Weekly Wins 18: Hyperfocus in ADHD…

Hyperfocus stands out as a unique and powerful phenomenon in those with ADHD.

Let's look into it with 8 key facts:

What is Hyperfocus?

Hyperfocus is an intense state of concentration and absorption in a specific task or activity, often experienced by individuals with ADHD.

Time Distortion:
People may lose track of time due to their intense concentration on the task at hand – it’s an intense state of concentration and absorption where people can become deeply engrossed, losing track of time and surroundings.

Unpredictable:
Hyperfocus can be unexpected, bringing with it an exhilarating flow to the experience.  As it is unpredictable, it does not always occur at the most “appropriate” times.  Sorry!

Challenges:
Whilst it can be a strength, it can also present challenges such as difficulty shifting attention when necessary, e.g. you still need to eat, sleep, pick the kids up from school etc.

Productive:
Hyperfocus can significantly boost productivity, enabling individuals to accomplish tasks with exceptional focus and efficiency.  Think of it as catching fireflies of focus in a jar—moments where passion and attention align seamlessly. 

Harnessing Hyperfocus:
To ensure its use as a valuable tool, organisation, structure, and systems become key allies for harnessing the potential of hyperfocus.

It’s a strength!:
Hyperfocus is a strength of ADHD – like all strengths, it needs to be harnessed in such a way that the positives don’t outweigh the negatives – there’s only so many times they will not charge you a no show fee at the appointment you missed because you were “in the zone” hyper focusing.

Immersion:
Hyperfocus allows people to immerse themselves fully in their passions, leading to heightened creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. 

Understanding ourselves more deeply allows us to be able to go with the ebb and flow of our focus and attention.  Balancing all the plates in the air between when is the right time to hyperfocus, what is the right topic to hyperfocus on, and what else is on my schedule right now is a real balancing act, having the structure and systems in place to ensure all the plates keep spinning is super important.  Sometimes though, the focus just arrives and we have to roll with it, and it’s consequences!  Some of the greatest things in my life have been a result of going out of balance and being hyper focused!

What’s something you hyper focus on?

Much love,
Alison xx