On ADHD

I have, what many would say, an extremely unhealthy work-life balance.

A lot of it has to do with the fact that I think I enjoy my work a little too much.

However, for quite some time, I've also struggled with insomnia, driven by a hyperactive brain at night.

If there's a work problem that bothers me, it's nearly impossible for me to find sleep. This meant, fortunately, that I've always been doing quite well at work.

A while back, I've been diagnosed with ADHD. It was quite surprising, because to me I've never really struggled with having focus. In fact, a lot times, I'd say that I am extremely focused to the point that nothing else matters.

I have, since then, been told that this is exactly what ADHD is. I recently read this tweet that explains it much better than I can.

ADHD-ers usually have an interest-based nervous system. Meaning that a task needs either novelty, urgency, competition or interest for them to be motivated or focused. Learning this and adapting boring, everyday tasks to fit into one of these categories can be life-changing.

I always wonder how different my life could have been if I didn't enjoy my work as much as I did.

How lucky.

Written on Aug 26, 2023