ADHD Fixation: The Dark Side of Hyperfocus
A lot is made of ADHD’s super power of hyperfocus. I’ve written about it on several occasions over the years as well. I’ve even created a ToDo List technique to simulate it! Should we really label hyperfocus as a superpower, though? I have always been painfully aware of the downsides to hyperfocus . I’ll even avoid undertaking certain tasks because I know that I’ll slip into hyperfocus and loose track of time and the events around me. It’s not always a desirable state of mind to be in. Normally, adults with adhd might as well be hamsters on a wheel, furiously running, but not getting anywhere. Suddenly, hyperfocus grants us clarity of vision and purpose, opening the road in front of us into a straight line towards success. When your days are spent fighting against your own brain to get something done, hyperfocus is a big deal. So, what’s so bad about hyperfocus? Hyperfocus without limits is a form of tunnel vision. I like to say th...