Debunking the ADHD Motivation Myth

People with ADHD often get labeled as “lazy” and “unmotivated.”

Sometimes it’s a stigma we can put on ourselves.

But it’s not accurate and it reflects a misunderstanding of what’s really happening.

First, it’s important to clarify what motivation is

Motivation = Fuel in the Tank

Motivation is your motive. It’s the reason or purpose for doing something.

Motivation is like the fuel in the tank of your car.

The stronger the emotional connection to a task, the more fuel you have to get where you want to go or need to go.

When people with ADHD don’t feel connected to a motive — a reason to do a task, there’s very little we can do to “force” ourselves. It’s going to be a slog.

You can’t drive a car without gas in the tank.

Inaction is Often an Ignition Problem

But usually the problem is not the fuel. Often, there is at least some fuel in the tank.

You may not have enough fuel to get to where you’re going. In that case, you need to fill up the tank by strengthening the reason for doing the task.

The bigger frustration with ADHD is when there is fuel in the tank but you still can’t get started.

In that case, the problem is not the fuel; it’s a faulty ignition. The car won’t start.

It doesn’t matter how much gas you have in the tank; if the car won’t start you cant drive anywhere.

Telling someone who can’t start that “motivation comes from action” is like telling someone whose ignition is broken to “just drive.”

It won’t work.

Investigate Your Issue

If you’re not taking action, investigate your challenge.

If you’re lacking fuel in the tank, you need to strengthen your motivation. The stronger the emotional connection, the stronger the motivation.

But if you have a full tank of gas and the car won’t start, you need a jump start.

Getting clear on the problem is always the first step to finding a solution.