One of the core experiences of living with ADHD is navigating the weird (and very real) paradox of pride and guilt. Let’s talk about it because it’s something a lot of us feel, and maybe you’ll find this as relatable as I do.

The Cycle of Pride and Guilt

Picture this: You spend the entire day cleaning your house—like, meticulously cleaning. You organize, declutter, and scrub. At the end of the day, you look around and feel a huge wave of pride.

  • “Wow, look at what I accomplished! I did something really hard, and I’m so proud of myself.”

But then, almost immediately, there’s this little voice in the back of your head that goes:

  • “Wait…did I just spend all day cleaning when I have a million other things to do?”

Suddenly, guilt creeps in.

Sure, your house is sparkling, but what about the other things you’ve been procrastinating on? Did you send that important email? Finish your work project? Pay your bills?

Why Does This Happen?

This pride/guilt paradox is incredibly common for people with ADHD, and here are some contributing reasons:

  1. Hyperfocus: When something grabs your attention, you can become laser-focused on it, often at the expense of everything else.
  2. Difficulty Prioritizing: Tasks that feel urgent or rewarding can take over, even if they’re not the most important thing on your list.
  3. Emotional Sensitivity: ADHD brains feel emotions intensely. Pride feels really good, but guilt can hit just as hard.

How to Handle It

  1. Acknowledge the Win: Take a moment to truly celebrate your accomplishment. Cleaning your house (or completing any big project) is a win. Let yourself feel proud—you earned it!
  2. Reframe the Guilt: Instead of letting guilt take over, remind yourself that you’re human. ADHD brains don’t operate on a perfect timeline, and that’s okay.
    • Ask yourself: “What can I realistically tackle next?”
  3. Break It Down: If the guilt is about the things you didn’t get to, write a quick list and pick one small thing to do next. Even a tiny step forward can help balance that lingering guilt.
  4. Show Yourself Grace: You’re not “bad” at managing your time. Your brain just works differently. Celebrate what you did accomplish and remember that tomorrow is a new day.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Does this resonate with you? The pride/guilt paradox is such a shared experience in the ADHD community, but we don’t talk about it enough. If you find this relatable, drop a comment or share your own experience.

And hey, if you’re looking for more relatable ADHD content or personalized coaching, I’m here to help! Check out the link in my profile for one-on-one and group coaching info. Let’s navigate this ADHD journey together.


Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health.

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