The Challenge of Risk Taking, Especially When You Have ADHD!

Written By Cheryl Gigler
A smiling boy in a blue helmet rides a zipline through tall trees, conveying the thrill of taking a leap of faith.

Ever stand at the top of a giant water slide? It looks daunting! You look down, taking in every twist and turn. Slowly you inch forward and take the leap! Before you know it you are at the bottom, wondering why you hadn’t done this sooner!

You start the climb up the winding staircase towards the zip line platform. With each step closer you wonder if you’re crazy. Why did you let your cousin talk you into this? The most terrifying moment happens when you leave the platform, stepping into thin air. Once you start moving with the wind in your face, it is absolutely exhilarating. It was so worth it!

Risk taking when you have ADHD might be just a little bit more complicated!

What is Risk Taking?

Risk taking is defined as the act or fact of doing something that involves danger or risk in order to achieve a goal.

The act of engaging in behaviors with uncertain outcomes where there is potential for loss or danger balanced by the possibility of a rewarding result.

Illustration of a person watering their own head with a can labeled "Risk," with flowers and coins growing out, representing how embracing risk cultivates growth and reward.

Why do people take risks?

Risk taking moves us forward by getting us out of our comfort zone. It leads to personal growth and greater fulfillment. You may have heard the phrase, “No risk, no reward!” Taking a risk and succeeding builds confidence. Set-backs, however difficult, can serve to redirect us. The important thing is that we learn from it and keep moving ahead. John Maxwell wrote the inspirational book Failing Forward. He shares the stories of several famous people who failed, grew because of it, and went on to experience tremendous success. Risk taking builds mental strength and fosters emotional resilience.


“I have been absolutely terrified every moment of my life-and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do!”

- Georgia O’Keefe



According to psychology, people take risks for a variety of biological, psychological or social reasons.

Neurological factors weigh in as a new venture increases stimulation as well as dopamine, the chemical of motivation and pleasure. Executive Control determinesa person’s ability to regulateemotion, which influences the risk-taking process. Genetics play a role as studies suggest that the tendency to take risks is inherited.

Illustration of a person curled up with tangled lines above their head, representing the anxiety and overwhelm ADHD can bring to risk-taking.

Why is risk taking so hard for people with ADHD?

Cognitive Obstacles. Executive functioning challenges influence many areas required for achieving goals, for example the ability to break down a project, organize, prioritize and order steps forward.

Selecting Challenges. Difficulty filtering information makes is hard to separate what is most important verses minor details, leading to overwhelm and indecision.

Working Memory Gaps. Holding multiple variable factors in mind at once to weigh outcomes overtaxes the ADHD working memory system.

The Emotional Toll. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is intense emotional vulnerability that fears the potential of social or professional failure. Many people with ADHD have experienced failure and rejection, which actually feels like physical pain. The risk of failure can trigger tremendous anxiety. A lifetime of struggle creates a deep fear of making mistakes. This can paralyze the person with ADHD, keeping them from trying new things.

Dopamine Issues. The brain with ADHD looks for immediate reward, making it hard to stay motivated during a long process or one that’s boring.

What can we do?

Get an official diagnosis and medical treatment. This can go a long way!

Get support for executive function challenges. A coach can help!

Externalize your options by verbally processing with a trusted friend. Two heads are better than one!

Get all the information you can about your new venture. Knowledge will empower you to take an informed and calculated risk.

Take a small step or a single daily action (SDA). Focus on the present step, not the outcome.

Illustration of two people seated across from each other in conversation, with a suitcase in a speech bubble, representing therapy to unpack the emotional weight of living with ADHD.

What if I have task paralysis?

Consider this:

  • Am I clear on what steps to take?

  • Do I have too many options?

  • Do I fear making the wrong choice or disappointing someone?

  • What fears and doubts are holding me back?

If you find that you are stuck, you might consider ‘unpacking your suitcase’. ADHD coach, Joyce Kubik wrote an article about dealing with the residuals of living with ADHD. You may have tried so hard, struggling for years, yet never knowing that you had ADHD and dyslexia. You may have heard negative messages - that you were smart but lazy. The heavier your suitcase is, the harder it is to carry. A therapist can help to unpack your suitcase.

Risk taking can be challenging, but it leads to a better tomorrow. It might look like stepping out to get an official ADHD diagnosis. It could be going back to school or setting boundaries with those who would overstep. Each brave step forward makes it easier the next time. 

“It’s never too late to be who you were meant to be.”

- George Elliot


Ready to challenge yourself and start taking risks? Schedule a complimentary discovery call with an ADHD coach to get started!

Resources

Cheryl Gigler
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