ADHD @lemmy.world ppag @lemmy.ml 7 mo. ago

Once I achieve I lose motivation

So I've noticed a pattern in my life that I was hoping someone could empathize with.

I've been training for over a year for a physical test that I really want to pass. The other day I tried to do the exercises that I'll have to do in the test and I completed all of them successfully and now I feel that I've lost some of my motivation to get better. It's as if I was trying to prove that I could do it and I feel that I have, although I really haven't since I haven't taken the test. I've noticed this before. A couple years ago I tried really hard to get into a prestigious degree in a reputable university through my own merit. I managed to get in and soon after I lost interest and quit. Has anyone experienced something like this before?

Thank you for your time :)

Ps.: I'm not sure this is related to ADHD, I just figured it might be and the people here might be able to advise me.

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20 comments

Check out the book "Atomic Habits". Here you will learn that everyone struggles with motivation if you only do something to reach a goal.
The trick is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
- And how does that work when the brain doesn’t give the feel good chemicals?
  
  That’s fine and dandy for other people maybe.
  
  Then you need to associate the hard work with enjoyment. Each time you work on the thing, reward yourself afterwards.
  
  Ah yeah, tricking yourself into enjoying it… that doesn’t last long until your brain catches on.
  
  Also, treating yourself like a dog? Do people actually think that works?
  
  At least the dog gets the happy chemicals ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  
  You realize a treat still doesn’t release them, yeah?

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