ADHD eat that frog… sounds counterintuitive, right? You're already dealing with attention deficits, hyperactivity, and maybe some impulsivity – so tackling the hardest task first thing in the morning feels overwhelming. This technique – straight from the pages of Brian Tracy's book Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time – might make sense for a neurotypical person, but can it truly work for the ADHD brain?
Many of us thrive when fueled by interest, not by a to-do list sorted by difficulty. But, there's a surprising upside to this technique – for us ADHDers, a completed task is more than just a checkbox label. It's a mini dopamine party in our brains.
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Does ADHD Eat That Frog Really Work?
Consider this: our brains are wired differently, right? One of the biggest differences lies in the way we process dopamine – a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.
Now, for those of us with ADHD, getting those dopamine hits is a bit trickier. Our baseline levels are often lower, leading to that insatiable urge to seek stimulation and excitement. This can mean we're constantly hopping from one thing to another, chasing that feel-good neurochemical surge. It's one reason why those mundane tasks? They just don’t cut it.
Our brains crave that dopamine jolt. Instead of forcing ourselves into a mold that doesn't fit, it's about recognizing the power of momentum. By incorporating those momentum-building tasks alongside the more daunting "frogs," a curious phenomenon tends to occur.
Think About This Scenario…
Imagine starting your day checking emails, scrolling through social media, and picking at less-demanding tasks that don't require much focus. Sure, it might seem like you’re being somewhat productive, but the problem is this approach doesn’t really move the needle forward.
Even worse, it leaves us feeling drained and less equipped to deal with the big, looming tasks later in the day. For many of us with ADHD, it's all about the momentum. Instead of diving straight into that dreaded "frog task," you can build momentum throughout the day.
Start with tasks you generally find easier to tackle — things that genuinely hold your attention and play to your strengths. Once you’ve built up a sense of accomplishment and maybe, just maybe, tapped into a bit of that coveted hyperfocus, that’s when you strike. This is how ADHD eat that frog can actually work for you.
Building Momentum Leads to the “Eat That Frog” Mentality
This strategy leverages your natural energy levels to get things done – a subtle but crucial difference when Adult ADHD is part of your life. See, for a lot of folks, “Eat That Frog” revolves around conquering the hardest thing first.
But when it comes to ADHD, eat that frog means tapping into our strengths. ADHD eat that frog isn't about forcing ourselves into a mold that doesn't fit. Instead, it's about recognizing the power of momentum.
I’m talking about the "ripple effect.” It goes a little something like this… as you conquer those manageable tasks, checking items off your list, your brain gets flooded with little bursts of dopamine. You start to feel good about your progress. That feeling can snowball, giving you the extra boost you need to tackle those larger-than-life frogs that have been staring you down from your to-do list. Suddenly, the "eat that frog" approach becomes more manageable, even for our easily distracted brains.
FAQs About ADHD Eat That Frog
What Does "Eat That Frog" Even Mean?
In the context of productivity, "Eat That Frog" means tackling your most challenging task first thing in the morning. The idea stems from a quote, often attributed to Mark Twain: "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day." Gross analogy – I know.
I Heard Mark Twain Didn't Say That.
You're right, he probably didn't. While the frog-eating wisdom is frequently credited to Twain, it likely originated with someone else. Still, the core message of tackling tough tasks head-on resonates.
ADHD Eat That Frog… Sounds Impossible. I Struggle With Consistency.
You are not alone. As ADHD adults, we often battle inconsistency, energy crashes, and ever-changing motivation. So while "eat that frog" holds value, we often need to tweak it.
For instance, someone with ADHD might find more success by turning off devices at a consistent time to regulate sleep schedules – perhaps utilizing a kitchen timer. Others might benefit more from adjusting the "when" – doing that "frog" task during peak energy times versus forcing it when their brains are simply not cooperating.
Conclusion
ADHD eat that frog? Sure. But not necessarily in the way you may initially think. It is not a one-size-fits-all solution – nor should it be. Remember, this technique really boils down to figuring out how your ADHD brain functions at its best. Maybe “eat that frog" at 10:00 am – not 8:00 am works better? Maybe you need a full-blown “ADHD Dopamine Menu” to choose from, sprinkled with small victories that build the momentum to tackle that metaphorical amphibian later in the day? Whatever strategy speaks to you, keep this in mind – understanding our unique relationship with dopamine can truly transform how we approach work, manage time, and achieve those oh-so-satisfying victories.
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Hi I'm Jeremy, and I understand the challenges of living with ASD and ADHD.
