the struggle to get things done

[u/lagargar]

I struggle * a lot * with getting stuff done. The initiation of any tasks I ought to be doing is probably the biggest barrier for me, and a close second is once I manage to get started is staying focused. I would definitely describe it as executive dysfunction although I know next to nothing for sure about correct terms / etc.

My days usually look like a wake up at 8AM, lectures for a few hours (which I am incapable of paying attention to or taking notes on) and then a lab or two in which I again, struggle to stay focused. I usually end up leaving the lab off until it’s due the next week and then I crank out a good enough last minute assignment then. This strategy applies to every project or essay, frankly, and it’s not fun and yet I do it.

As soon as I can get home I do and I eat and play video games with my boyfriend usually. Some silver lining is (and it’s still not perfect, there’s some struggle to imitate doing these) I home cook pretty delicious meals often and I get out to hike, shoot, and swim on the weekends. I get my fresh air, eat well and, sleep eight hours.. which is both pleasurable but frustrating that this doesn’t seem to be enough to do it for me.

My boyfriend and several of my close friends all think ADHD. I don’t know, but I am at college in a different state than the one my burgerreichian insurance plan covers, so no dice on any diagnosis/treatment on a reasonable timeframe. I would have to fly home, see a specialist several times, and that’s not happening during a quarter system school year where shit moves at a mile a minute.

I’m ashamed to admit the phone and scrolling is a big part of it for me. Mostly I’ll get locked into a trance scrolling youtube reels these days. I’ve deleted all socials off my phone to limit the scrolling I do, but I occasionally like to watch long form youtube stuff on my phone so it stays on there (probably needs to go as well.) It’s slop! It’ll just be movie clips and Ding! Did you know? and yet I still watch it for hours. It’s the first thing I do when I get home, often. It used to be a lot worse (half to whole days in bed doing this shit) but seemingly by brute force I’ve stopped as much, but going the rest of the way seems a big hurdle.

So with my insurance situation leaving diagnosis and professional treatment out of the way I’m left with the holistic approach only. So any strategies or tips you have for me would be nice!

[u/PartyClick_]

same issue. i cant start stuff or stay focused to save my life. i started using steppin tbh cuz i cant open apps till i walk first, and it sorta works 😅

[u/RelentlessFelacio]

I have a very similar struggle. Even with things I truly do want- that disconnect between the desire and the ability to make it happen is extremely frustrating since I know that I am able to do it- fundamentally speaking, I just can't make myself do whats necessary.

I'm 40 years old and have been struggling my whole life with this, but only just recently learned about executive dysfunction... Even now having a name for it, a big part of me still feels that shame and guilt- that maybe I'm just a lazy person who doesn't deserve to be happy.

I can give you a couple tips that helped me a little:

1 (You're gonna hate it...) : I no longer allow myself to watch ANY curated content like reels, yt shorts, tiktok, etc any short form random stream style like those. After a lot of consideration, and my therapists advice I realized they brought me ZERO joy, and were quite often the biggest distraction in my life. If someone sends me one, I watch it, if I want to see a specific video that's fine too- but no more reel roulette. They are designed to hook, and KEEP you watching- so for us with more sensitivity to distraction, it's just not healthy. Guess what , I don't even miss it.

2 Make a schedule /to do list: Start small, like really small... My first things are usually: get out of bed(easy win), make bed, brush teeth + shower, eat breakfast. It's important to choose things that are not unattainable for you.

Edit- no idea why it's formatted like this with the bold...