Have you ever known exactly what you need to do, but somehow just can’t get yourself to start? You’re not alone. Task initiation is the ability to get started on something without putting it off or getting stuck. Everyone struggles with motivation at times, but getting started can be a huge challenge for some. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prime example of a condition which makes it a lot harder to ‘just do it.’
ADHD can make it hard to organize your thoughts, manage your time, figure out what to tackle first, and make the jump from “I need to do this” to actually doing it. You might put off a work project, stare at a pile of laundry, avoid a needed conversation, or sit there knowing you need to start your homework—but still feel completely stuck.
Struggling to start a task does NOT mean you’re lazy or don’t care. This challenge is often connected to differences in how the brain manages executive functioning skills. In other words, knowing what to do and being able to get started aren’t the same thing! Here are some effective strategies to improve task initiation and reduce the overwhelm that often accompanies it.
It may sound counter-intuitive, but motivation often follows action—not the other way around. Taking one small step can create the momentum needed to keep going. The Wake Kendall Group can assess for ADHD and other conditions that can affect task initiation or connect you with a therapist that can help you tailor task initiation strategies that work for you.