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Why the ADHD Brain Chooses the Less Important Task — and How CBT Improves Prioritization Skills

Facing a to-do list top-heavy with critical, complex tasks, adults with ADHD often tackle the easier items — ones that keep them busy but not productive. Called “procrastivity,” this self-defeating ADHD time-management habit can be helped by cognitive behavioral therapy approaches that teach patients how to prioritize tasks.

8 Comments: Why the ADHD Brain Chooses the Less Important Task — and How CBT Improves Prioritization Skills

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  1. Shannalene’s comment resonates with me.

    The thought of having to learn a new technique and of consistently practicing it
    prompts a quite uncomfortable physical reaction… like tensing up. My response is, please don’t ask
    me to be consistent with one more thing. Causes fatigue…. but of course I’m 84 years old.
    Sylvia

  2. This is me, I am she! While I’m glad I now recognize my ADD behaviors and can often counter them, the impulses to do something easy, physical and predictable when I’m faced with tasks that are challenging, require focus, and are less defined can be insurmountable at times. I employ as many tactics as I know to stay on track–timeboxing, bargaining (“if you finish this task you can have/do something you want), microtasking, etc.–but the day-to-day struggle is real!

  3. This article a struck a chord with my challenges in dealing with critical tasks. The strategies mentioned here ,to deal with Procastivity are easy to implement.
    Thank you so much for righting such an insightful piece of information.

  4. I wonder if this was why I tried to be a professional actor before I even learned how to act, and fantasized about becoming a famous comedian to get away from my unbearable Father instead of looking for a job? Grasping the realities of acting and filling out job applications were harder!

  5. This article describes our 16 year old”s behavior exactly. We know they would benefit from cbt, yet very frustrated trying to find a really good therapist for our profoundly gifted, twice exceptional child. Can you please help us? We are in the mountains in CO so Skype sessions with a great therapist are preferred to ok sessions locally. Thanks!

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