I’ve realized that I kind of rely on my periods of hyperfocus to complete things (when I’m able to direct it toward the right task). If I go onto medication, will I still be able to hyperfocus? As destructive as hyperfocus can be when it’s pointed at the wrong thing, it’s like a superpower when it’s pointed at the right thing. Sometimes I appreciate the periodic flurry of activity and inspiration.
I’ve been taking atomoxetine 60mg for a few months for my Inattentive ADHD so YMMV
I can still rely on hyperfocus happening, it can happen during the day when the meds are working and in the evening when they’ve worn off. Though when the meds are working it’s a far more productive hyperfocus.
But I have to aim my morning otherwise it ain’t gonna happen. Hell if I don’t aim my morning on a normal day ain’t nothing getting done that day other than memes, YouTube, and other social media.
The night before I’ll tell myself multiple times what I need to do in the morning.
I’ll leave myself a sticky note on my meds (I’ll try at least, I’m not perfect).
In the morning I will take my meds immediately.
I won’t open social media of any kind (most important and hardest (yes YouTube counts)).
I will start my playlist on my phone (it’s always queued, I just hit play)
I’ll start making breakfast.
I’ll talk to myself about the task I need to focus on for most of my morning eating (chanting to myself like a madman is most common).
And once I’m done with breakfast and brushing my teeth, I’ll sit down to start.
And usually by that point my meds are starting to do their thing and then I’m in go mode.
A day off is best because usually that means the only thing I have to worry about is the day ending.
If you have anymore questions for me feel free to ask.
oof. youtube counts too? That stings. that’s a huge to do list, so I’ll probably start a lot smaller but I really like how you’re basically leaving your future self a trail of breadcrumbs to follow from one task to another.
Oh yeah it definitely counts. It’s so easy to fall down a YouTube rabbit hole especially when the meds kick in mid video.
The breadcrumbs are necessary for me because much like data integrity, if it’s in one place it’s in zero.
And the designated distraction (my playlist) helps too because if I’m listening to music I really can’t get distracted very easy otherwise I’ll interrupt a song and I really don’t need an ear worm for my day.
In my experience it is still possible, and you can even get a bit more control as to what you hyperfocus on.
that’s awesome. if that’s true I’m sold. I spend a lot of cpu cycles trying to figure out ways to flip that switch on.
If it’s that easy to make go away, it wouldn’t be a problem, would it?
Don’t worry, your superpowers aren’t going anywhere. If anything, the newfound control will make it more awesome
Fpr me, I feel like there’s an increase in the times that you can hyperfocus while on meds and it’s about 80/20 that I can steer it in the right direction an dbe productive. I’m completely aware when it’s off the rails focus and I just try my best to make it positive. So doing data analytics I can hunker down and do 3 days of work in one day but if it’s level 11 social butterfly I make those my manager touch point days. It’s annoying that there’s no way to get back on the rails when it’s one of those types of days but it is what it is.
Yes. Imagine more productive hyperfocus. I have been in love with the idea of becoming a computer programmer since I was a kid. I dabbled for basically 35 years until I was recently diagnosed with ADHD. Got put on Vyvanse and ever since I’ve been actually building very specific utilities for personal use from the ground up. Feels good man.
