I have always felt those moments of discomfort, doubts, are the ones where we are standing on the threshold of growth. I've learnt to stay with those moments.
And yes, we don't just create work, we also create ourselves through that work.
What I like here is how you show that discomfort is actually a turning point. For many ADHD folks, that moment feels like failure - but it’s often the doorway into opportunity.
If we see it as a signal (“time to switch tactics”) rather than a verdict (“I can’t do this”), then we can build systems around it. A quick reset, a captured note, or even reframing the task through energy mapping can transform that decision point into lift.
It’s not about erasing the drag - it’s about converting it into fuel. That’s the point where ADHD doesn’t just cope, it shines.
THANK YOU. I am about two months into building both a Substack and a business, and feel so much of what you discussed. I am on a big kick that our minds are just a simple algorithm, and we become what we feed it. I’m trying to look at those moments as a necessary part of the process. I’m ok with distracting myself on Substack (or even instagram) just to find connection—it often motivates me to continue!
Just recognizing it as a part of the process instead of some personal insufficiency helps. Everybody is experiencing it, and the only difference is in how good we become in handling those moments.
I love this conversation!! I developed a practice with my art a couple years ago to stay very aware of the discomfort and resistance and let it be okay that I’m feeling them. Then I lean into it.
I’m doing it right now with a two-week creativity challenge. I’m using a medium I haven’t used before, there is a time limit of 15 minutes and I’m sharing my imperfect results here on Substack.
It’s SOOO uncomfortable and the resistance is so high, but the growth is amazing. And teaching my body that discomfort is safe and resistance is a message from my nervous system is priceless.
Thank you for sharing this! It showed up at the perfect time for me. 🥰
I love what you are doing, Lynne! And you're creating real pieces, growing your skills, teaching yourself OK-ness with what previously was just pure discomfort, inspiring others... and I think your sketches are good ; ) Is that the new medium?
Thank you! Yes, I’ve only used charcoal once before this and I needed to pick something that would give me good “beginner” vibes that I wouldn’t feel pressure to make perfect. Bonus points that it is literally messy, too.
Mmm... have you considered turning your experience with the challenge into a post when it's over? Intention, what you'd done, how it's been, what it's given you...
Thank you for reading and sharing. So we've been through a similar journey with it. What's been your biggest discomfort about that kept you either leaving or avoiding?
The not enough feeling. Not good enough. It doesn’t look like the way I want it to. It doesn’t sound like the way I want it to. Just not enough. And maybe that is more like the death by comparison vibe because really what is not enough? If we think it’s not enough it’s compared to what? And that’s where a lot of people get stuck. We shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to anyone.
We are all the same but different. You have been at the same stage I have at a different time and vice versa. When ai sit with that feeling, i consider it more of an experiment. Like there are no mistakes. I can make a small adjustment and continue on. Or just start over. It’s all ok.
We've all been at the same stage at a different time... and there's a journey we each need to travel - through practice, having our own experience with the thing - to get to the next stage. Comparing our current stage with someone's higher stage paralyses us, while focusing on our stage and practice moves us forward.
You also made me realize something I know from my art/illustration/expression in visual form - when I'm working on a piece and trying to reach its "perfect form." Not perfect in comparison to anything, but perfect in the sense that I found the form that "clicked," and I feel a complete resonance with the piece. Until then, "it's not there yet."
I feel like that’s the experimental part. You can move the pieces, try different strokes, add more to a section, etc to see where it takes you. Just like you said… it’s not there yet.
This is so well written!
Hina, thank you for reading and appreciating! We appreciate back.
So many golden things in this post! Can't wait to apply these tips to my own life/writing/everything!!
I'm glad it was helpful. Excited for you to discover something!
A brilliant piece and so relatable.
I loved this…
“Thanks, brain, I know you're trying to help, but I'm staying here for five more minutes.”
In those five minutes, that's where you become someone different than who you were before.
Magic ✨
The one who's stayed, who knows how to stay, who stays... and gets to the good stuff they can only get to by staying.
Thank you for reading, Shelly. Glad it resonated.
Insightful exchange, Klara & Sarvam!
I have always felt those moments of discomfort, doubts, are the ones where we are standing on the threshold of growth. I've learnt to stay with those moments.
And yes, we don't just create work, we also create ourselves through that work.
Thank you, Nik! Love the last line.
Great article Klára!
What I like here is how you show that discomfort is actually a turning point. For many ADHD folks, that moment feels like failure - but it’s often the doorway into opportunity.
If we see it as a signal (“time to switch tactics”) rather than a verdict (“I can’t do this”), then we can build systems around it. A quick reset, a captured note, or even reframing the task through energy mapping can transform that decision point into lift.
It’s not about erasing the drag - it’s about converting it into fuel. That’s the point where ADHD doesn’t just cope, it shines.
Thank you, Jan! For reading and this thoughtful comment. What's energy mapping?
This definitely hits me at the right time. It's easy to get anxious or fearful as a creative.
Glad to hear the timing was right!
Oh I love this guys. The reminder I needed this morning to get myself going again.
I love knowing it was helpful, Laura!
What are you diving into now?
THANK YOU. I am about two months into building both a Substack and a business, and feel so much of what you discussed. I am on a big kick that our minds are just a simple algorithm, and we become what we feed it. I’m trying to look at those moments as a necessary part of the process. I’m ok with distracting myself on Substack (or even instagram) just to find connection—it often motivates me to continue!
Exactly. Thanks to you, Rachel.
Just recognizing it as a part of the process instead of some personal insufficiency helps. Everybody is experiencing it, and the only difference is in how good we become in handling those moments.
Love this exchange, Sarvam 🙌
I love this conversation!! I developed a practice with my art a couple years ago to stay very aware of the discomfort and resistance and let it be okay that I’m feeling them. Then I lean into it.
I’m doing it right now with a two-week creativity challenge. I’m using a medium I haven’t used before, there is a time limit of 15 minutes and I’m sharing my imperfect results here on Substack.
It’s SOOO uncomfortable and the resistance is so high, but the growth is amazing. And teaching my body that discomfort is safe and resistance is a message from my nervous system is priceless.
Thank you for sharing this! It showed up at the perfect time for me. 🥰
I love what you are doing, Lynne! And you're creating real pieces, growing your skills, teaching yourself OK-ness with what previously was just pure discomfort, inspiring others... and I think your sketches are good ; ) Is that the new medium?
Thank you! Yes, I’ve only used charcoal once before this and I needed to pick something that would give me good “beginner” vibes that I wouldn’t feel pressure to make perfect. Bonus points that it is literally messy, too.
Mmm... have you considered turning your experience with the challenge into a post when it's over? Intention, what you'd done, how it's been, what it's given you...
I was thinking about that earlier today! It’s already been such an amazing experience.
I think everyone’s creative process looks differently.
💯 not everyone is willing to sit through the discomfort. It’s the thing that will keep people from succeeding time and time again.
This has been a huge lesson for me and I’m finally at a place where I can hold my own discomfort and move past it to step into my true self.
Thank you for reading and sharing. So we've been through a similar journey with it. What's been your biggest discomfort about that kept you either leaving or avoiding?
The not enough feeling. Not good enough. It doesn’t look like the way I want it to. It doesn’t sound like the way I want it to. Just not enough. And maybe that is more like the death by comparison vibe because really what is not enough? If we think it’s not enough it’s compared to what? And that’s where a lot of people get stuck. We shouldn’t be comparing ourselves to anyone.
We are all the same but different. You have been at the same stage I have at a different time and vice versa. When ai sit with that feeling, i consider it more of an experiment. Like there are no mistakes. I can make a small adjustment and continue on. Or just start over. It’s all ok.
Love how you're describing that progression.
We've all been at the same stage at a different time... and there's a journey we each need to travel - through practice, having our own experience with the thing - to get to the next stage. Comparing our current stage with someone's higher stage paralyses us, while focusing on our stage and practice moves us forward.
You also made me realize something I know from my art/illustration/expression in visual form - when I'm working on a piece and trying to reach its "perfect form." Not perfect in comparison to anything, but perfect in the sense that I found the form that "clicked," and I feel a complete resonance with the piece. Until then, "it's not there yet."
I feel like that’s the experimental part. You can move the pieces, try different strokes, add more to a section, etc to see where it takes you. Just like you said… it’s not there yet.
Totally. We’re speaking the same language : )