Why “HARD” Programs can be Toxic
After talking with a few of the coaching clients this week (there is always a theme of the week), they all asked if I knew of an alternative to this famous “HARD” program. Many managers are using this team-building exercise. As someone with a neurodivergent brain, I look at the list of must-dos and the process of having to start over from the start if I miss a day as a NOPE. There is NO WAY my brain can handle doing this for 75 days. This feels like a purposeful failure and defeat process to me. But at the same time, I looked at it and thought… Why can’t an ADHD brain have its own version???
So lets start with a quick explanation for those not in the know… there is a “HARD,” a popular fitness and self-improvement program comprising various daily tasks and challenges designed to promote discipline, mental toughness, and physical wellness. While the program can be effective for many neurotypical people, it may pose some challenges for individuals with ADHD due to the nature of the program and the characteristics commonly associated with ADHD.
So from the perspective of an ADHD Life, health and Mindset coach what are all the failure points of the HARD program for ADHD brains? Here are some reasons why a program like this may not work well for an ADHD brain:
Rigidity:
These programs require strict adherence to daily tasks, such as two 45-minute workouts, sticking to a specific diet, reading 10 pages of a non-fiction book, taking progress photos, and more. This level of rigidity can be difficult for individuals with ADHD, who often struggle with maintaining consistent routines and may find it challenging to follow a strict schedule.
Impulsivity:
ADHD is characterized by impulsivity, making it difficult for individuals to resist immediate temptations or distractions. The program’s strict rules may lead to feelings of failure or frustration if someone with ADHD has difficulty resisting impulses to deviate from the plan.
Executive Functioning:
ADHD can affect executive functioning skills, including organization, planning, and time management. Completing all the tasks required may be overwhelming for someone with ADHD, as they may struggle with prioritizing and managing their time effectively.
Hyper-focus and Burnout:
Some individuals with ADHD may experience periods of hyper-focus, during which they become intensely focused on a single task to the detriment of other responsibilities. While this can be a strength in some contexts, it can lead to burnout when maintaining a demanding schedule like this.
Perfectionism:
People with ADHD may be prone to perfectionism, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and self-criticism if they are unable to meet all the program’s requirements perfectly. This can be demotivating and counterproductive.
Lack of Flexibility:
These programs do not allow for flexibility or modifications to the daily tasks, which can be challenging for individuals with ADHD who may need to adapt their routines based on their changing needs and energy levels.
Stress and Anxiety:
The pressure to meet all the program’s requirements can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD and make it even more challenging to stick with the program.
It’s important to note that not all individuals with ADHD will struggle with something like this, and some may find it beneficial. However, it’s essential to recognize that ADHD can affect individuals differently, and what works well for one person may not work for another. It’s crucial for individuals with ADHD to consider their unique strengths and challenges when embarking on a fitness or self-improvement journey and to seek support and strategies that align with their specific needs.
So my partner in crime, Vida, and I sat down, pooled our training and resources, and in 2 hours, BOOM, we have DOPE 66… for those wondering, DOPAMINE is what the whole 66-day program is about. Also, think “Order 66” and that you can’t kill a bad habit; you have to flood it with dopamine and build a new good habit. It takes an ADHD brain 66 days to start a new lifelong habit. That all combined brings you Dope 66! Check us out at Dope66.com
