Are You Dreaming Too Big—or Not Big Enough? How to Play the Long Game With ADHD

Have you ever had a vision for your life that made your heart race?

Maybe it came to you in a quiet moment, before your career took off, before the kids, before the endless stream of emails and appointments. It was that crystal-clear image of what you really wanted to do with your one wild and precious life. A dream so vivid you could almost touch it.

But somewhere along the way, it started to fade.

Maybe you told yourself, “I’ll go after it when things calm down,” or “I just need to get caught up first.” Maybe you buried it under practicality or fear. Maybe it just felt too far away, intimidating, overwhelming, and unrealistic.

You started to question yourself.

"Am I being ridiculous?" 

"What was I even thinking?"  

"Who do I think I am to want that?"

It’s easier to shrink the dream than to stretch yourself to meet it.

So you dream smaller. You talk yourself out of what ignites you. You rationalize away your passion because it doesn’t fit neatly into your current season of life, or your overflowing to-do list.

But here’s the truth that ADHD brains often forget:

You don’t need to figure it all out at once. You just need to take the next step.

The Big Picture Can Be Paralyzing

When you live with ADHD, big-picture thinking is both your superpower and your stumbling block. You can see the dream so clearly—but the path to get there? It’s fuzzy, scattered, or buried in executive function overload.

That disconnect between vision and execution can leave you spinning in self-doubt or procrastination.

And when the dream feels too far away, it’s easy to shut down or settle.

But dreams don’t come with deadlines. You don’t need perfect conditions to get started. You just need clarity on what comes next.

Clarity Brings Momentum

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to pursue something that matters to you, here’s a gentle reminder: You don’t find time—you create it.

And you don’t need to finish—you just need to begin.

So how do you shift from overwhelmed to in motion?

Ask yourself: 

👉 What’s the next smallest step I can take that moves me toward that dream?

Maybe it’s researching a class. Maybe it’s blocking 30 minutes on your calendar. Maybe it’s texting someone who’s already doing what you want to do. Maybe it’s writing down your vision again just to remember why it matters.

Every small step chips away at the mountain. And with ADHD, momentum fuels motivation—not the other way around.

How to Play the Long Game (Without Burning Out)

1. Reconnect with Your “Why.” When the dream feels distant, bring it closer. Journal about what excites you. Visualize what life looks like when you’re living it. Keep your why visible and emotionally resonant.

2. Set a Flexible Structure. ADHD brains thrive with structure—as long as it’s not rigid. Break the dream down into doable steps. Use visual cues. Set time-bound goals that allow for real life to happen.

3. Find Accountability That Feels Good. Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a community—share your goals out loud. ADHD brains are more likely to follow through when someone is in it with us.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection. Progress isn’t linear. You will fall off track. That’s okay. What matters is coming back to it with compassion and recommitment.

Trust That Your Dream Still Matters.

 Even if it’s been years. Even if life looks different now. Even if you’re starting from scratch.

 Especially if you’re starting from scratch.