I'm Busy Being Awesome Episode 319: 5 Ways to Stay Motivated After A Dopamine Drop
Sep 8, 2025
Dive into the intriguing concept of dopamine drops and their impact on motivation, especially for those with ADHD. Learn five powerful strategies to stay engaged even when enthusiasm fades. Discover actionable tips to adapt your plans instead of giving up. This discussion uncovers how to recognize personal patterns and leverage them for sustained motivation.
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Dopamine Drop Is Part Of The Process
- The "dopamine drop" is the fading of initial excitement after setting a new plan or system.
- Paula reframes it as a normal step in the process, not a failure.
Client's Perfect Schedule And The Crash Fear
- A client shared making a perfect schedule that felt amazing but feared the usual crash afterward.
- Paula used this real example to normalize the pattern many ADHD people experience.
Novelty Fuels Motivation, Maintenance Doesn't
- The dopamine surge comes from novelty and pursuit, then fades during maintenance.
- Paula likens the drop to a recipe step: expected, not broken.