ADHD or Early Agitation?
Embracing the Early Agitation: A Key to Better Focus
We’ve all experienced it: you sit down to tackle a task, and a wave of restlessness sets in. You might feel scattered or overwhelmed, as though you can’t quite settle. According to the Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, this early sense of agitation isn’t a sign that you’re “doing it wrong.” It’s simply your stress circuits activating before your brain eases into concentration.
Why the “Initial Agitation” Happens
Neuroscience shows that when we try to focus, the brain’s stress response often switches on first. This can leave us feeling temporarily unsettled or anxious.
Dr. Huberman compares it to passing through a gate: once you move through this brief period of discomfort, deeper focus naturally unfolds.
Recognizing that agitation is part of a normal biological process can help us see it as a predictable—and surmountable—stage in getting work done.
Could This Feeling Be Mistaken for ADHD?
Yes. Some individuals worry that an inability to settle down right away may point to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While ADHD is a real condition that impacts many people, it’s also important to note that mild restlessness or difficulty getting started can be a normal brain response—particularly during that “initial agitation” phase.
For many of us, these brief moments of stress may simply reflect our brains warming up to focus.
Reframing the Process
A common assumption is that we must “feel good” before tackling challenging work. Yet, productivity often arrives before the sense of satisfaction. By taking those first steps—even if they feel uncomfortable—you might find that clarity and motivation follow.
Practical Tips
Use Cues & Mantras: Brief reminders such as “Accept the initial agitation” can help you stay calm when restlessness surfaces.
Stay Aware of Transitions: Moving from one task to another can trigger new waves of agitation. Recognizing this as normal can ease the shift.
In Conclusion
By acknowledging that early rush of agitation as the mind’s warm-up phase, I’ve noticed a calmer approach toward tasks. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, I remind myself that feeling a bit scattered is part of the process. This perspective shift has helped me starting and navigate projects with more confidence and less stress.
Feeling agitated at the onset of a task isn’t a failing—it’s a natural part of how our brains shift into gear. Rather than waiting for motivation or ideal conditions, recognise that it’s often the act of beginning that triggers deeper focus. By moving forward despite the initial discomfort, a smoother path to productivity unfolds naturally.
While each person’s work style varies, accepting and even expecting that first wave of restlessness is often a transformative strategy for tackling professional challenges.