Lecture Notes: Managing Divergent Interests and ADHD

Introduction

• Presenter: Caren Mill, ADHD coaching creator
• Topic: Managing too many interests with little follow-through, especially for adult ADHDers and multipotentialites
• Goals: Understand why this happens, and learn strategies to control and direct energy towards better outcomes

Key Concepts

Divergent Thinking vs. Linear Thinking

• Divergent Thinkers: Minds go in multiple directions simultaneously (common in ADHD)
• Linear Thinkers: Sequential, step-by-step thinking (common in neurotypical brains)
• Challenge for Divergent Thinkers: Struggle to complete tasks, leading to feelings of not reaching potential

ADHD Brain Characteristics

• Interest-Driven: Motivation is highly dependent on interest and dopamine levels
• Limiting Beliefs: Beliefs like "I never finish anything" can hinder progress
• Impact: Results in constant starting and stopping, leading to frustration and wasted resources

Core Issues

Belief of Not Being "Good Enough"

• Early Life Scorecards: From ages 0-5, societal expectations start to define worth
• Unchosen Scorecards: People often measure themselves by standards they didn't choose
• Result: Feeling broken or not enough, leading to constant striving for improvement

Solutions and Strategies

Embracing Authenticity

• Recognize: Accept that the feeling of not measuring up is common to all, not just ADHDers
• Awareness: Understand your interests and alignment with your true self versus societal obligations
• Exercise:
  1. Identify an area where you feel you are not measuring up
  2. List things you’ve done in striving for improvement
  3. Check which actions were driven by societal expectations
  4. Circle actions aligned with personal desire and interest
• Analysis: Compare circled vs. checked items; focus on aligning actions with true self

Practical Examples

• Obligations with Choice: Even in legally or morally obligatory tasks, there are elements of choice (e.g., career, living situation)
• Decision-Making: Apply discernment to choose paths that feel natural and authentic
• Outcome: Greater motivation and follow-through when actions align with true interests

Final Thoughts

• Importance of Alignment: The better aligned actions are with authentic self, the less overwhelming life will feel
• Long-Term Benefits: Improved peace, reduced chaos, and enjoyment of life’s journey
• Acceptance: Embrace your complete self, manage chaos by authentic choices

Conclusion

• Aim to transition from striving due to external pressures to enjoying life’s journey authentically
• Recognize there is no ultimate destination other than death, so focus on enjoying the journey
• Final Takeaway: Consistently align your life choices with your true self for better outcomes and fulfillment