5 answers
Ahnna
Student
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Updated
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Whats holding me back?
For some reason, when I wanna do my homework something tells me not to. Also at school in certain classes I cant stop my ADHD.
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5 answers
Jeff Baril
Manage Business Application Software Development and Administration
7
Answers
Little Elm, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
This is my life. I’m in my 50s now and still struggle with ADHD. It’s incredibly frustrating sometimes. I’ve learned that I have to dig deep and find something interesting about the subject I'm working on. That became my goal whenever I couldn’t get around my lack of focus.
Back in school, I could have been a straight-A student, but ADHD wasn’t understood back then. I’d get so bored that I’d either zone out or even do the work beforehand and forget to turn it in. Now, with the internet, I can deep dive into any subject and find the weirdest, most obscure fact to keep myself engaged. It’s been a game-changer for me.
Even today, I work with new technology all the time, which helps keep things exciting. But, oof, listening to salespeople, customers, and analysts trying to explain all the details on conference calls can be a slog. If I’m not careful, the call will end, and I’ll realize I’ve been daydreaming—or deep into some random Wikipedia article—while they were talking!
One thing that helps me is having a stress ball. I use a NeeDoh Nice Cube—it’s firm and stretchy, so it keeps my hands busy and focus in check. I look odd, stretching it way out or even covering my head with it. (Don’t worry, I work remotely, so my camera stays off. Lol.) But, it works for me.
Back in school, I once brought my TI calculator to class. I’d sit in the back and take it apart piece by piece, then put it back together while listening to the lecture. I turned it into a game—how many times could I do it before the class ended? My teacher, a retired Army Colonel, was so annoyed at first. But once I aced every test and could answer any question he asked, he let it slide. I probably still drove him nuts, though!
Once you find your "thing," the focus will come. You'll just have to remember to lean into your tools. A stand-up desk with a wobble board works sometimes (I have that, too); other times, it's the stress balls. Keep trying different things until one clicks for you. It will change your life for the better.
Back in school, I could have been a straight-A student, but ADHD wasn’t understood back then. I’d get so bored that I’d either zone out or even do the work beforehand and forget to turn it in. Now, with the internet, I can deep dive into any subject and find the weirdest, most obscure fact to keep myself engaged. It’s been a game-changer for me.
Even today, I work with new technology all the time, which helps keep things exciting. But, oof, listening to salespeople, customers, and analysts trying to explain all the details on conference calls can be a slog. If I’m not careful, the call will end, and I’ll realize I’ve been daydreaming—or deep into some random Wikipedia article—while they were talking!
One thing that helps me is having a stress ball. I use a NeeDoh Nice Cube—it’s firm and stretchy, so it keeps my hands busy and focus in check. I look odd, stretching it way out or even covering my head with it. (Don’t worry, I work remotely, so my camera stays off. Lol.) But, it works for me.
Back in school, I once brought my TI calculator to class. I’d sit in the back and take it apart piece by piece, then put it back together while listening to the lecture. I turned it into a game—how many times could I do it before the class ended? My teacher, a retired Army Colonel, was so annoyed at first. But once I aced every test and could answer any question he asked, he let it slide. I probably still drove him nuts, though!
Once you find your "thing," the focus will come. You'll just have to remember to lean into your tools. A stand-up desk with a wobble board works sometimes (I have that, too); other times, it's the stress balls. Keep trying different things until one clicks for you. It will change your life for the better.
Flo L.
Strategist | Educator | Consultant | Intuitive Creator
15
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Flo’s Answer
That sounds challenging, Ahnna, especially when you want to do your homework.
I’m curious—what has your therapist recommended about managing your ADHD in certain classes?
What’s holding you back may be directly related to ADHD, though in some cases, it may not be.
When you feel held back from doing your homework, are you able to identify distractions in your environment? Could it be that something in your mind is telling you not to do your homework, as a way for your brain to cope, suggesting,..
"Maybe it’s better to do your homework in a different location or at a different time of day"?
If you're open to it, you could try asking that inner voice a follow-up question: "Why shouldn’t I do my homework?"
~This might give you some insight into what’s truly holding you back. May you find peace in the process.
I’m curious—what has your therapist recommended about managing your ADHD in certain classes?
What’s holding you back may be directly related to ADHD, though in some cases, it may not be.
When you feel held back from doing your homework, are you able to identify distractions in your environment? Could it be that something in your mind is telling you not to do your homework, as a way for your brain to cope, suggesting,..
"Maybe it’s better to do your homework in a different location or at a different time of day"?
If you're open to it, you could try asking that inner voice a follow-up question: "Why shouldn’t I do my homework?"
~This might give you some insight into what’s truly holding you back. May you find peace in the process.
mike pszeniczny
Senior Engineering Technician
14
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
mike’s Answer
When I was young, I had trouble with stuttering and thinking too quickly, which affected my homework/grades. My parents helped me to slow things down and relax, which eventually worked for me.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ahnna !
Thank you for presenting your concern here at Career Village ! People that do not know you can give you some ideas, but it's going to depend on if you have a formal diagnosis of ADHD or if you are just feeling confused about any changes you're going through right now with concentration and motivation to get things done.
At your age of 12, you are going through many physical changes that can affect the way you process the outside world. It may be that you are going through a daydreaming phase which we sometimes go through in adolescence and in other times, and that you have a lot of energy sometimes and sometimes low energy. So many factors can play into what your asking about. A very healthy highly dense nutritional diet, drinking plenty of water, exercise and spiritual development can improve your situation. Eliminating chemical, environmental and emotional stressors can help, too, for anyone actually. Anything that you ingest or breathe can affect you.
Something that would be a huge help would be to associate with supportive, upbeat, positive friends and family. You need to give to others and receive for yourself positive reinforcement, validation and encouragement. Just think about your homework as something that you must do for yourself and think of the consequences of not completing your assignments. Defy that thought that tells you not to do homework. See if there is a friend, tutor or family member who can coach you through it for a while until you feel ready to do it on your own. You definitely can do it !
If it is that you have been formally diagnosed with a developmental or cognitive disability, you can visit your school Mental Health Counselor or the school social worker for a one on one visit. Most importantly, do not underestimate yourself. We all develop at different rates during different segments of life.
Consider if the school you're attending is beneficial to you, or if you would benefit from a different type of school. There are Waldorf, Montessori, Home Schooling and other schools if you think your school is not meeting your needs or motivating you for a good learning experience. Talk with your parents about this first and see what they think.
I think that age 12 (mentioned in your other inquiry) and 13 are probably the more difficult ages to go through, but they can truly be lots of fun, too. Give yourself some time, know that you are unique, special and have good qualities that can inspire others. Self discovery at this age takes time and can naturally be confusing, so make sure to do some fun things, too.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you for presenting your concern here at Career Village ! People that do not know you can give you some ideas, but it's going to depend on if you have a formal diagnosis of ADHD or if you are just feeling confused about any changes you're going through right now with concentration and motivation to get things done.
At your age of 12, you are going through many physical changes that can affect the way you process the outside world. It may be that you are going through a daydreaming phase which we sometimes go through in adolescence and in other times, and that you have a lot of energy sometimes and sometimes low energy. So many factors can play into what your asking about. A very healthy highly dense nutritional diet, drinking plenty of water, exercise and spiritual development can improve your situation. Eliminating chemical, environmental and emotional stressors can help, too, for anyone actually. Anything that you ingest or breathe can affect you.
Something that would be a huge help would be to associate with supportive, upbeat, positive friends and family. You need to give to others and receive for yourself positive reinforcement, validation and encouragement. Just think about your homework as something that you must do for yourself and think of the consequences of not completing your assignments. Defy that thought that tells you not to do homework. See if there is a friend, tutor or family member who can coach you through it for a while until you feel ready to do it on your own. You definitely can do it !
If it is that you have been formally diagnosed with a developmental or cognitive disability, you can visit your school Mental Health Counselor or the school social worker for a one on one visit. Most importantly, do not underestimate yourself. We all develop at different rates during different segments of life.
Consider if the school you're attending is beneficial to you, or if you would benefit from a different type of school. There are Waldorf, Montessori, Home Schooling and other schools if you think your school is not meeting your needs or motivating you for a good learning experience. Talk with your parents about this first and see what they think.
I think that age 12 (mentioned in your other inquiry) and 13 are probably the more difficult ages to go through, but they can truly be lots of fun, too. Give yourself some time, know that you are unique, special and have good qualities that can inspire others. Self discovery at this age takes time and can naturally be confusing, so make sure to do some fun things, too.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Danusa López Rodrigues
Recruiter
22
Answers
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile
Updated
Danusa’s Answer
If you're asking "What's holding me back?" it might be helpful to reflect on a few key areas:
Fear of Failure: Are you hesitant to take risks because you're afraid of making mistakes or falling short?
Lack of Clarity: Do you have clear goals, or are you unsure about what you truly want?
Self-Doubt: Are negative thoughts or comparisons to others undermining your confidence?
Procrastination: Are distractions or poor time management preventing you from making progress?
Comfort Zone: Are you staying in familiar but unfulfilling situations instead of challenging yourself?
Identifying what's holding you back is the first step to overcoming it. Reflect honestly and take small, intentional steps to move forward.
Fear of Failure: Are you hesitant to take risks because you're afraid of making mistakes or falling short?
Lack of Clarity: Do you have clear goals, or are you unsure about what you truly want?
Self-Doubt: Are negative thoughts or comparisons to others undermining your confidence?
Procrastination: Are distractions or poor time management preventing you from making progress?
Comfort Zone: Are you staying in familiar but unfulfilling situations instead of challenging yourself?
Identifying what's holding you back is the first step to overcoming it. Reflect honestly and take small, intentional steps to move forward.