In this episode of a podcast about ADHD, the hosts discuss the importance of embracing discomfort and not giving up too quickly on new strategies. They explore how discomfort can be an opportunity for growth and learning. They also delve into the role of emotions in ADHD and the challenges and benefits of time-blocking. Finally, they emphasize the importance of prioritizing personal desires and goals instead of conforming to societal expectations.
Discomfort in trying new strategies doesn't necessarily mean they aren't working, but rather indicates a necessary learning process.
Identifying and managing emotions and mindset are crucial in navigating discomfort and achieving success in new strategies.
Deep dives
Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
In this episode, Pete and Nikki discuss the idea of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. They emphasize the importance of understanding the difference between discomfort that comes from learning and discomfort that indicates something isn't working. They suggest that being selfish and customizing strategies to fit individual needs is crucial. They encourage giving new approaches time and recognizing that discomfort can fade as one adapts and learns. They caution against overthinking and putting too much pressure on oneself to meet specific expectations, like the use of acronyms or predefined systems.
Navigating Discomfort and Learning
Pete and Nikki highlight the role of emotion and mindset in navigating discomfort and learning. They emphasize the need to identify limiting beliefs and negative self-talk that may hinder progress. They argue that being aware of one's emotions and feelings towards a task or strategy is key to success. They discuss the importance of setting selfish goals that align with personal values and aspirations. They also stress the significance of practicing specificity when assessing discomfort, as it can reveal whether discomfort is a natural part of the learning process or a sign for necessary change.
The Power of Giving Things Time
The hosts discuss the power of giving things time and the importance of patience in the pursuit of change. They use the example of new shoes becoming more comfortable over time to illustrate the concept. They emphasize that success in trying new strategies or approaches should be measured based on personal growth and progress, rather than rigid expectations. They advocate for prioritizing what is most important and making intentional plans, recognizing that time constraints exist, and highlighting the need for a mindset focused on continuous learning and adaptation.
This week on Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, Pete and Nikki explore what it means to be uncomfortable and why that's not always a bad thing.
The inspiration for this topic came from Melissa reflecting on a step in the GPS process where members review past experiences with strategies and tools from the previous week. She wondered whether it was the tool/strategy that wasn't working or if it just felt uncomfortable because it was new. Melissa asked if we're giving up too quickly on new things by saying they don't work for us when maybe we haven't given them enough time.
So, what does it mean to be uncomfortable or outside your comfort zone? Dictionary definitions describe it as feeling unease, awkwardness, distress or lack of confidence. Many ADHDers regularly feel this way, and these are feelings we try to eliminate with new strategies. So why stick with a new system if it brings up the same negative emotions?
There’s a bit of a sidetrack around systems with acronyms that can distract from the real effort, all while increasing discomfort, which poses the question: is discomfort important?
The bottom line? Don't let initial discomfort lead you to quit on a new strategy too soon. Stick with it, and you might find great benefits once you move past the unease of the unfamiliar. Discomfort doesn't have to last forever.