Am I Lazy or is it ADHD?!

Have you ever stared at a to-do list, knowing exactly what needs to get done, but still find yourself frozen in place, scrolling on your phone, or not doing anything but the task at hand? Then, when the deadline is suddenly breathing down your neck, you rush to finish it in a last-minute panic, leaving you exhausted and frustrated with yourself.  And then, the thought creeps in: Am I just lazy? Why did I procrastinate by doing nothing productive when I needed to get this done? It may be the same cycle over and over again, no matter how much you try to change your tactics. You might find yourself upset, wondering what is possibly wrong with me? This is more common than not! If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with something deeper and more complex than laziness, possibly ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Let us take a closer look below.

What is Laziness?

Lazy is a harsh word with a negative connotation. Most people would not like being labeled as “lazy.” Being lazy is often defined as a lack of willingness to put in effort or take action, even when you have the ability and opportunity to do so. It is oftentimes choosing not to do something despite knowing that it needs to be done. However, laziness is sometimes misunderstood by many people. What looks like laziness can actually be exhaustion, burnout, lack of motivation, or even an underlying condition like ADHD, depression, or anxiety. Please keep in mind that we mostly live in a culture where being “lazy” is seen as a weakness, and it is important to have downtime for yourself! It is okay not to be productive all the time. In fact, it is unattainable and unachievable, so cut yourself slack regardless of what is going on!  

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is often misunderstood as simply being “easily distracted” or “too hyper” or “lazy.”  In reality, ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and executive functioning. It is not just about getting sidetracked or being unproductive, it is about how the brain processes information, motivation, and tasks. ADHD is a condition that affects both children and adults, though symptoms may present differently depending on age. It is typically categorized into three types:

1. Inattentive Type – Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, trouble following instructions, and frequent daydreaming.
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Fidgeting, restlessness, excessive talking, and acting without thinking.
3. Combined Type – A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

For someone with ADHD, everyday tasks like completing assignments, managing time, or even remembering appointments can feel overwhelming. Some common struggles include: task paralysis, time management, impulsivity, and hyper or hypofocus. ADHD can impact school, work, relationships, and self-esteem, often leading to feelings of frustration and underachievement. Living with ADHD can feel like trying to tune a radio station with constant static. It can be really difficult, frustrating, and challenging! The good news is ADHD is not just about struggles; it also comes with strengths, and with the right strategies, you can set yourself up for success. ADHD is not a character flaw! Rather, it is a different way of thinking and processing the world. You might work differently than others, and that is okay! Instead of beating yourself up over struggles, celebrate your small wins and unique strengths because ADHD isn’t just about challenges. It is also about creativity, resilience, and innovation!

Coping Skills to Help

ADHD brains typically thrive on structure, but traditional schedules do not always fit. Instead of trying to force yourself into a rigid system, create a flexible routine that plays to your strengths!

1. Organization and Task Management- Use planners, calendars, or task management apps
2.  Reduce Distractions- Work in a clutter-free, low-distraction environment
3. Emotional Regulation and Self-Care– Practice self-compassion—ADHD is a brain difference, not a failure!
4. Managing Energy and Motivation- Start with the easiest part of a task to build momentum and reward yourself when the task is completed!
5. Get help!- Reaching for extra help is a strength! Consider counseling or testing at Mountain Vista Psychology, as we are here to support you along your journey every step of the way!

Start ADHD Testing in Littleton, CO, Englewood, CO, and Across the State

In summary, be kind to yourself, celebrate your different brain, and get help as needed! Life is not linear, and every day will present itself differently. You are doing a great job by just showing up! If you’ve been struggling with focus, motivation, or task paralysis, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team can provide the clarity and support you need to better understand how your brain works. Taking this step is an act of self-care and empowerment. Reach out to Mountain Vista Psychology by following these simple steps:

1. Schedule a free phone consultation
2. Meeting with a highly-trained therapist
3. Start reducing the symptoms affecting you most!

Other Services Offered with Mountian Vista Psychology

At Mountain Vista Psychology, we provide many services to help support people on their journey to mental and emotional well-being. So, in addition to supporting you on your healing journey and offering ADHD testing, we also provide counseling services for trauma recovery, child counseling, teen counseling, adult counseling, family counseling, & more. We also provide EMDR and EFT therapy services, Neurofeedback for ADHD, Neurofeedback for Autism, Neurofeedback for Concussion/ TBI, and Neurofeedback for Sports/Performance. Our team also provides testing for learning disabilities, neurofeedback therapy, and Autism. Be sure to check out our Blog and FAQs for more about us and our services!