Experts Explain Difficulty Starting Tasks May Stem From ADHD, Not Laziness

Ahead of International Laziness Day on Monday, experts are challenging the common misconception that difficulty initiating tasks is due to laziness. Many people who struggle to get up and start activities may actually have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurological condition characterized by low dopamine levels that impair motivation and task initiation.

Unlike laziness, which is a conscious choice to avoid effort, individuals with ADHD often desperately want to complete tasks but find their bodies unresponsive. This is due to a dopamine deficiency in the brain, which reduces the ability to generate the motivation needed to start or continue tasks, especially if they seem boring, overwhelming, or threatening.

Dr. Shirly Hershko, a leading Israeli ADHD expert and author, explains that understanding this neurological difference is key to overcoming the stigma and guilt many feel. She recommends practical strategies such as breaking tasks into very small steps, using the "five-minute rule" to start activities, pairing tasks with enjoyable stimuli like music or coffee, having a supportive presence nearby, and allowing guilt-free rest periods.

Dr. Hershko emphasizes that persistent difficulty with task initiation warrants professional diagnosis and guidance, as it reflects brain function rather than character flaws. Her work includes research, teaching at the Hebrew University, and running a diagnostic and treatment center for children and adults with ADHD.