5 Mindset Shifts for the ADHDer
In my office, I have a giant poster that reads, “MINDSET IS EVERYTHING.” This phrase is accompanied by a picture of a goldfish swimming with a shark’s fin strapped onto its top fin. I have loved this poster from the moment I first saw it. To me, it is a reminder to always be mindful of the mindset I have going into tasks that need doing. Oftentimes, we go into activities with the wrong mindset. This can lead to struggles. We need to take the time to shift our mindset to a more useful one. Here are some examples of what I am talking about:
From “I Have to” to “I Get To”
If we go into an activity or task with a mindset of “Ugh, I have to do this thing,” we will not do our best and struggle through it. However, if we enter into it with the mindset of “I get to do this,” things will be lighter, and our efforts will be more effective.
From “Grind” to “Fun”
There is an expression, “rise and grind.” This means to get up and get at it. In other words, wake up and get to work. This is often used for people who want to get a workout in right away in the morning. Yet, how many of us, especially those of us with ADHD, do not want things to be a grind. If things are a grind, are we really putting our best foot forward? Are we putting in the effort necessary? If we go into the day thinking, “I’m going to have fun,” we will be more likely to attack the day and put forth our best effort. Instead of “rise and grind,” start your day with “rise and have fun.”
From a “Fixed Mindset” to a “Growth Mindset”
A fixed mindset sees skills and behavior as fixed and unchangeable. Whereas, a growth mindset sees skills and behaviors as malleable and changeable. If you go through life with a fixed mindset, you view life as unchangeable. Things are the way they always will be. However, by viewing life with a growth mindset, you are always learning and growing. In short, you see life in a mindset of improvement.
From “Rejection” to “Opportunity”
If you are rejected by someone or you perceive someone has rejected you, think of it as an opportunity for something better. In the case of a potential relationship, being rejected by someone you think is perfect for you opens the door for a relationship that is better than you imagined.
From “This Is Impossible” to “I Can Do This”
You can do hard things. Yes, you can. However, if you believe you cannot, you run the risk of running into a self-fulfilling prophecy. In short, believing that you can do something makes you that much more likely to do it.