So Get Started Already!

I have been planning to keep a diary since listening to the book How to Discover Your Genius by Gelb. He chose his top ten (other than DaVinci who got a book all to himself). He noted that many of these historical geniuses kept a diary – so it must be a good thing to do. Gelb believes, after devoting his adult life to the study, that all of us have a genius inside – some of course keep theirs hidden more than others.

I have to admit that deep inside I must be a nerd. I love studying the science and history of the mind. In the April 2004 Scientific American, there is an article about the personality trait of only settling for the best. At first glance this seems like a good thing, but unfortunately, it can become a "tyranny of choices," and the need to be and have the best in every area of your life will stress you out – especially since the number of options grows exponentially.

I was relieved that I tested about mid-range overall, but the areas where I am the most demanding of myself are in sports competition, running and tennis, and most especially in what I do, psychiatry. When I took the test to be certified as a clinical psychopharmacologist (no pause after psycho), I had to be the first done and get a high grade – although they won’t tell us our score, they did hint that I did well. (in 1998 & again 2003). The other area where I put excess demands on myself is in writing. I make it such a daunting task I procrastinate, like Twain said, "I don’t have time to write a brief note."

But all of this is to say I’m trying to get started. The main question is – Why do people who are ADHD procrastinate? I was trying to explain it to my son when I realized that we ADDers are divergent thinkers, so each idea generates two more. So the more you write the more you have to go – so there is never closure. That’s why I like doing the laundry. There is a point when you are done – unfortunately it only lasts for hours – but at least for the moment, it’s closure.

– Dr. Jones