Why Your Brain Resists Certain Tasks (And How to Hack It)
as a psychiatrist I often see people beating themselves up over procrastination but here’s what’s really happening in your brain tasks become aversive when they feel too big boring or complex and it’s not laziness it’s your brain’s natural response to overwhelm the solution pair these challenging tasks with rewarding activities think of it as cognitive behavioral therapy in action instead of forcing yourself through an unpleasant task create a positive Association by following it with something you enjoy your brain will learn to resist less over time
Understanding the science behind task avoidance can help you overcome it. Here’s a psychiatrist’s perspective on why some tasks feel impossible to start.
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#ADHD #ProductivityTips #MentalHealth
38 Comments
How about people with aphasia where its harder to understand things
I used to do the dishes while listening to informative podcasts, so I learned something new while doing the dishes. I unfortunately ran out of podcasts so it got decoupled.
I choose to break down the tasks into smaller chunks! That way I can accomplish a little at a time and switch to an easy task I know I can finish and then tackle the tasks I know will be hard in bite size pieces so I can keep my momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
As an overwhelmed person I agree!
Agree 💯 I do that
Thank you
Not me browsing YT to not do something and seeing this new video from you. Thanks, Dr. Tracey Marks!
Paperwork…hard to explain how much I loathe paperwork. I don't have a clerical bone in my body. I'm not sure there's a good enough reward.
The funny thing is, I stumbled upon this while scrolling at YT shorts because I'm procrastinating. 😅
What happens in people with anhedonia who get no reward or enjoyment from anything? Everything feels like an obligation and a chore.
If you're still resisting, do a rewarding thing while you do it instead of after, especially if you struggle to feel rewarded when it happens. This is common with neurodivergent brains like ADHDers. Have the yummy snack while you study, not after. Listen to music or shows while doing chores.
Thank you I needed this ❤
This is why people laugh at me for saying I need star stickers. I need star stickers- they keep me motivated. 🤷🏼♀️
Like eating 😂
Thank you! ❤
I reward myself with food. Probably not the best reward for getting my workout accomplished…
What else would motivate me? My overwhelm was justified at first but now almost every task seems daunting. Adult ADD, depression, anxiety is exhausting no matter how much I WANT to tackle things.
Listening to the downright weird ambient and avant garde music I collect from tiktok makes cleaning a lot easier
Love this ❤️ ❤❤
But I'm an adult that can do what I want so I still just procrastinate-Or avoid completely and choose the pleasurable thing instead of the important task
I avoid budgeting. I have a business degree, sat for CPA exam, can describe a budget in many interesting ways but I go brain dead when trying to create one and follow it.
I proceed work with something I like. It gets me out of bed!!
How can anyone afford to see a psychiatrist, let alone a licensed counselor? Most people can't.
¡Thank you! 💝✨🥺
That’s great advice.
Sometimes I find that doing two things at once, such as listening to an audiobook and then doing a task in the computer makes the computer task so much easier. I think it’s a distraction technique where I’m doing something I enjoy with something tedious.
Can you make a video on severe internet/phone addiction and why it causes procrastination from important things in life.
Like what? Anything enjoyable is bad for you so more guilt.
How can you read comics at the same time work on your laptop?
If only…..good advice for neurotypical people though. It’s a battle royale that is often lost without help when you’re neurodivergent. You actually need someone to co complete these tasks with you or for you or it just doesn’t work long term.
I enjoy your motivational and study.
I was clinically obese but I paired exercise with allowing myself to hear specific music that I wouldn’t allow myself to listen to any other time. After a few years of choosing this lifestyle I eventually acquired a normal metabolism… God helped me through the whole healing process and it was an answer to my prayers. I’d come across this technique in a book and it WORKS 100%
Or maybe, the human brain isn’t meant to function with so many tabs open and everyone is just overworked
Thank you for this. I've learned to break a big task down to smaller task. 😊
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
He'll no
Thank you so much
Thanks
Take baby steps each and every day😊
Dear Dr. Marks,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your exceptional expertise and the invaluable contributions you make to your field. Over the past four years, I have immersed myself in the material you share through your podcasts and publications, and I can confidently say that my understanding and knowledge have greatly benefited from your insights.
Currently, I find myself in Jordan, where I am thoroughly reviewing the card deck you recently published. I must say, these cards have proven to be an incredibly useful resource for me. As I engage with the content, I diligently read each card, type out the information, and strive to fully grasp the concepts presented. The clarity and depth of the material are truly impressive.
Your dedication to your work does not go unnoticed, and I want to commend you for the outstanding quality of your resources. They have made a significant impact on my learning journey. Thank you sincerely, Dr. Marks, for your unwavering efforts and commitment to educating others. May you continue to inspire, and may you be blessed in all your endeavors.
Hamzah Ramadan