I’ve been dragging around this invisible belief for years – I’m going to do something big. If you asked me what my goals were in life, I would say it’s to do something successful.
I’ve never defined what that something big is, but it’s always hanging over me.
I’m not alone. My fellow ADHD’ers also feel that there is something deep inside that pushes them to keep trying – they know amazing things are waiting!
Are we lying to ourselves? Or is this just another ADHD trait to approach with caution – like those rabbit holes we keep finding ourselves falling into? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
- Do ADHD Brains Crave Success?
- I’m Just Curious, Do You Hear That Voice, Too?
- Keep Going, Don’t Give Up!
Do ADHD Brains Crave Success?
Honestly, I can’t find any documentation or study that supports this idea. It was one comment in a Youtube video that triggered this article – I wondered if this was universally true among people with ADHD.
If ADHD brains crave success and achievement, it could be because of passion, novelty, and the excitement of the goal. I know that I definitely feel a strong drive to accomplish something meaningful, especially in creative pursuits and personal goals.
Is this a direct correlation with my low dopamine threshold? Dopamine is the brain chemical linked to motivation, pleasure, and accomplishment. Since ADHD brains tend to have lower baseline dopamine levels, they naturally seek exciting, high-reward experiences to boost motivation.
My theory is that those with ADHD frequently think about success and feel a strong drive to achieve something meaningful. Their natural creative nature, curiosity, and strong sense of imagination, leads us to dream big and envision ourselves accomplishing great things.
At least speaking for myself, I know it’s true. I tend to pursue unconventional paths on my way to dabbling in ambitious goals.
I’m Just Curious, Do You Hear That Voice, Too?
There is something inside of me that tells me to keep trying, to keep finding the thing I am supposed to be amazing at. It must be the famous inner voice or lack of it that the ADHD community talks about.
My inner voice is telling me “find your purpose, do something big.” You know what? I don’t think everyone has this same voice inside them. I think people with ADHD hear this voice more.
Let’s not overlook the elephant in the room: persons with ADHD struggle to achieve success.
Youtube gurus like Carin Magill say to “keep your dreams juicy and as energetic as they possibly can be that will give you the best chance for follow through and success” and “do what lights you up, what fuels your interest, what gets you up every morning.”
Ugh! That’s the problem – all of my dreams are juicy! ADHD brains often seek stimulation and purpose, which can make us more likely to chase big dreams or feel a deep need to make an impact.
Keep Going, Don’t Give Up!
Of course I’m going to keep going. I’ve seen my share of failures, but that inner voice is in the driver’s seat. Good news, though. I’m learning to work smarter and not harder. I’ve finally learned to stop listening to every shiny nugget of advice. What works for me only applies to my unique blend of ADHD, and only I can unlock that code.
It’s the same Caren Magill that helps discern the difference between whether we are pursuing the right thing or not. If you want to hear life-changing words of advice, watch her video “The Only 11 Minutes You Need to Watch.”
When someone with ADHD finds their true purpose, they often thrive. Their hyperfocus, enthusiasm, and resilience can help them achieve incredible things. Aligning passions with purpose is especially important for people with ADHD, as it helps them stay engaged and motivated.
Do you have a big dream you’re working toward? Are you exploring your own sense of purpose? I’d love to hear about it!
#inthistogether -Renee
