I see so many people in there jobs worrying about hyperfocusing, how to stop doing it, how to avoid it.

No matter how much we try to deal with it, if the goal is to stop doing it then we are only setting ourselves up to fail.

If you cannot hyperfocus then you will not be able to function.
It is as important as breathing. We function this way by default.

It is torture alone to have to try to "overcome" hyperfocusing.

The challenge is to be able to hyperofucs all the time. Dexidrene is helpful with this of course because it helps fill the gaps that would most likely result in boredom.

I must have hyperfocused today, because I spent 2 hours cleaning.

Good thing too, cause it needed it.

Normally, I just cant be bothered....and I cant seem to stop the collection of clutter that always happens.

But, I hate how...I hyperfocus, get everything organized and in its place....then about the next day, or two....everything slowly starts to get dis-organized...and I have to hyperfocus AGAIN, later just to get it all cleaned up.

Arrgh.

I find myself in this sort of situation. The problem is that my job requires me to multitask and work directly with other people.... at their rate, and this inhibits my hyperfocus, and thus mostly inhibiting my ability to get anything done. I don't think that it's that anyone doesn't want to hyperfocus, but that the workplace tends to discourage it or antagonize it, whether directly or indirectly. But then again, it depends on the particular workplace.

Be sure not to confuse hyperfocus with overfocus. Overfocus can be accomplished and charges a "fee" similar to the one hyperfocus charges...IMHO anyway.

Crazy :cool:

Please define hyperfocus.

:D I love to stay busy. I focus better when I am working the equivalent of 2 people.

When it's slow in the office I make mistake after mistakes...

It's torture!

Please define hyperfocus.Who me, Apple? Or the OP?

Crazy :cool:

Please define hyperfocus.
The simple definition is when you are really interested in something. For example if you were doing something like playing a video game or reading something and your mother came out of no where ( when your say 12 years old ) and tells you to take out the garbage or nag you. If you are hyperfocused then you will have more of a tendancey to scream at her other than saying "yes mother". Or at least you would want to scream back instead of obeying her. Cause it is a state of mind that is exclusive.

My problem is not that I'm bored (I think I am the rare ADDer who is hardly ever bored; I find life endlessly facinating), but that hyperfocus and my job do not mix. I love my job, but since I have a lot of autonomy and little supervision, I can hyperfocus without any inturuptions. I can sit online for hours and surf. Before I know it, the day is gone and I haven't done a thing for my job. The only reason I get away with it is because I'm really good at working fast when I need to, and my boss has no idea that I spent 20 minutes on a project instead of 3 hours. She would be upset with that, because she's the type who likes her people to ask for more work when they finish a project.

I like hyperfocusing, because I can really relax in that state. I wouldn't want to rid myself of the ability. But I do wish I had more control over when I do it. I'm always stressed my boss is going to figure out I'm not the great worker she thinks I am.

Be sure not to confuse hyperfocus with overfocus. Overfocus can be accomplished and charges a "fee" similar to the one hyperfocus charges...IMHO anyway.

Crazy :cool:

Overfocusing as you state would be one in the same with hyperfocusing.

To hyperfocus is to be ADD. We ourselves are ADD. Therefore we hyperfocus. Thas the way it is. This is basic fundamental information.

ADD folk are passionate about life, they savor extreme situations or anything of the like that cause you to feel alive as well.

Hyperfocusing comes into play when we are doing something we like. When we are happy, we hyperfocus. So the challenge is to stay happy. We know we could easily become depressed and side tracked with a load of distractions that could have the potential to interrupt any hyperfocusing state of mind that might soon occur in our lives. We know these distractions can cause feelings of low self esteem in some cases.

We know what we have to do to avoid this because we are more sensitive to that kind of stimitizaiton or low self esteem feelings than most. So this is why we like to escape so much from reality.

Knowing and accepting that ADD means I hyperfocus is different from being stressed over how it effects my life. I accept that it is part of who I am, and that I cannot change it. But that doesn't mean it doesn't stress me out, and it certainly doesn't mean I can't try to control it. To hyperfocus at my job is to be potentially fired. For me, that is also basic fundamental information.

One thing I don't accept about my ADD is that I am fixed one way: doomed to do poorly no matter how hard I try. Because of my ADD, I am more prone then the average person to being late, losing things, and not completing tasks. Does that mean I let myself be late to my job, lose my car keys every day, or never complete anything just because I have this condition? No. I might have to work 100% harder then the average person at these things, but I try not to let my ADD be an excuse. I have knowledge of who I am and why I do the things I do. That knowledge allows me to understand how to push myself, while at the same time releasing the labels I've lived with all my life (lazy, out-of-touch, flakey). I refuse to let ADD turn my life back to the shambles it was before my DX. ADD is part of who I am, I accept that. At the same time, there is more to me then ADD. To define myself only as being ADD--and give up working on the impeadments it brings to my life (like hyperfocusing at work)--is to rob myself of everything I am capable of being.

Overfocusing as you state would be one in the same with hyperfocusing.Alas, it would NOT be. It would be an artificially induced state of concentration due to sheer force of will. I induce a state of overfocus during such instances as when my dryer is broken and while I find the task of repairing it to be difficult and very time consuming, I stay glued to the task until it is finished and attempt to maintain an artificial focus upon that task. I would not have bothered to mention it if there had not been a difference.
Hyperfocus occurs when the ADDer is engaged in something interesting to them, please see HERE (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=322553&postcount=1) for more on hyperfocus.

Crazy :cool:

Knowing and accepting that ADD means I hyperfocus is different from being stressed over how it effects my life. I accept that it is part of who I am, and that I cannot change it. But that doesn't mean it doesn't stress me out, and it certainly doesn't mean I can't try to control it. To hyperfocus at my job is to be potentially fired. For me, that is also basic fundamental information.



One thing I don't accept about my ADD is that I am fixed one way: doomed to do poorly no matter how hard I try. Because of my ADD, I am more prone then the average person to being late, losing things, and not completing tasks. Does that mean I let myself be late to my job, lose my car keys every day, or never complete anything just because I have this condition? No. I might have to work 100% harder then the average person at these things, but I try not to let my ADD be an excuse. I have knowledge of who I am and why I do the things I do. That knowledge allows me to understand how to push myself, while at the same time releasing the labels I've lived with all my life (lazy, out-of-touch, flakey). I refuse to let ADD turn my life back to the shambles it was before my DX. ADD is part of who I am, I accept that. At the same time, there is more to me then ADD. To define myself only as being ADD--and give up working on the impeadments it brings to my life (like hyperfocusing at work)--is to rob myself of everything I am capable of being.
In reference to what I put in bold - I will now say Son you have taken the first step out of the matrix, it will take time but soon you will see the light :)
Okay so im being dramatic for fun there but - THAT IS FUNDAMENTAL INFORMATION!

- In reference to what you said about hyperfocusing at work and such:

You can call that kind of information fundamental, sure. Its basic information to me however. I say fundamental in terms of trying to emphasize that this is material that should be looked at by employers, the ADA and society as a stepping stone to learn by.

Because I know that this hyperfocus could get me fired to - i integrate it and stress is part of if it. I use the energy created by this stress to push the limits. I don't loose my temper because I stay hyperfocused. I just push the limits.

I believe that everyone here who is ADD wants to push the limits in situations as much as they can. Because we have to defy the regularities of society so much and try to cope with it and keep hyperfocused, it seems abnormal in itself to have to put up with that kind of difficulty. I get no real explanation for why it feels abnormal - so I defy by asking questions and testing the limits.

Alas, it would NOT be. It would be an artificially induced state of concentration due to sheer force of will. I induce a state of overfocus during such instances as when my dryer is broken and while I find the task of repairing it to be difficult and very time consuming, I stay glued to the task until it is finished and attempt to maintain an artificial focus upon that task. I would not have bothered to mention it if there had not been a difference.
Hyperfocus occurs when the ADDer is engaged in something interesting to them, please see HERE (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=322553&postcount=1) for more on hyperfocus.

Crazy




That is what dexidrene is for :) So you don't overfocus. Otherwise overfocusing is just a natural reaction for someone who is add who might react to freaking out about the dryer - as you said in your example.

My problem is not that I'm bored (I think I am the rare ADDer who is hardly ever bored; I find life endlessly facinating), but that hyperfocus and my job do not mix. I love my job, but since I have a lot of autonomy and little supervision, I can hyperfocus without any inturuptions. I can sit online for hours and surf. Before I know it, the day is gone and I haven't done a thing for my job. The only reason I get away with it is because I'm really good at working fast when I need to, and my boss has no idea that I spent 20 minutes on a project instead of 3 hours. She would be upset with that, because she's the type who likes her people to ask for more work when they finish a project.

I like hyperfocusing, because I can really relax in that state. I wouldn't want to rid myself of the ability. But I do wish I had more control over when I do it. I'm always stressed my boss is going to figure out I'm not the great worker she thinks I am.
I dont know if we can control when we do it all the time - but I have realizd after I was diagnosed "officially" having ADD that I had already spent so much time learning to make it through life with this state of mind, hyperfocusing and every other aspect of ADD that I knew even with what they were to tell me or learn about on how to deal with it is going to go in one ear and out the other. Because I have already spent years and years adjusting to life and doing what I know I have to do to feel comfortable.

I wans't going to just say "ok im officially a mental person now" and cry about not being able to be "normal" or function in the way I am expected to.

I have other plans believe me - thats another topic.

That is what dexidrene is for :) So you don't overfocus. Otherwise overfocusing is just a natural reaction for someone who is add who might react to freaking out about the dryer - as you said in your example.
Sigh...no, no no, I overfocus when I am on my methylphenidate. That's why I said it was an artificial state :) induced by force of will. I did not freak out at all while repairing the dryer, for example. I believe it may occur in medicated ADDers who are trapped in boring jobs requiring rote tasks and inane procedures ;).

"This MUST be done and it is up to me. I make a concious decision to apply myself to this task, although it does not come naturally to me to do so. I will pay a real-life price if I do not persist despite, my desire to not spend so much energy on this task all at once; I now choose to pay an ADD price and engage in overfocus."

I am not talking about Dr. Amen's overfocused type here, OK? Not trying to be confusing, but perhaps I am? If so, let me know, because is was another forum member who defined the difference for me, and I might have to ask his help in maing something I intuitively understand more clear.

Crazy :cool:

For example if you were doing something like playing a video game or reading something and your mother came out of no where ( when your say 12 years old ) and tells you to take out the garbage or nag you. If you are hyperfocused then you will have more of a tendancey to scream at her other than saying "yes mother". Or at least you would want to scream back instead of obeying her. Cause it is a state of mind that is exclusive.Hmmm, this behaviour also fits the definition of procrastination and perseveration.

That is just an example. Do not shape it negatively.

I'm sorry if you perceive my input as negative, movingshadow, but my training and experience gives me a different frame of reference. My personal experience / definition of hyperfocus fits the definition used by athletes when the speak of the "zone". It is a far more intense experience than not wanting to stop doing something or putting off doing something.

Zoning for ADD has been referenced as an ability. To however :)

I believe all people have the ability to hyperfocus or "zone"; some of us are just better at it. :cool:

Ultimately what I would like to make a point of is that for people to LIKE and STAY at there jobs they need to have to be able to hyperfocus in some way shape or form.

EVERYONE experiences hyperfocus issues at times. In ADD, it most often looks like (to a boss), working on one project almost exclusively, while others with priority, get ignored or done half-assed. (sorry for the vulgarity, but there it is!) The trick is to ID when you do it, and to move that work to a timeframe that is after 1 or 2:00 p.m. Take care of all the other work in the morning. Oh, and you need to eat right to take advantage of the natural brain cycles that happen when supported by food/vitamins.

ADD is at least partially caused by a gene that tells our brains NOT to produce an important neurotransmitter - called phenylalanine. GUESS WHAT - you can get this in any diet softdrink product that contains aspartame! Anytime you want to be able to sustain focus and attention on things that you don't hyperfocus on, or (believe it or not), when you WANT to hyperfocus on a specific activity while self-regulating your behavior, you need the vitamin B complex mix, and phenylalanine to do it. This stuff triggers natural dopamine and adrenaline cycles and levels - which is exactly what the meds do - but you CAN DO IT WITHOUT MEDS! The BEST source today in crunch situations is a DIET RED BULL or some other such Vitamin Drink, about 1/2 hour before you have to be on track and perform! Other good ingredients are inositol and taurine. Careful though, phenylalanine is a neurotoxin to people with PKI syndrome, AND if taken in overdose quantities, it isn't good stuff for you! One diet energy drink a day is a great thing! WATCH OUT FOR CAFFEINE if you have extreme hyperfocus or panic/anxiety issues with your ADD.

Try taking TWO multi-vitamins in the morning with a complex carb (whole grains, nuts, fruits & veggies) breakfast, add a protein element about an hour later. You'll be MUCH better through lunch (just food - protein & complex carbs). Then, a "power drink" at about 2:30. If you're going to be especially needing that self-regulation hat on, add a protein snack then too. Dinner is the same diet. Last but not least, structure your day so that difficult and boring tasks happen in the morning (after those food recommendations), and then more desireable things after 1 in the afternoon. This follows a cognitive brain and learning cycle that compliments the ADD behaviors and helps even out the issues.

By the way - this works with and without meds - you can use the food since the meds usually kill your apetite. You NEED the food cause the meds make you use up what you have faster, and we don't have enough of some vital things as it is.

good luck - send me a message if you have questions. I work with some of the world's leading researchers and experts on ADD. I'll be happy to reply to any questions!

Geez and what was the question????

I see so many people in there jobs worrying about hyperfocusing, how to stop doing it, how to avoid it.

No matter how much we try to deal with it, if the goal is to stop doing it then we are only setting ourselves up to fail.

If you cannot hyperfocus then you will not be able to function.
It is as important as breathing. We function this way by default.

It is torture alone to have to try to "overcome" hyperfocusing.

The challenge is to be able to hyperofucs all the time. Dexidrene is helpful with this of course because it helps fill the gaps that would most likely result in boredom.

08-23-06 04:46 PM geez no wonder I didn't remember it - I possibly never read it. Whew - I feel better I can go back to sleep moderating - cool



good luck - send me a message if you have questions. I work with some of the world's leading researchers and experts on ADD. I'll be happy to reply to any questions!

As long as it isn't sunstituted for seeking the adv. . . .. ohh poop let me just make this easier . . . .copied directly from ADDF Guidelines (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15844)



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~Underlining mine~

Okay all done