ADHD, the Paradox of Choice, and My Solution for It

Our always-connected world means learning new skills is a mere click away. However, this is a double-edged sword for me, thanks to adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

ADHD and the Paradox of Choice

I'm not that old, but I still remember the early-'90s thrill of watching the teacher load an encyclopedia CD into a computer for the very first time. The possibilities seemed endless. I don't need to explain how passé the idea of a CD seems compared to today's hyper-connected world. The point is that ready access to all the world's information is a relatively new phenomenon. This is mostly a good thing and occasionally a bad thing.

As the world around us shrinks, the possibilities grow -- as do the learning platforms. My ADHD means I want to watch all the seminars and research all the topics, and get good at absolutely everything. This isn't feasible. And this cruel duality of infinite possibilities matched with finite time can affect everyone, irrespective of whether they have ADHD or not.

Narrowing My Choices to Combat ADHD

Making peace with time constraints was difficult, but reality is reality. Instead of being sad, I decided I'd get good at an old hobby. With the exception of exercise and writing, which are core lifestyle components, I was going to get good at poker.

I've always loved poker. Ever since the initial boom in 2003, I've maintained some level of interest in the game -- sometimes strong, sometimes weak. And, at various pre-ADHD diagnosis stages of life, I've attempted to learn and play poker properly. Until recently, each attempt ended in failure. That's because I couldn't devote the time and energy to learning the strategies. My impulsive nature meant I'd play when I felt like it instead of committing to a routine.

Thanks to ADHD medication, I'm calmer. I'm more focused. I can sit for hours and play or study without drifting toward distractions. I've also been sober for four years, and so the possibility of a drunken blackout session, which was the norm in the past, is no longer a roadblock to progress.

I set myself the goal of moving up through four stakes in one calendar year. In truth, I'm just glad I can dedicate the time and effort to pursue goals in earnest without the frustrations of old keeping me back. Thanks to ADHD medication, I can now go all-in on my hobby.

Do you suffer from the ADHD paradox of choice? Let me know in the comments.