The Truth Behind Why Trying Harder Doesn’t Work (When You Have ADHD)

Summary

In this episode sponsored by Sama, the discussion focuses on the common misconception that people with ADHD need to 'try harder' to succeed. The video debunks this notion, explaining that effort is often not the issue. Instead, it's the underlying executive function challenges and time management difficulties that hinder progress. The speaker advocates for sustainable productivity and support, like Sama's planning app, which helps manage tasks and prevent burnout. The video also addresses the unsustainability of constant high effort and suggests exploring alternative strategies before resorting to trying harder.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The common misconception that people with ADHD need to 'try harder' is often not helpful and can be discouraging.
• 💪 Many individuals with ADHD are already exerting significant effort, and telling them to try harder can be demotivating.
• 🚫 Simply trying harder does not address the underlying issues that contribute to ADHD-related struggles, such as executive function challenges and time management difficulties.
• 🛠️ Tools and strategies, like the Sama app, can be more effective in helping individuals with ADHD manage their time and tasks more effectively.
• 📈 The idea of trying harder is not sustainable in the long term and can lead to burnout and increased inconsistency in performance.
• 🔄 The pressure to constantly try harder can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and lead to emotional dysregulation.
• 🔄 It's important to consider whether the effort being put in is sustainable and flexible, especially given the varying energy levels experienced by those with ADHD.
• 📉 Pushing oneself too hard can set unrealistic expectations for future performance, leading to a cycle of increased pressure and potential failure.
• 🔑 Recognizing the effort already being made is crucial, and self-compassion can be a powerful tool for improvement.
• 📋 Before resorting to trying harder, explore other options such as using tools, seeking support, or finding ways to make tasks more engaging.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script regarding ADHD?

The script discusses the common misconception that people with ADHD need to 'try harder' to improve their performance, and why this approach is not effective or sustainable.

Why might telling someone with ADHD to 'try harder' be discouraging?

Telling someone with ADHD to 'try harder' can be discouraging because it fails to recognize the effort they are already putting in, and can lead to feelings of inadequacy if they are already exerting significant effort.

What is the first reason given in the script for why 'trying harder' is not the solution for ADHD?

The first reason is that effort is not the problem; people with ADHD are often already trying harder than their neurotypical peers.

How does 'trying harder' relate to the underlying issues faced by individuals with ADHD?

'Trying harder' does not address the underlying executive function challenges, time management difficulties, and impulsivity that contribute to the struggles faced by individuals with ADHD.

What is the role of Sama in helping individuals with ADHD, as mentioned in the script?

Sama is an app that helps individuals with ADHD plan their week more smoothly, manage tasks, prevent burnout, and improve productivity by providing a centralized hub for tasks and planning.

Why is 'trying harder' not sustainable for people with ADHD?

'Trying harder' is not sustainable because it can lead to exhaustion, making it difficult to maintain the same level of effort over time, and can exacerbate other ADHD symptoms.

What is the script's suggestion for a more effective approach than 'trying harder'?

The script suggests translating 'try harder' into actionable strategies, using tools, seeking support, and considering accommodations before considering putting in more effort.

How does the script describe the impact of consistently high effort on future performance?

The script describes that consistently high effort can lead to exhaustion, making it difficult to maintain the same level of performance in the future, and can lead to inconsistency in performance.

What is the script's stance on the idea of setting high bars for oneself when dealing with ADHD?

The script cautions against setting high bars for oneself because it can be difficult to clear those bars consistently, leading to increased pressure and potential exacerbation of ADHD symptoms.

What is the alternative to 'trying harder' that the script suggests for individuals with ADHD?

The script suggests trying different strategies, tools, and support systems before resorting to 'trying harder', focusing on sustainable and flexible productivity.

How does the script encourage individuals with ADHD to approach their goals?

The script encourages individuals with ADHD to approach their goals by recognizing the effort already being put in, seeking support, and considering sustainable and flexible strategies for improvement.