When you’re neurodivergent, it can be difficult to find your passions in life. You may feel like you’re all over the place, and you don’t know what you want to do with your life. It’s important to find your “why” – the reason why you want to do something.
When you know your “why,” it’s easier to stay focused and motivated. Here are a few tips on how to find your passions and your “why.”
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Why Neurodivergence Can Make it a Challenge to Find Your Passions in Life
It is no secret that people with ADHD or other neurodivergence often have a more difficult time finding their passions in life. It can be tough to focus on one thing long enough to develop real expertise or interest, and the constant need for novelty can make it difficult to stick with anything for very long.
However, it is important to remember that the very symptoms that make it a challenge to find your passion can also be the things that lead you to it. Seeking appropriate support to manage ADHD-related challenges can be crucial in this journey.
The key is to learn how to work with your neurodivergence rather than against it.
For example, rather than trying to fight your need for novelty, why not use it to your advantage?
Deliberately seek out new experiences and try new things. Not everything you try will be a hit, but you may be surprised by how many things you end up enjoying. And, even if you don’t find your true passion right away, you’ll likely end up developing some valuable skills along the way. It is also essential to find strategies to overcome challenges related to motivation, which can help in initiating and maintaining focus on tasks.
In addition, rather than letting your impulsivity get the best of you, try to channel it into something productive.
Rather than engaging in impulsive spending, for instance, put that money towards starting your own business or taking a class in something you’re interested in. And instead of letting yourself be pulled in a million different directions, focus on finding one or two things that really capture your interest and going after them with everything you’ve got.
Remember, there is no single “right” way to live with ADHD. But by learning to work with your symptoms rather than against them, you can increase the chances of finding something you’re truly passionate about and making the most out of your life.
Executive Function and Interest
Executive function refers to the set of cognitive processes that enable us to plan, organize, and execute tasks. In individuals with ADHD, executive function deficits can lead to difficulties with sustaining interest and motivation. When a person with ADHD starts a new hobby or task, they may experience an initial enthusiasm and dopamine rush, which can help them stay focused and engaged. However, as the task becomes more routine or challenging, they may lose interest and struggle to maintain motivation. This can be frustrating and lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
Additionally, executive function challenges can lead to decision paralysis when faced with numerous options, making it hard for individuals with ADHD to engage. Recognizing the role of executive function in interest and motivation can help individuals with ADHD develop strategies to overcome these challenges and stay engaged in activities they enjoy.
Passion vs. Purpose
Before we take a deeper dive into the best ways to find your passions when you’re neurodivergent, it’s important to talk about the difference between passion and purpose.
The two terms are often used interchangeably but they aren’t necessarily one and the same.
While it’s important to have a clear purpose in life, it’s just as important to be passionate about what you do. After all, if you’re not passionate about your work, it’s likely that you’ll eventually become bored or dissatisfied with your career.
And when that happens, it can be very difficult to find the motivation to continue pursuing your goals. On the other hand, if you’re passionate about what you do, you’re more likely to be willing to put in the extra effort required to achieve your goals.
You’ll also be more likely to stay interested and engaged in your work, even when things get tough. So while a sense of purpose is essential, don’t forget the importance of passion.
Together, they can help you achieve great things.
10 Ways to Find Your Passions and Your “Why” When You’re Neurodivergent
It can be tough to find your passion in life, especially when you’re neurodivergent. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to explore your interests and figure out what you’re passionate about. Engaging in volunteer work or mentoring can also provide fulfillment and connection, contributing to a sense of purpose for individuals with ADHD.
1. Take a Skills and Personality Assessment
It can be difficult to figure out what you’re passionate about. But there are some things you can do to help narrow down your options and find your “why.”
One place to start is by thinking about your skills and strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? These can be helpful clues in finding a possible passion. For individuals with adult ADHD, diagnosis and treatment can provide clarity and support in finding passions by addressing executive function impairments and offering coping strategies.
When coaching our clients, we often use the Washington Career Bridge Assessment as a starting point.
Another approach is to take a personality assessment. There are a variety of these available online, and they can give you some insight into what type of activities or career paths might be a good fit for you.
Once you have some ideas, it’s time to start exploring. Try out different things and see how they feel. It may take some trial and error, but eventually you should start to get a sense of what brings you joy and satisfaction. And that, ultimately, is what finding your passion is all about.
2. Write in a Journal
Keeping a journal is a great way to track your thoughts, emotions, and ideas over time. It can help you to see patterns and trends in your thinking, and it can also give you a place to explore your interests more deeply. Additionally, journaling can help you to connect with your “why” – the things that matter most to you. By taking the time to write about your experiences, you can start to gain clarity about what you value most in life. For individuals with ADHD, keeping a journal can also help track their thoughts, emotions, and experiences to clarify their interests.
Journaling can also help you identify new skills and interests that you might want to pursue, making it an excellent tool for personal growth and exploration.
3. Take Time to Unwind and Meditate
The constant buzzing of your brain can make it feel impossible to focus on anything, let alone figure out what you’re passionate about.
But it is possible—you just have to be patient and give yourself time to unwind and meditate. Once you quiet the noise in your head, it will be easier to identify your passions and figure out what motivates you. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be particularly helpful for individuals with ADHD, as it reduces mental noise and creates space for self-discovery.
One way to unwind and meditate is to practice yoga or mindfulness meditation. Both of these activities help to calm the mind and bring clarity. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available online or at your local library. Once you find a practice that works for you, stick with it and be patient. It takes time to quiet the mind, but it will be worth it when you finally find your passion.
4. Embrace Failure
Failure is a hard pill to swallow, no matter who you are. But for neurodivergent people, the fear of failure can be especially crippling. The good news is that failure is also one of the best teachers we have. By embracing failure and learning from our mistakes, we can find our passions and our “why” in life. Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can help individuals understand their challenges and embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
One way to embrace failure is to take risks. This might mean saying yes to new opportunities, even if they seem scary at first. It might also mean trying new things, even if you’re not sure you’ll be good at them. Taking risks can be scary, but it’s often through taking risks that we find our passions in life.
Another way to embrace failure is to learn from your mistakes. This means acknowledging when you’ve made a mistake and then doing your best to learn from it. It also means being forgiving with yourself – remember that everyone makes mistakes and that you’re human. By learning from your mistakes, you’ll become a better person and will be more likely to find your passions in life.
So don’t be afraid of failure – embrace it! By doing so, you just might find your passions and your “why” in life.
5. Set Specific Goals
What do you want to achieve in the short-term and long-term? Once you have a goal in mind, it will be easier to find something you’re passionate about. For example, if your goal is to get out of debt, you might be passionate about finding ways to save money or investing in a side hustle. Focusing on certain tasks can help you achieve these specific goals more effectively.
6. Make Time for Fun
Many people with neurodivergence find it hard to stick with one activity for very long. This can make it difficult to find a hobby or interest that you’re passionate about. However, it’s important to make time for activities that you enjoy, even if they don’t seem “productive.” Doing things that make you happy will help you to feel more motivated and engaged in other areas of your life. Individuals with ADHD often experience a tendency to lose interest in hobbies or projects quickly, so finding ways to re-engage with activities can be crucial.
Understanding ADHD as a disorder can help individuals recognize the importance of making time for enjoyable activities, as it significantly impacts their ability to engage with hobbies and maintain motivation.
One way to find activities that you enjoy is to experiment with different things. Trying new things will help you to find out what you like and don’t like. This can be anything from taking a cooking class to going on a hike. It’s also important to give yourself permission to change your mind. Just because you didn’t like something the first time doesn’t mean you won’t like it later on.
7. Find Social Support
Talk to people who share your interests. There are likely people in your life who share your same passions and interests. Talking to them can give you some great ideas about what you might want to do with your life.
Social support can also help you explore new interests and evolving passions. This can be a positive experience, encouraging you to embrace self-acceptance and balance as your interests change.
8. Come Up With a Plan or “Blueprint” For Success
One helpful strategy is to come up with a plan or “blueprint” for success. This means taking the time to figure out what your goals are and what steps you need to take to reach them. This can be especially helpful if you break your goals down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
9. Be Flexible
They try one thing and then another, and they never seem to find anything that sticks. And so they give up, thinking that maybe they don’t have a passion or a “why” after all. But the truth is, finding your passions and your “why” when you have ADHD can be tricky. It’s often not a linear process, and you might have to try a lot of different things before you find something that resonates. People with ADHD often display a pattern of hyper-fixation followed by a swift loss of interest, which can make this process even more challenging.
So it’s important to be flexible, open-minded, and patient as you explore different options. Flexibility can enhance a person’s ability to adapt to changing interests, making it easier to find what truly resonates. You never know where your journey will take you. And ultimately, that’s what finding your passions and your “why” is all about: the journey, not the destination. So don’t give up – keep exploring, and eventually you’ll find what you’re looking for.
10. Consider Career & Executive Function Coaching
They may feel lost and unfocused, unable to figure out what it is they want to do with their lives. If this sounds like you, there are two things you can do that may help you find your way.
First, consider career coaching. A career coach who understands your unique needs can help you explore different career options and find one that fits your skills and interests. They can also help you develop a plan to achieve your goals. Career coaching can be particularly beneficial in pursuing passions effectively, especially when managing challenges related to ADHD.
Second, consider executive function coaching. Executive function coaches can help you develop the skills you need to manage your time, stay organized, and set and achieve goals.
The Role of Self Compassion
Self-compassion is essential for individuals with ADHD, as it can help them develop a more positive and accepting relationship with themselves. When people with ADHD struggle with motivation or lose interest in a particular task, they may be tempted to self-criticize or feel like they have failed. However, self-compassion can help them recognize that these struggles are a normal part of their ADHD experience and that they are not alone. People with ADHD often experience emotional dysregulation, which can significantly affect their ability to stay motivated. By practicing self-compassion, individuals with ADHD can develop a more gentle and supportive attitude towards themselves, which can help them stay motivated and engaged in their interests. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-compassion is an essential component of mental health treatment, and it can be particularly helpful for individuals with ADHD.
Managing Shifting Interests and ADHD
Managing shifting interests is a common challenge for individuals with ADHD. As their interests and passions change, they may struggle to stay focused and motivated. However, with the right strategies and support, individuals with ADHD can learn to navigate these changes and pursue their passions. One helpful approach is to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, which can help individuals with ADHD stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, finding a support system, such as a therapist or support group, can provide individuals with ADHD with the encouragement and guidance they need to stay motivated and engaged. By recognizing the importance of social support and self-compassion, individuals with ADHD can develop the skills and strategies they need to achieve long-term success and pursue their passions with confidence.
Achieve Success with Neurodivergence
It is often said that the only way to find true success in life is to follow your passion. For neurodivergent people, their passion is not something that can be turned into a successful career.
This doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t achieve success in life. Your life purpose doesn’t have to be your job and it doesn’t have to be just one thing. There are many ways to find meaning and satisfaction in life, and your neurodivergence can actually be an asset in this pursuit.
With your creativity, energy, and ability to think outside the box, you have the potential to build a rich and fulfilling life that is uniquely yours. So don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve success. You can do anything you set your mind to. Just believe in yourself and go after your dreams.
Finding your passions and “why” can be a challenge for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for those who are neurodivergent. Interests can shift within a week, making it hard to maintain focus and motivation. There are some tips that can help you find what you’re passionate about and why you do the things you do.
It’s important to remember that everyone is different, so there is no one right answer for everyone.
Start by looking at your strengths and weaknesses and think about what brings you happiness.
If you’re still struggling to find your passions and “why,” reach out to us for help! We’ll guide you in the right direction.
TL:DR Summary
Finding your passions and “why” with ADHD can feel challenging, but these ADHD-friendly tips can help you navigate the process:
- Explore your strengths: Take personality or skills assessments to discover interests.
- Journal regularly: Track thoughts to uncover patterns in what excites you.
- Practice mindfulness: Meditation and relaxation can quiet the mental noise, helping you see clearly.
- Embrace failure: View setbacks as learning opportunities rather than defeats.
- Set clear goals: Knowing what you want can focus your energy and clarify your passions.
- Prioritize fun: Engage in enjoyable activities even if they seem “unproductive”—pleasure sparks motivation.
- Find support: Connect with people who share your interests to stay inspired.
- Create a success plan: Map out smaller steps toward bigger dreams.
- Stay flexible: Interests shift frequently, so stay open and adapt.
- Seek professional coaching: Career or executive function coaches can help you pinpoint your passions.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach—be patient, kind to yourself, and keep exploring.