If one MBTI type is known for excellent focus, that’s INTJ.
But what would an INTJ with ADHD be like then?
As an INTJ, I must admit – it’s an odd combination.
But INTJs can learn to deal with the condition really well.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything INTJ ADHD related.
So let’s dive straight in.
INTJ With ADHD: What Is It like?
Before we get into the problem, let’s first address what ADHD is. ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and its symptoms include:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
The causes of ADHD are unknown, and it can affect anyone. Still, the manifestation may be different in different personality types.
As you already know, INTJs are known for their amazing ability to get things done. INTJs have a naturally strong focus, as they like to be as efficient as possible in everything they do.
With the bigger picture in mind, INTJs easily see how their every action contributes towards the final goal. That vision keeps them motivated and focused on finishing every task at hand.
Now, everything I said so far has nothing in common with those ADHD symptoms we talked about. But as a child, INTJ can exhibit certain behavior that can cause them to get misdiagnosed with ADHD.
INTJs love learning new things, even as kids. That’s why they’re often way ahead of their classmates in subjects they’re deeply interested in. However, that will also mean that those classes won’t be challenging for them.
And this is where they start losing focus, which can be misinterpreted as a symptom of ADHD.
However, that doesn’t mean an INTJ can’t have ADHD. This mental disorder can affect any MBTI personality type, and INTJs aren’t excluded.
For INTJs, that can be quite stressful, given it causes them to be so unlike themselves. INTJs with ADHD have difficulties with:
- Staying organized
- Prioritizing
- Managing their time
- Procrastination
- Keeping up with details
- Completing tasks
You see, INTJs gather information about the world around them through extraverted sensing. This is their inferior function, which means they already have a hard time being in tune with the present.
And when you add ADHD into the equation, it makes that even harder. Zoning out thirty seconds into a conversation is very common for INTJs with ADHD.
Even with this condition, INTJs can still see the bigger picture very clearly. However, staying focused on it can be very difficult, which is even more frustrating to a rational INTJ mind. In a way, they might feel like they’re not living up to their own expectation.
However, having a condition that affects the way you function is a rational explanation. So for an INTJ, while challenging, that’s a situation they can find a way around.
But first, it’s important to remember that a person needs professional evaluation to be diagnosed. Only a qualified medical professional can confirm after ruling out any other possible reason for such behavior.
Tips for Living with ADHD If You Are an INTJ
Having ADHD is not the end of the world, even for an INTJ. Understanding the disorder can help you work around it. And in time, INTJs will learn not to let it slow them down.
But of course, every beginning is hard. To make it a bit easier, there are a few tips every INTJ with ADHD should apply to everyday situations.
Plan around distractions
Even if you’re dealing with ADHD, you’re still an INTJ. That means you probably make backup plans for your primary plans. Well, that’s something you can apply to this specific situation as well.
Basically, this is the idea – you’ll probably encounter distractions along the way. You can’t avoid them, but you can already figure out what to do in such a case.
One method that works well here is breaking down tasks into much smaller steps. That way, you can afford to get distracted without falling off the track too much.
Use a planner
Having all your tasks and deadlines written down does wonders in helping you stay organized.
Whether it’s a hardcover planner, calendar, or spreadsheet, it doesn’t matter. Keeping track of your work helps you stick to the schedule more efficiently.
Eliminate distractions while working
Now, I know – you can’t shut down your senses completely while doing work. But you can try to eliminate everything around you that could possibly distract you from the task at hand.
First and foremost, that means turning off the ringtone during work. That way, you won’t feel compelled to stop what you’re doing and answer every single notification.
Keeping only work tabs open is another way of avoiding getting distracted by things that are irrelevant at the moment.
Built a healthy routine
Let’s be real – dealing with ADHD can be hard. Especially when you’re someone with the INTJ personality type. But accepting it is the first step towards coping with the diagnosis.
Getting stressed doesn’t do you any good – it just makes symptoms worse.
Without stress, you can actually manage your focus really well.
So, what can you do to avoid stress?
As an INTJ, you’ll want a routine in your life. That might mean waking up at the same time each day or reading before bed. Whatever feels right for you.
By taking care of your physical and mental health, you can avoid stress in your everyday life.
The Best Jobs for INTJs with ADHD
If dealing with ADHD, an INTJ might struggle to do a job they’d be perfect for otherwise.
Let’s take two career choices INTJs are typically great at: financial analyst and medical scientist. Both of these roles work on long-term projects with thorough research and analysis. But for an INTJ dealing with ADHD, these can be too difficult to focus on.
But there are many other job roles out there where INTJs shine, even those with ADHD. These include:
- Game developer
- Digital marketer
- Social media marketer
- Event planner
- Video editor
- Website designer
What do they have in common?
Well, all of these careers have their jobs divided into tasks to focus on at the moment. Sure, there’s a big picture you’re aiming for, but you need to do one task at a time to get there. You’re not juggling too much information, so you can manage your focus more easily.
To Sum Things Up
As you can see, ADHD can cause INTJs to act very unlike themselves. That’s because low attention span and impulsivity are two traits INTJs aren’t usually known for.
However, that doesn’t mean INTJs can’t find a way to deal with ADHD. With patience and planning, they can avoid distractions and focus on the thing before them.
Wonder if there’s any truth to INTJ myths? Here’s our article that debunks common INTJ stereotypes.