If you’ve got ADHD like me, you might know what it’s like to be all-in on a new hobby one minute and then completely over it the next. It’s a pattern I’ve repeated so many times in life, and honestly, it can be frustrating.
When I find something new to try, I get completely obsessed with it. I throw myself into it, buying everything I need and spending hours learning everything about it, hyper focusing and immersing myself fully in it. Whether it’s candle making, web design, or the gym! I’m full of excitement at the start.
But after a while, that excitement fades. The novelty wears off, and suddenly it feels like hard work. Concentrating gets harder, little frustrations start to pile up, and before I know it, I’m giving up. And then? I’m off looking for the next thing to try.
It’s a cycle that can leave me feeling guilty. I think to myself, why couldn’t I just stick with it? Why am I like this? But over time, I’ve realised it’s part of how ADHD works. We often love the thrill of starting something new, but maintaining focus long-term is a whole other challenge.
The truth is, hobbies can be difficult because they take time, effort, and focus—things that don’t always come naturally when you’ve got ADHD. Medication helps me to a certain extent, but it doesn’t change how hard it can be to keep that spark alive when the novelty fades.
What I’m learning is to cut myself some slack. Instead of getting caught up in the guilt of giving up, I try to focus on the joy I felt while I was doing it. I also pick hobbies that I can come back to whenever I fancy, rather than ones that need constant commitment.
If you’ve experienced this, know you’re not alone. It’s okay to let a hobby go if it’s not bringing you joy anymore. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’re exploring, growing, and figuring out what works for you.
That’s all for now,
Dan
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