If you have been following my writing for a while, you know that I think quite a bit about values and their relationship to Adults with ADHD being able to reach their goals.
One of my recent goals, admittedly short term, was to ensure that my daughter enjoyed her birthday. But, rather than actively planning, I thought about it and thought about it…until the day finally arrived.
It was 5:00 am the day of her birthday, and I literally bounded out of my chair to go to the 24 hr store. In spite of the fact that I was inundated with work, I was able to pull off the morning celebration.
What finally prompted me to get into motion?
I reminded myself of the importance to me of my daughter’s birthday.
Later, I thought of how Issac Newton can help us understand how our values can serve as a force to get us in motion.
For you physicist out there, I hope that you will give me a little leeway in my interpretation.
First Law
The first law says that an object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion, unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force. Forever!
When you have ADHD there are all sorts of challenges to initiating, following through and completing your tasks. So, you may end up doing the “same old same old.” That is, inertia sets in and you stay at rest.
But relying on your values, what is important to you, can provide some of the force you need to change direction.
Wanting to make my daughter’s day special was the force that countered my inertia!
Are your values guiding your actions? How is that helping you counter some of your ADHD challenges?
Second Law
The second law says that the acceleration of an object produced by an applied force is directly related to the magnitude of the force, and inversely related to the mass of the object. The second law shows that if you exert the same force on two objects of different mass, you will get different accelerations (changes in motion).
Another challenge for many with ADHD is maintaining interest (acceleration) in a task.
When you are working on a task that has little value for you, it may seem like trying to push a boulder up a hill; the mass is great. Also, if you find little value in what you are doing the force you exert may not be that great; you just can’t get into it.
Accordingly, your ability to accelerate or progress may be slow. I bet you have had experience this before.
On the other hand, when you are doing something that you value, it feels lighter and the speed at which you can work is greater.
Makes sense!
How is your journey? Is it light or heavy, fast or slow? Are you following your values?
Third Law
The third law says that for every action (force) there is an equal and opposite reaction (force). Forces are found in pairs.
When you use your values to get into action, being in action will create a force (opposite reaction) to support you and help you continue.
Success begets success.
Once you use your values as your guide to get into action, being in action can provide additional motivation to continue.
Next Steps:
Clarify what is important to you. Use that information to help you get in motion and stay in motion.
Need Help?
Check out my book, ADD to Done: Beyond Stuck, Procrastination and Overwhelm, to get the extra support you need.