Anyone who knows anything about ADHD recognises the hit/buzz etc experienced when confronted with novelty.
We aren’t distracted all the time, sometimes we can focus to incredible levels when something interests us. It only takes a little side quest like researching a new car or looking into the best place to get solar panels from etc to light us up (ok, examples not universal).
In his book about brain chemicals, The Dose Effect, TJ Power writes about dopamine and how slower released dopamine is more sustainable and helpful (e.g. reading) whereas short bursts of dopamine wear off quickly and you crash to then return to equilibrium (take binge eating sweet foods).
The pursuit of novelty can feel like scratching an invisible itch, getting a sense of purpose for however long the buzz lasts. I’ve been there with starting up podcasts that both lasted for less than two years. When running them I was buzzing and with the snooker one my co-host and I even got to interview the 2010 World Champion Neil Robertson (what a guy by the way!)
I got into snooker as something I watched in the family home and played on primitive gaming machines and played a little as a teenager. COVID-19 rekindled my interest as I got into Playstation snooker and joined a league, interviewed players on a podcast I created and set up a website and community around it eventually running my own leagues.
Now I know that I have ADHD I can see how hyperfocus helps you to achieve so much. It does become obsession.
This is where I wonder about the thrill of the chase. Often the fun (dopamine) has come in the research and planning but when I’ve reached the goal I’ve then suddenly felt the need to find a new pursuit. Same with bands that I discover often decades since they launched then I read their back story and buy tickets to see them. Then within 12 months I barely listen to them.
Is it ok to hop around so much focusing on new shiny things?
I think it’s ok when it’s a harmless interest or hobby but it can be harmful when you ignore everyone and everything else in pursuit of your obsession. Or never feeling truly satisfied as there is always another side quest to embark on.
I recently got a new car, first time I’ve bought one and the research started about 6-7 months ago. I love the car and have it on a deal for four years before I have to decide whether to keep it or not. I normally bore of a car within about 6-12 months as it’s no longer new and exciting and I’m not longer enjoying the thrill of the chase.
Sad to say I’ve also been there with this boredom in new potential relationships in the past which have become fleeting acquaintances.
The thrill of the chase for someone with ADHD feels like a dog in a field of rabbits. They want to chase all the rabbits and if they catch one then game is over, so they abandon it and chase another one.
Always chasing can be exhausting for you and for those close to you who a) can’t keep up and b) wonder if you’ll ever just stop and be happy!
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