommitted to multiple projects and hobbies, only to never finish them?
🔍 In this video, we'll explore three reasons why people with ADHD start so many new projects and hobbies, six things that might cause ADHDers to quit most of their passion projects, and five improvement areas we can focus on to get better at finishing what we started.
💬 We'll discuss ADHD symptoms, behaviors, and traits that can lead us to "project hop," including impulsivity, boredom, hyperfocus, perfectionism, and rejection sensitivity - among others.
🧠 Sydni from What in the ADHD? sheds light on the challenges faced by adults with ADHD in terms of task initiation, task switching, and task completion. She explains the science behind the allure of novelty and dopamine in ADHD brains and how they contribute to our perpetual quest for new ideas and passion projects.
🖤 And because What in the ADHD? is committed to ADHD advocacy and education, the video concludes with practical tips you can apply the next time you're considering picking up a new hobby or starting a new project. With the right methods and hacks, you'll be able to finish your next project without abandoning it.
🛠️ Whether you have ADHD or want to understand the experiences of those around you, this video provides valuable insights and actionable tips. Don't let the overwhelm of incomplete projects hold you back.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE!
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TOPIC REQUESTS: [e-mail]
Twitter: @WhatTheADHD
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#adhd #projects #hobbies #adhdeducation #mentalhealth

[@rootyful]

Work with your ADHD! It can help to not try to focus on one single project - that's just not how our brains work - but try to stick to two or three projects that you can switch between when the first one starts to get boring. Just make sure you actually return to the previous project instead of another one. Also, I do the shopping cart thing too. Less so for projects - since I rarely get into cost-intensive hobbies - but just for other things that my impulsive butt WANTS.

[@mrmarksmeets]

The 24 hour rule on the shopping cart is an awesome idea

[@ChrisM21222]

Just what I needed today, as i have several home improvement projects i am struggling to finish before christmas.

[@WhatintheADHD]

You've got this!!

[@andreicfm]

A round of 🎉 for your comeback. You were one of the first sources of info I came across before my diagnosis.

[@WhatintheADHD]

Thank you! Excited to be back! Also VERY happy for you on getting your diagnosis. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes!

[@tims9434]

I was diagnosed out of the blue. I never thought I had ADHD

[@hesherette]

yay welcome back!! this was so helpful + informative! ive learned to leave my online shopping carts for a few days as well, it saves me soooo much money!

[@Ninmyst]

Awesome video and SPOT ON with my experience! Thank you so much...

[@rodhumphrey445]

This was AWESOME!!! Thank you for the information and the video. So much of this hits home.

[@lydianici1696]

love it

[@mojolojo8605]

When I'm off my meds I have multiple projects and dreams that get placed on hold(all in different stages of completion). When my meds come in, I then hammer them out one by one. I hyper focus multiple things almost like a brains storming diagram. When my meds hit that fog goes away and I can focus on one task at a time

[@user-vc5vl6jf7v]

Thank you so much. I am trying to understand my son (36). I so wish I knew these things when he was a child. I now understand him so much more to the point I have changed my reaction to how I deal with outcomes. He is delving into learning about himself and being open with those around him, that matter. I am so proud of him. However during this journey I then discovered I feel I am also ADHD to a degree. Not quite the same as my son, however many similarities. In my case it has helped me throughout life as I was always like an energy battery. Never running out of energy and being very successful In my career. Since my retirement things have changed somewhat. I am now experiencing many things my son does. I understand him so much more and myself. Things around us seem so much easier now as I learn about this subject ( still dealing with the guilt of not understanding what he was going through as a child. I can't turn the clock back but I am switched on now) . My last words would be...... be open about it, tell those around you what is going on in your head and the difficult times you are having. You may be surprised how others relate and understand you more. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your input. The whole world is mad except me and thee and even thee are are a little bit mad. So thankful to you. Wish you all well from Australia.

[@adhderhere]

Glad you are back!!! 💪👏 I started working out, doing pilates, but as it was getting boring, I switched to calisthenics, as soon as I realized how it pushes you to challenge youself, and it always has a harder level to the skill you are trying to get better at.

[@rockstar6c]

Omg I just discovered your channel and I’m so grateful for it 😭❤️ I always thinking about my abandoned projects but never realised that that’s just my adhd and not my inability to finish sth, now I can work on that better thank you

[@TreasonsBeta]

Thanks for this! I haven't completed a full video project in almost a year so I might take a step back and try these. The shopping cart tip has been my go to for years now, but Cyber Monday and lighting deals on Amazon are my weak point on impulse buying!

[@WhatintheADHD]

Yes! It's so hard to pass up those lightning deals!! 😂

[@WhatintheADHD]

How's the video project coming along?

[@JnAPhotography]

Nicely done. Thank you.

[@Sassinz]

Wow what a great video!!! Can't imagine the number of hours and effort you put into completing this!!!! Loveeee the illustrations and how you elaborated on the points & sections, it's definitely how I would envision to do it too except for the part I lack the actual skills to put together a video like this so kudos to you!!! XDD

[@elliewoodhouse5149]

Great video! As in the content - from where I sit I can see 3 unfinished hobbies! But also love HOW your video is done. I can't sit and listen to a video for longer than 5mins (no matter the content, bordom...that dopamine you amazingly explain!....kicks in) but the visuals in your video real help. Thanks so much to making your channel!

[@jocelynswick-jemison1491]

Definitely needed this today. Thank you!

[@samanthab5388]

This is the best video ever! I'm sharing this with my husband and daughter. Maybe they will understand me better.

[@WhatintheADHD]

I appreciate your enthusiasm!!! Makes the hard work worth it. 🥰 (Let me know how the sharing goes!)

[@artisanarts2045]

Answered many questions about myself! Thank you!

[@Tairneanach]

Interesting and engaging video, and you have a really nice voice! My current project is quite nerdy in a way that I've been shamed for earlier in my life, so I'm not entirely comfortable sharing it online, but I will be rrying out those strategies.

[@jacquelineducarmo2875]

Wow, this video is so concisely made. I didn't even have problems paying attention throughout the entire time. Thank u so much for putting this out, I loved all the tips at the third part. 😊❤

[@WhatintheADHD]

This is the BEST compliment anyone could give me! I work really hard to make sure my content is ADHD-friendly ☺️

[@melissasue3328]

I feel so validated and also educated by your videos

[@WhatintheADHD]

This means a lot to me. Thanks for taking the time to write this!!

[@brendalg4]

I just made a comment on one of your other videos... About how I start projects and don't finish them. I had already watched this video but forgot about it. I like that you put the info in text on the screen so I could take a screenshot. It might be good to provide links in the description to certain things. For example, I didn't recognize some of the time management models. Now I need to look up what they are... So it would be good to have a recommended source. It seems my problem is not keeping proper track of what needs to be done, how to prioritize, and having to do too many things that can't be delegated or hired out. I know how to prioritize... But I don't have a process for when a new idea comes in to compare it to the old.. and stop myself from working on it until the old is done. I would be afraid I wouldn't remember what I wanted to do.

[@WhatintheADHD]

Hey Brenda, thanks for the feedback on how I can make things more accessible! I do have a free lexicon available. I just posted the link and more information about it on my community page. :) www.youtube.com/@WhatintheADHD/community

[@Divine_healing]

I love this video,thank you for making it

[@louiseanne830]

Great video thank you!!!

[@Arkivalry]

Currently in the struggle of having mutltipe projects 😅. Trying to prioritize animating though.. hopefully ill get atleast one done 😅

[@WhatintheADHD]

Sooooooooo, how's it going!!?? 👀

[@Arkivalry]

​@@WhatintheADHD😭😭i got distracted with something else and started writing an entire story instead of animatin🤣🤣🤣 😭😭😭😭

[@mariacastillo3090]

Loved your presentation. Thank you. Will you do a budgeting made easier or what your routines are. Thank you.

[@WhatintheADHD]

Can't do a budgeting video because I'm awful at it, but routines I can do!

[@Annalorraine67]

Thank u

[@user-dy5me8gi7j]

Can you do a video on how to do research papers while adhd? Lol

[@WhatintheADHD]

Hmm. I could maybe turn this into a broader topic that would still be helpful for you... 🤔

[@tims9434]

Which type of ADHD are you referring to in this video? Great to see you back. I watched your video about medication and thought I'd subscribe. I don't like this upload as its not relevant to me. I've never been a perfectionist. I prefer to do things at the last minute as I'm more successful that way. I think you've been misdiagnosed personally. I think you have a different disability. Hope that helps you as I'm unsubscribing. I've edited this to correct typos.

[@twister98]

Not everyone with ADHD are the same and people with ADHD may relate to some traits but not others. No one will have every trait to the same frequency and severity as everyone else with ADHD

[@LambdaO9]

Dude shut up, come on. UGH.

[@waruemi]

as someone officially diagnosed with inattentive-type adhd, this describes my behavior around projects down to the letter. maybe take a moment and realize that our symptoms present in different configurations and intensity based on environmental and biological factors. also this isn’t an airport - there’s no need to announce your departure. hope this helps.

[@TheRonnieaj]

Not everything needs to be relevant to you to be informative to you. My colleague and I both have inattentive ADHD and the manifestations of it are very different. There’s w describe me perfectly, but only half describe him. Different people manifest differently, and knowing and understanding that makes us better and more empathetic people.

[@brendalg4]

I would never tell a creator I didn't like her video because I didn't think it was relevant to me. Especially when that creator specifically said she didn't post for literally years because of perfectionism. Every ADHD video is going to talk about symptoms that you don't personally experience. That does not mean it isn't relevant to you, or that it isn't a good video. You said you aren't a perfectionist. Your comment sure makes you sound like one. It seems you believe the video should only talk about things that apply directly to you. Waiting until the last minute to do something is a symptom of ADHD. You said you do things at the last minute because you do better that way. Maybe you do better because you have ADHD. (or maybe it is a coincidence.) I don't know how you can tell from this video that she has been misdiagnosed. All the symptoms she talks about are ADHD symptoms.

[@rsfaeges5298]

Props to you Sydni, & thanks for your research and your processing and presentation of it. Worth a couple more views taking USABLE notes. SOOO much I recognized, so much that seemed plausible, & so much that seems worth a try -- iow, I'm enjoying a huge bolus of [dopamine Fizzies]. BTW, are you working on your guide/workbook/toolkit/how to? I'll be waiting!