FIVE PILLARS OF MOTIVATION
Neurodiversity Education Academy
Bridging the gap for all neurotypes to thrive
PART 2 OF UNDERSTANDING INTEREST-BASED NERVOUS SYSTEM
Do you ever have trouble getting motivated?
Dr. William Dodson, a renowned psychiatrist and ADHD specialist, identifies five key pillars of motivation that are particularly effective for individuals with ADHD.
But what makes these pillars so crucial, and how can they be utilized to transform challenges into opportunities for growth?
INTERESTS: Fascinating studies suggest that those with ADHD can become veritable powerhouses of productivity when their activities align with their passions. Isn't it remarkable how the mind can sharpen its focus when captivated? The key is to discover what truly captivates and elicits joy. Picture a musician, lost in the beat of their musical instrument, or a writer fully immersed in the stories and plot twists. People can morph into unstoppable forces when they delve into pursuits that truly electrify them. Fostering these passions is pivotal in aiding people to plunge into activities that truly ignite joy. In doing so, individuals tend to be laser-focused, motivated, and attentive.
NOVELTY: Could it be that the right concoction of novelty and innovation is the antidote to maintaining focus and curbing impulsivity in those with ADHD? Research indicates that embracing the new and unfamiliar could be the key to extraordinary concentration. This could entail exploring new tools, materials, or approaches, or merely altering your surroundings. Ever thought of indulging in a novel hobby, venturing into an unexplored sport, rejuvenating your senses with a different panorama, or diverging from your usual path by opting for the picturesque route to work? Adding a sprinkle of fresh and funky vibes to your daily routine can be a secret weapon in keeping yourself engaged, pumped, and focused!
CHALLENGE: Setting ambitious yet achievable targets can revitalize individuals with ADHD, creating an exhilarating wave of motivation. Each achieved target induces a sense of accomplishment, acting as a catalyst for increased positivity and boosting one's morale. However, it's vital to maintain equilibrium to ward off any potential discouragement. By setting goals that are challenging but doable, individuals with ADHD can fuel their enthusiasm and ride the motivation wave while staying zoned in and excited. The thrill of goal achievement is a potent mood enhancer. But it's key to keep the challenge within grasp to avert any potential frustration. Consider embarking on a significant work project or striving to master a new skill.
URGENCY: Implementing a sense of urgency can revolutionize how those with ADHD approach their task list. It's a technique backed by evidence: setting explicit deadlines, using timers, and breaking down expansive tasks into digestible chunks can effectively counter procrastination. As you race against the clock or utilize the Pomodoro technique, you experience a surge of concentrated productivity. Inject some urgency into your to-do list and see how it can be a game-changer. Remember, "the key to success is action" (Dale Carnegie). It's all about setting deadlines, turning on those timers, and dividing those daunting tasks into bite-sized pieces for a focused burst of dopamine hits that get you motivated and gain momentum - it's the recipe for a concentrated productivity surge.
PASSION: Indulging in your passions can serve as a potent catalyst for motivation, particularly for individuals with ADHD. Whenpeople are immersed in what deeply inspires them, their strengths align with their interests, creating a synergistic effect. This alignment is a compass, guiding people towards exciting experiences and opportunities. It's not just a booster for happiness but also propels personal growth. Unearthing such interests can be a challenge, yet this can lead people towards expansive opportunities and adventures. Consider a music enthusiast strumming an instrument or a culinary aficionado whipping up a gastronomical feast - their passion is palpable and truly shines through. This is a gentle reminder to take the time and space to be knee-deep in what you love, and let your strengths steer you towards what truly lights your fire!
By leveraging these five pillars—interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, and passion—individuals can find ways to harness their unique cognitive processes, embrace their strengths and achieve their goals. As we navigate the complexities of our unique brains, let us remember that challenges can lead to positive transformations, fostering personal growth and resilience.
You can read the first part on Understanding Interest-Based Nervous System here https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understanding-interest-based-nervous-ndfwe/?trackingId=0PPz4paX7GeELOLIn5axqw%3D%3D
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2moThanks for sharing this article Neurodiversity Education Academy such great points! For me, I’m most motivated by a combination of passion and challenge. When tasks align with what I’m genuinely interested in and present a healthy challenge, I find myself fully engaged and able to push through. It’s not just about staying busy but working on things that both ignite my passion and stretch my abilities. I think the pillars—interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, and passion—are key to understanding how to harness motivation, especially for those of us with ADHD. Aligning tasks with what excites and challenges me has definitely made a difference in how I approach my day-to-day work. I'm curious—does anyone else find a particular mix of these pillars more effective for their own motivation?
Enseignante chez Institut René Cassin
3moIntéressant
BSc - 2nd year Psychology with Counselling student, interested in human behaviours and neuropsychology. PEER Leader.
3moI can relate to this in many ways and an now starting to notice when I hyperfocus on my interests and hobbies I can be stuck in a loop of progression but lack of where to push the new learnt skills. I am now starting to think of targets and trying to take enjoyment breaks when reaching accomplishments along the way. This is helping me direct newly learnt skills from over obsessing on passions and transferring them to areas in which can benefit myself and my family.
Community Alchemist, Speaker, Healing-centered engagement and HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) facilitator, Safer and Brave Space Designer, Author “What’s STRONG With You?”
3moThea May here it is
Operations Data Administrator @ Los Angeles Convention Center | Data Analysis, Asset Management
3moThe sixth pillar is accessibility. You can have an interest, a novelty, it can be a challenge, there can be urgency, and you can have a passion but if you don't have means to do the thing then you will lose motivation here as well.