How ADHD and perfectionism relate
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- Опубліковано 3 лют 2025
- How does ADHD and perfectionism relate? There are actually two types of perfectionism, front-end and back-end. Front-end perfectionism is more about the preparations that are made prior to starting the project. This type may look like you are procrastinating, but in reality it is the need to have everything in order before you start the task or project. It is also related to the ALL or Nothing way of thinking because it is about the need to meet all conditions before you start the project. Things like "If I only had this one item which will make the task easier, I would be able to complete the task". The problem is usually one condition leads to another, and then another, and before you know it there is an infant amount of conditions to be made. Again this may feel like you are procrastinating, but you are excited about the project, want to do well, think that you are very capable which, in a way, is the reason for the need to get everything in order before you start.
Back-end protectionism is more of what I think most people would consider to be a projectionist. Everything has to be in its place, all the pieces of the puzzle need to fit flawlessly in place before the project is turned in. This does not sound like someone with ADHD, however, people with ADHD tend to get caught up with on or two details of that project trying to make them perfect. They spend so much time perfecting a few details that the rest of the project goes untouched and we end up missing the deadline.
Its two things: Struggle with perfection and never finish or finish and go through the pain of watching imperfection.
dude after learning a lot about adhd and how it messes the two most important Executive functions like hindsight and foresight which are both destroyed by this disorder. I can see how I struggled with perfection which would affect my competitive performance. Which reminds me of the quote :
" Perfection is the standard but Excellence will be handled on a case by case basis"
@@arjunratnadev Great quote
Front end perfectionism is something we struggle with when we're afraid we can't do something right.
Back end perfectionism is something we struggle with when we're trying to prove we can do something right.
At least from my experience. ❤
My front-end perfectionism is just another way to procrastinate. I've got a million of 'em. 🙂
This hits very close to home. Diagnosed with combined-type ADHD. All throughout college, when studying and preparation became necessary, I was incapable of studying or even doing most the vast majority homework, essays, etc, outside of my desk in my room, as there, I had access to everything necessary that I MIGHT need to complete whatever I was working on. For me, having everything staged and available was absolutely necessary for me to initiate on an assignment, everything from my mechanical pencil (I used a total of 2 throughout all of college, one for notetaking and the other a backup and for homework) to my notes, a notepad, textbooks, reference books etc.
This became particularly acute with essays, with writing as something that I have always struggled greatly with, more regarding ADHD and issues with executive function than mechanical ability. I decided to pursue a minor in history (completely unrelated to my biochemistry degree), as in my free time I read and watched lectures voraciously about naval history, and I was able to direct many of the independent research project essays into the topic of naval history. However, for each of these essays about a subject I was passionate about, I would be unable to start writing until the night before, but having some 30-40 odd references, I would always become perpetually bogged down at every instance in the essay I reached that included referenced material in order to make sure what I was saying was in the correct context, supported my argument in the way I thought etc. Damn near every single essay I turned in was days, if not over a week late, but I always received near perfect grades on them, as they generally far exceeded the requirements of the projects.
Became good friends with some of those history professors, particularly my WW2 history professor, as he was a former naval officer for the USN. Got drinks with him a bunch; one of the most interesting people I have ever met.
I have back - end perfectionism. That irritates me a lot.. I always focus on too much details. I talk repitatively with myself. I just want perfect condition. I am always getting confused when I am doing a work. Ahhh it's bothering.. Now I am feeling happy. Thanks Steve 😊
Man, I'm really liking your videos, I think you are one of the few people that says things that works for me when talking about ADHD, I've 27 years, I've being diagnosed with ADHD and Anxiety this year. I think most things you said is what I experience, and it's making more sense to me, since I'm also a innatentive type. All the other videos about it doesn't make too much sense, but yours man, right on spot. Even if you don't continue with your youtube videos, I'm glad I've watched the ones you posted so far. Thanks for that.
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I'm not done making videos, I just have to find a consistent schedule to follow. Having ADHD, the only thing I know i'm consistent with is being inconsistent. LOL. I am so glad I am able to talk about ADHD in a way that makes since to you. Thanks again.
great videos man keep up
I did not know this was a thing and makes so much sense as to how I always approached work/projects in life. I just recently found out I have ADHD but the one thing that I would always think of when I saw perfectionism creep in was remembering what Vinci said: “Art is never finished only abandoned”. Looking forward to more of your videos, you are doing a great job!
You're actually have figured out how to express how adult ADHD perfectly.
That's exactly how it feels.
Thanks for posting
Watching your channel is one of the most accurate descriptions and understanding of ADHD I’ve heard. You should write a book about it.
Front-end perfectionism for me takes me SO MUCH TIME! Thanks for this awesome explanation Steve!
Thank you foe making these videos steve they help alot. ✌
Okay...front end perfectionism is my life as well as back end perfectionism moments! I haven't been diagnosed with ADHD; however, there are SO many of these behaviors that I've exhibited that check all these boxes that I've seen in this video and a few others. So thank you for this.
I haven't been diagnosed yet but I can definitely relate to the innatentive ADHD, and the frontend perfectionism. I don't know about backend, someone else would have to help me out with that, but I do know sometimes I need to have everything in place before starting something, and that can make it seem to other people like I'm just putting it off.
I've also over prepared my whole life, and I found friends and community with other ADHD folks a good two years before I finally got a diagnosis. I clicked with these random people, we understood each other, and I jumped down endless rabbit holes of their blog posts on ADHD, wide-eyed about how relatable it all was, finally having a name for my lifelong struggles.
Thank you for making videos about your experience. This actually comfort me so much because I'm just like what you describe.. I feel like its a war everyday trying to compesate what I'm lacking. People would usually really hate me because I'm so disorganised...but I just have to be kind to myself because no one will.
You are not alone. You just described this in a way I’ve never heard before and it makes total sense! Thank you. This was enlightening.
Whenever I have something to get done, it’s always like “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” 😂 I assume this is why! Great way to explain for our brains!
This is brilliant! Thank you for sharing your insights. I've been struggling with perfectionism both post-end and front-end for as long as I can remember. Only recently, I've been made aware of the fact that I might have ADHD. Your video gives me a lot of clarity on why I am struggling with this! The way I learned to deal with it is working as a freelancer and focusing on projects that require highest quality work but are not bound to strict deadlines.
Great advice! I’m guilty of both front end and backend types. I quilt and crochet, so many opportunities to make mistakes, it took me a long time to realize I would likely be the only one to spot them. Well, except for that one daughter 😂
Yep... front AND back end perfectionism. Add that to time blindness and it's a miracle I get any project done ever.
Dude, you're freaking me out.
I always thought to bring everything I ever did to perfection but I rather lose interest in the way and just frustratingly abandon it or turn it into a half assed result which left me wanting or wishing I never had even started it at all in the first place 😒
Hi. I just want to say, I did not expect the kind of music you have going in the background to help me focus on and absorb what you're saying. It makes sense to me now, as I have adhd and having just the right kind of input at the right volume makes it so that background noise is consistent and something I can mostly ignore but also helps block out more distracting noises and occupy my attention just enough to keep it from wandering from the video. I also really appreciate your communication style especially with concepts that can be kind of complex. You make the information accessible and concise without making it feel like a lecture or a class. It feels slightly more conversational. Yeah, just thank you for your work, you've helped outline things in a way that really got the concepts to sink in instead of just bouncing around in my brain.
I'm both a front end and back end perfectionist, yet have almost always met deadlines at the cost of my own health. I've accepted the concept of Good Enough, but was missing this:
Choose one condition that defines good enough! Excellent suggestion! Going to share that. Thanks. 🥰
"Are all requirements met?" 👍
Yeah, you need to make a nice chart for the numbers to make sense! Relatable 😆👍
Absolutely! You're a treasure Steve, thank you for all the videos you put out!
Your info is really nuts and bolts which makes me want to listen bc I can't stand all the preamble about general adhd . . And you by pass that really well#!
Love your videos, keep up the great work! I'm definitely a back-end perfectionist, really works against me with my creative hobby photography and videography because I should not be so critical and pretty much obsessed with making every one perfect to me. Because of that it usually takes me months to post things when it really shouldn't.
But for my job as a data analyst/scientist and programmer it does help a lot since combined with my RSD I look at all the details critically and make sure all my code works with redundancies/backup logic to try to ensure it continues to work or that only very minor changes are needed in the future if something on the other end changes so that my bosses don't get calls from clients about one thing or another.
😂 Dude, you are definitely not alone. I’m a bit of both, depending on the circumstances. I laughed out loud about perfecting charts as I do the same, though I think I’d still characterize that as front-ended perfectionism as it’s preparation for the meeting. I had to learn to ‘satisfice’ (satisfy + suffice) and move on. It has helped a lot, though its become a new challenge to perfect 🤦♂️
Thank you for making these videos! I’m so glad I found you today! Technically I’m not 100% diagnosed yet, but a few months ago had my Aha! moment (thanks random TikTok video), self diagnosed after online research, then my therapist agreed, and now I’m 6 days away (but who’s counting) from my first Psychiatrist appt. At 41 yo, I’ve felt that rollercoaster of emotions since that first Inattentive ADHD TikTok video. Excited, relieved, angry, but learning how many of us get diagnosed late in life, I’m grateful I’m finally figuring it out & trying to just focus on the present & my future rather than what I can’t change, the past. So far your videos I’ve watched have been awesome & helpful! Can’t wait to watch more! Your acceptance, humility & confidence shines through! I’m here for your journey as I embark on my own.. :)
I self diagnosed myself with attentive adhd that i struggled with my whole life. I recently realized that i have a perfectionist side. I struggle with back end perfectionism. I work as a landscaper and like to take my time and make everything look perfect, but it's a fast pace get the requirements done kind of job. It can frustrate my coworker sometimes
I want to say I’m a front end perfectionist but I’m so hyper aware of how imperfect I am 😂. So how can I be a perfectionist
Just to front loading technique...recite repeat basic structure of what needs doing . . My lazy side doesn't want to go outside to walk but I Front load I love walking I love outside( yes its momentary scewing of the truth of moment). . Bu 7:49 t is directly the truth long term . Bc I want to walk to maintain healthy flexible strong body. . Repeat recite a hundred times if needed. . .
I have both types, but front-end absolutely ruled my life.
I am SOOOO thwarted by it, that now, at age 49, I'm avoidant regarding about 90% of my life. Absolutely *not* exaggerating!!
I'm *MISERABLE*!!
I'm like most of you- I have so many interests, desired hobbies and creative inspirations, and I feel pregnant with bursting potential on a continual basis, but I am COMPLETELY bound by this invisible straight-jacket.
I'm basically a spectator to my own life, sitting on the bleachers and watching it go by.
I have Inattentive ADHD, and also GAD. No OCD dx yet and no eval yet for learning disabilities, but I feel both may be present. I believe my GAD and any possible OCD is secondary, caused by the ADHD and possible LDs. There are things I've struggled with since Kindergarten.
I'm naturally a very sweet, tranquil, kind and compassionate person, and the above issues are WRECKING me.
I am DEFINITELY interested in hearing more about Steve's daily ADHD struggles, as well as those you guys all can share.
I’m definitely on the back end. I’m an artist and if I could sit still enough to study it to become better I would. But I pretty much just rely on my natural abilities with it. I’ll start a project and get it going, but get too distracted and uninterested to keep going so I quit. I’ll show the unfinished piece to someone and get praise based off the potential of the piece. So that motivates me to go back to it and to try to finish. But I’ll start hyperfocusing on every detail to be perfect that i run out motivation to keep going., And leave it unfinished again. They’re all…unfinished. Now I understand why.
Great video and solid points but I’m wondering if watching this is also part of my front end perfectionism??
Front end, primarily, and a little back end too
Yep, I’m the same. Everything‘s got to be in order otherwise it causes disorder. Then I get stuck on the details that no one else seems to care about. But the end result blows peoples minds… If they’re patient enough LOL.
I feel like i'm right in the middle Sometimes i'm like a pendulum sometimes go to the front and sometimes the back end but workin on whats good enough l tried doing a you tube channel stop after some time reassess conclusion do podcaststarted after sometimes l stoped then wrote a book and l did finish 🎉 now working on my second book ❤
I have a little of both. Yay.
I literally experience both 🙈
I love these videos but they are a double-edged sword. Half of me thinks, "Omg! That's why I do these things." The other half thinks, "If I tell people in my life about this they'll just say, "Great, now he has another excuse."
GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!😂
I like the exposing ouselves to the truth. . As a treatment. .bc everytime I hear a truth spoken out by you or another my whole being cringes. .severely almost like I can't stand to even hear it spoken.. like I can't believe that's me!!!!!!!. .
It sounds horrible what I actually do.
What you're describing in this video is commonly confirmed as "Shaving the Yak"....