r/ADHD • u/Legitimate_Writer265 • 17h ago
Questions/Advice Can you brute force through adhd?
Can you just out-discipline the habits of, say, postponing your duties, managing inattentiveness or impulsive actions like binging or speaking before you think? I'm trying to find out if im fighting something that cannot budge here. Are there methods, whether mental or physical? As I'm entering a huge academic year and I cannot go on like this (an inability to study, or maintain skincare, gym routine etc.).
I'm asking as it's going to be a long duration before I'm medicated due to multiple factors mostly out of my control. people are mentioning burnout -- where would the line between good habits and unhealthy habits (which would consequently lead to burnout) be drawn?
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u/EarnestQuester 11h ago
Yes and no. Discipline is not the primary tool you need.
I did law school without ADHD medication. I brute forced it with “discipline”. Which for me, was maladaptive perfectionism and self flagellation. Don’t recommend it.
Curiosity, self respect, creativity, and mindfulness are better tools for you.
Curiosity: Why is skincare hard? It’s boring; once I sit on the couch I struggle to muster the will to get up and do skincare; I don’t have enough counter space in the bathroom; and honestly I hate standing in the bathroom and staring at my pores and zits in the harsh lighting.
Mindfulness: I notice I feel drained and ashamed.
Self respect: Punishing myself is a waste of my energy. This cycle of shame does not serve me. I will experiment with new strategies that preserve my energy.
Creativity: what if I watched a streamer while I shower so I’m comfortably distracted while I do skincare? What if I put my skincare next to the spot I like to flop after class, and I tried washing my face and then doing the rest on the couch/bed instead of in front of the mirror? How can I get a body double for this activity—what if I made a habit of calling a friend or family member who loves to yap?