Harold Robert Meyer and The ADD Resource Center addrc.org haroldmeyer@addrc.org
I’ll break it down carefully:
When a person with ADHD internalizes the expectation of failure, achieving success can lead to an emotionally confusing conflict.
The Default Setting: “I can’t do this” becomes a core belief
- Past struggles reinforce this expectation
- The person builds their self-image around anticipated failure
- This becomes a comfortable, predictable framework
The Paradox When Success Happens:
- Success contradicts the established self-narrative
- Instead of feeling good, it creates cognitive dissonance
- The mind tries to resolve this by reframing success as failure
The Failure-Success Loop:
- If you expected to fail but succeeded → You “failed” at failing
- If you succeeded when you “shouldn’t” have → Something must be wrong
- The success feels like an impostor moment rather than an achievement
This creates a painful cycle where:
- Success doesn’t feel earned or real
- It reinforces feelings of being “broken” or “wrong”
- It can increase anxiety about future tasks
- It makes it harder to build confidence from achievements
For over 30 years, Harold Robert Meyer and The ADD Resource Center have provided expert ADHD support through:
- Comprehensive services for individuals, families, and organizations:
- Personalized guidance and education
- Behavioral intervention strategies
- Support for healthcare providers, educators, and industry
- Evidence-based resources:
- Informative articles and publications
- Workshops and seminars
- Advocacy to promote understanding and reduce stigma
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