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Researching interests but not actually taking part

Deleted User

Often it seems I have an interest in something and can read and read and read and research about it but when it comes to actually applying myself to take part in said interest, I find it difficult to get myself started - knowing where to start, what to do. Or I force mself to start and it feels half arsed or I don't seem to get anywhere with it. It feels like I'd rather just read about it and collect "favourites" in my bookmarks but never actually do anything with them. Can anyone relate to this at all

Parents

  • Without details of your researched interest I can not advise pricisely, but I will provide my general insight.

    It seems you are showing some characteristics of ADHD, problem with starting and frequent change in particular. The issue here is complex, but to simplify It's initial investment - be it time or other resources, and how tangible the reward is in comparison to our expectation.

    To give an example:

    Two years ago I stumbled upon some rock climbing videos, I was hooked. Spent hours on learning nomenclature, researched on equipment, people. I idealised that me, one day, will climb along Tommy Caldwell. Initial fascination, motivation and inspiration was extremely high, but then came reality. Me, slightly overweight in late 30's with acrophobia. It would take years to build core and finger strength sufficient enough to climb 'easy' rocks, yet alone climb along Tommy.

    The same with bikepacking, I could research on ultralight equipment, count grams on 'virtual' items and plan route, camping spots etc. Reality? Financial investment versus family/job in comparison of high expectation ( 2-3 week long trips)

    My advise? Try finding interests that do not require high resource investment to be good at, give satisfaction even if you are not good at, and have tengible outcome. 

    Wooden spoon carving comes to my mind. Initial cost of soft wood stol... extracted from local forest and few carving knives from well known swedish manufacturer - cheep as chips, as you Brits like to say; it's manual and sensory stimulating - texture of wood, smell of freshly carved wood; and in the worst case scenario, you will end up with ugly cereal spoon, but It will be your creation and will bring you smile every time you look at it. 

    Good luck.

Reply

  • Without details of your researched interest I can not advise pricisely, but I will provide my general insight.

    It seems you are showing some characteristics of ADHD, problem with starting and frequent change in particular. The issue here is complex, but to simplify It's initial investment - be it time or other resources, and how tangible the reward is in comparison to our expectation.

    To give an example:

    Two years ago I stumbled upon some rock climbing videos, I was hooked. Spent hours on learning nomenclature, researched on equipment, people. I idealised that me, one day, will climb along Tommy Caldwell. Initial fascination, motivation and inspiration was extremely high, but then came reality. Me, slightly overweight in late 30's with acrophobia. It would take years to build core and finger strength sufficient enough to climb 'easy' rocks, yet alone climb along Tommy.

    The same with bikepacking, I could research on ultralight equipment, count grams on 'virtual' items and plan route, camping spots etc. Reality? Financial investment versus family/job in comparison of high expectation ( 2-3 week long trips)

    My advise? Try finding interests that do not require high resource investment to be good at, give satisfaction even if you are not good at, and have tengible outcome. 

    Wooden spoon carving comes to my mind. Initial cost of soft wood stol... extracted from local forest and few carving knives from well known swedish manufacturer - cheep as chips, as you Brits like to say; it's manual and sensory stimulating - texture of wood, smell of freshly carved wood; and in the worst case scenario, you will end up with ugly cereal spoon, but It will be your creation and will bring you smile every time you look at it. 

    Good luck.

Children
  • in reply to a typical Autist

    Thank you so much for your reply. 

    a typical Autist said:
    My advise? Try finding interests that do not require high resource investment to be good at,

    I couldn't help but smile at this comment as the interests which I am referring to but didn't mention are sewing and gardening. So it's hardly having to get myself up a mountain or spend hundreds of pounds.

    I don't really think about the reward...what I will have achieved by the end. That thought doesn't actually occur.

    I have read before about ADHD and I don't think it's this as I couldn't relate to some other aspects. My AS report did mention autistic inertia which I think is apt. Once I get started on something it can be difficult to stop. But it's the shifting state into the getting stared phrase I find difficult. And tend to give up at the first hurdle.

    I don't think I have got the patience for wood carving!