Of course, ADHD is about distraction. ADHD distraction is one of the major symptoms of this brain type. Like any other symptom, distraction varies across the spectrum. It shows up in different ways, depending on the situation, person, and stressors.
Distractibility has two elements: being distracted by something or from something. They often work in tandem but aren’t the same.
Distracted By
When we are distracted by something, our attention is being redirected away from the task at hand. We shift our focus from what we were doing because something else seems so much more important. Internal disruptions or something in the environment can cause this type of distraction.
For example, you’re at work, tolling away on a spreadsheet when emails or other messages start arriving. Then those messages catch your eye, making you feel you need to respond immediately. Or maybe they jog your memory that you forgot to do some task earlier.
Suddenly, that spreadsheet seems a million miles away. You feel compelled to take action on these new tasks that appear to be more urgent.
Distracted From
When we talk about being distracted from something, the concept changes. You’re now distracted from your original task. With ADHD distraction, it’s possible to get distracted by something without actually being distracted by something else.
It simply occurs because we can sustain our attention. It isn’t all about something with a higher priority or of more interest in stealing our attention. Many times, a distraction from a project is due to our brain not wanting to engage. You may actually find the task at hand unstimulating; hence, the need to escape it.
The Interconnection of Distraction Types
Each type of distraction can lead to the other and can happen in any order. Sometimes it’s a continuous cycle of one to another. When you get caught up in this, what’s unfortunate is that most of the time, you don’t accomplish any tasks. This “failure” leads to disappointment in yourself and possibly anxiety.
So why does the distinction between distraction from and distraction by matter? Understanding this can allow you to build better-coping strategies. You can do this by determining which type of distraction triggers you more.
If external distractions keep pulling you away from your work, you can change your environment to minimize them. If you are more likely to be distracted from a certain task, consider putting yourself in a setting where it’s more stimulating. The solution could be engaging others or adding some music in the background.
Distraction from and distraction to are two parts of the equation. There isn’t always a clear difference between the two. However, having awareness of ADHD distraction can help you better assess this challenge. You can learn attention and focus mechanisms to help energize your innovator brain with our Focus First coaching program. Learn more about it today!
