If you know me, you know I love a good rabbit hole. I’ll start researching one thing — maybe a vulnerability, a business idea, some random historical footnote — and three hours later I’m neck-deep in technical docs, case studies, or a string of “how did I end up here?” tabs.
That drive to explore is one of my ADHD superpowers. It’s also one of my biggest curses.
I’m writing this partly to help people without ADHD (e.g. my wife) understand what’s going on in our heads, and partly to remind those of us with ADHD (e.g. me and some of my friends) how to make the most of it. I’m not an expert or a model of control here — I’m a work in progress, figuring it out as I go.
The Superpower Side
Relentless Curiosity
Where most people stop after a quick Google search, we keep going. We dig until we find the story, the pattern, the “hidden level” others miss.
Hyperfocus Mode
When something clicks, we lock in. Hours can feel like minutes. That’s priceless when you’re debugging, building, learning, or creating.
Pattern Recognition
Exploring widely lets us connect dots nobody else even sees. New insights, unexpected solutions, brilliant leaps — they’re often born in a rabbit hole.
These traits make ADHD folks fantastic innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
The Curse Side
Time Blindness
Hours disappear before we realize it.
Perpetual Research Loop
We keep gathering info but never ship.
Context Switching Burnout
Jumping hole to hole leaves us scattered and fried.
Left unchecked, this strength can turn into distraction, unfinished work, and overwhelm.
Learning to Harness the Rabbit Hole (I’m Trying!)
I don’t have this mastered. At all. But I’m learning and experimenting. Here’s what I’m trying right now:
1. Name the Hole Before I Jump
Writing a one-liner: “I’m diving in to understand X.” It helps me notice when I drift.
2. Time-Box Deep Dives
Setting a timer (25 or 50 minutes). When it rings, I try to pause and ask: “Keep going, or pull out?”
3. Keep a “Parking Lot” for Tangents
Jotting stray ideas/links into a single doc or note so I don’t lose them but can stay on task.
4. Define “Done” Before Starting
Deciding the finish line: “Three credible sources and stop,” or “just enough to confirm this API works.”
5. Invite Accountability
Telling someone (or future me with a reminder): “I’m spending one hour on this. If I’m still lost, pull me up.”
I’m experimenting with these, not preaching them. Some days it works. Some days I’m still lost in the weeds.
People Matter More Than Tricks
One of the biggest breakthroughs for me isn’t a tool — it’s people. Surrounding myself with people who understand me, accept me, and help balance me has been game-changing.
HUGE shoutout to everyone in my life who shows me love by truly getting to know me and choosing to stick around for the ride. We’ve shared amazing discoveries and creative wins, and we’ve also slogged through plenty of the chaos together. You make this ADHD journey better — more fun, less lonely, and far more productive.
For People Who Don’t Have ADHD
When you see someone like me disappear down a rabbit hole, don’t assume we’re procrastinating or lazy. This is how we think, innovate, and solve problems. Sometimes it looks chaotic, but it’s where breakthroughs happen.
What helps most isn’t “just focus” lectures. It’s clear outcomes, trust in our process, and gentle nudges back when we lose track of time.
Final Thought
ADHD curiosity is a double-edged sword. I’m still learning to wield it without cutting myself. When I get it right, it’s magic. When I don’t… well, let’s just say I know what it’s like to look up and realize the whole day is gone.
I’m not trying to cure my ADHD — I’m trying to direct it. And with the right strategies and the right people around me, those rabbit holes can lead somewhere amazing.
