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Managing multiple interests, especially for those of us with ADHD can be a huge struggle. Not only do we want to do “all the things”, but we struggle with prioritization and knowing what to do first. So in today’s blog post, I’m going to walk you through why (I think) this happens, and what we can do about it.
Why You Have So Many Interests
First things first, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things you’re interested in, give yourself a pat on the back. Why? Because recognizing that you’re feeling overwhelmed is a significant first step towards finding a solution.
For those of us with ADHD, our brains are like sponges, soaking up every shiny new concept, hobby, or project that catches our eye. And while this constant curiosity is one of our superpowers, it can also lead us down a rabbit hole of frustration and dissatisfaction when we can’t possibly pursue every interest to the level we’d like.
As a result, we become obsessed with interest accumulation, but never give ourselves enough time or energy to go deeper into any of them. We simply skim the surface and then just keep searching for more.
But what exactly are we searching for, and why?
Getting Curious
So, what’s the next step? Get curious. And I mean really curious. Start questioning why you have so many interests. What patterns do you notice in your behavior? Are you a serial hobbyist, starting one thing, getting halfway through, and then jumping onto the next shiny thing that catches your eye? Or do you go all in, deep diving into a new interest only to lose interest just as quickly?
Understanding these patterns is key to getting a handle on your multiple interests. It’s like turning a mirror on yourself and really seeing what’s driving your behavior. Yes, it can be a bit uncomfortable, but trust me, it’s worth it.
Understanding Your Underlying Needs
Once you’ve gained some insights into your patterns, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Ask yourself: “What am I truly seeking through all these interests?” “What need am I trying to fulfill?”
These questions can lead you down a path of self-discovery and understanding. You might realize that you’re seeking validation, or trying to fix something within yourself. Or perhaps you’re chasing a sense of fulfillment or wholeness. Whatever it is, understanding your underlying needs can help you manage your interests more effectively.
Prioritizing and Focusing
Now that you’ve done some soul-searching, it’s time to get practical. Take all your current interests and start organizing them. Prioritize them based on how well they align with your underlying needs and how much joy they bring you.
Now comes the hard part. You need to whittle down your list to your top five interests. Yes, only five. I know it’s hard, but remember, this is about managing your interests, not suppressing them.
Designing Your Life around Your Interests
Now that you’ve identified your top interests, the next step is to design your life in a way that supports these interests and keeps distractions at bay. This might mean setting boundaries with friends and family, creating filters on your email, or being more mindful of where you direct your focus.
Remember, this is about building a fortress around your focus. It’s OK to have multiple interests, but it’s important to manage them in a way that aligns with your needs and priorities.
Good luck!
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