Neurobiology of ADHD
The Neurobiology of Adaptation: How Does Your Brain Manage Change?
Most of us live on „autopilot.” Routines conserve energy, but what happens when we face a new challenge, a difficult project, or a sudden change of plans? That’s when nature’s most advanced operating system comes into play: executive functions.
In the British Medical Journal, Dr. Rebecca Elliott points out that these functions are key to what we at AlterSelf Project call conscious transformation.
The Architecture of Your Flexibility
Imagine your brain is an orchestra. Executive functions are not instruments, but the conductor. It decides when to come in with a powerful punch and when to tune out unnecessary noise. According to neuropsychology, your inner conductor rests on three pillars:
- Working Memory (Mental Sketchpad): This is where you „hold” data before it turns into action. If your sketchpad is too small, you lose priorities.
- Cognitive Flexibility (Pivot): The ability to admit, „This isn’t working, let’s try something different.” This is the essence of innovation and personal growth.
- Inhibition (Filter): The ability to ignore distractions and inhibit impulsive reactions that don’t serve your long-term goals.
Why Does Your "Conductor" Sometimes Go Wrong?
Research shows that executive functions are incredibly sensitive. Stress, lack of sleep, or information overload cause the prefrontal cortex—the seat of the conductor—to lose control. The result is procrastination, chaos, and a sense of overwhelm.
For neurodivergent individuals (e.g., those with ADHD), this conductor may need different „notes” or external support to keep pace with the rest of the team.
AlterSelf Strategy: Optimizing the Command System
At AlterSelf Project, we believe that executive functions can be supported and trained through appropriate systems:
- Working memory relief: Don’t trust your head to keep to-do lists. Use external systems (AI, apps, bullet journal) to free up your prefrontal cortex for creative thinking.
- Mindset Shift Training: Consciously exposing yourself to new situations and „forcing” a shift in perspective builds neural flexibility.
- Environmental Design: If impulse inhibition is difficult, change your environment so you don’t have to fight temptations (e.g., phone in another room during deep work).
Your New Self is a System, Not a Promise
Understanding the neuropsychology of executive functions marks the end of the era of „empty New Year’s resolutions.” Instead of promising yourself to be more organized, start building systems that support your prefrontal cortex.
Your AlterSelf doesn’t wait for a miracle—it is designed step by step, based on how your brain actually works.
Do you feel like your „inner conductor” needs support? Let us know which of your performance processes is the most challenging for you!