Let’s talk about one of the most overhyped “superpowers” in the ADHD world: hyperfocus.If you’ve got ADHD—or love someone who does—you’ve probably heard it framed like this magical ability to get superhuman amounts of work done in a short amount of time. And sometimes? That’s true. But let’s be honest: you don’t get to choose when or where the laser beam lands.
Hyperfocus isn’t a switch we can flick. It’s more like falling down a rabbit hole without meaning to—and hoping it leads somewhere useful. It often doesn’t. Sure, we might get the entire report written in three hours before the deadline. But we also might find ourselves five hours deep into reorganizing our spice drawer while the real task goes untouched.You can’t build a life—or a career—on maybe.
Here’s where it gets dangerous: we start relying on hyperfocus to rescue us.“I’ll do it later—I work best under pressure.”
“Don’t worry, I always pull it off in the end.”
Sound familiar?That’s not a productivity strategy. That’s a gamble. And over time, the cost adds up: missed deadlines, burnout, shame, and a creeping sense that we’re failing at life. Hyperfocus might feel powerful in the moment, but it’s not a sustainable system. It’s like trying to drive cross-country with a tank that randomly fills itself—sometimes.
Structure. Planning. Prioritisation. Time management.Not sexy. Not thrilling. But reliable.When you have ADHD, the real flex isn’t working in a panic-fueled frenzy at 2 a.m.—it’s figuring out how to start things when you need to. It’s using tools like timers, lists, and accountability. It’s building systems that keep your goals visible and your distractions in check.Hyperfocus can be a bonus when it kicks in. But it shouldn’t be the plan.
If you find yourself stuck in the loop of last-minute sprints followed by exhaustion, know this: you’re not broken. You’re just using a tool that wasn’t made for consistency.Let’s stop romanticizing chaos and start celebrating progress—especially the kind that comes from showing up for yourself before the deadline panic hits.You don’t need to burn out to get things done.