ADHD or brain parasite?

How to muscle through the chaos

Author

Eugene Yao
December 20, 2024

Welcome back to ADHDfounder! Here’s a riddle for you: What do parasites and entrepreneurs have in common? Turns out, more than you’d think.

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that rewires brains to be less risk-averse. A recent study uncovered that people infected with toxo were significantly more likely to start businesses. We’re talking a 29% higher likelihood of founding a startup, and an 8% average profit boost compared to their uninfected counterparts.

For some reason, this parasite dials up risk tolerance and novelty-seeking behaviors. Sound familiar? For those of us with ADHD, it feels eerily close to home.

Via Inc.com

Okay… but why does this matter? It’s a wild reminder that so much of what drives us—whether it’s impulsivity from ADHD or risk-taking from a microscopic parasite—is influenced by factors totally outside our control.

Toxo and ADHD both mess with brain chemistry in ways that push us toward bold (and sometimes questionable) decisions. The question isn’t whether we can control these forces—it’s how we lean into them to make something remarkable out of the chaos.

When distractions are actually the MVP

You know that moment when you’re “working,” but somehow you’ve reorganized your entire closet?

Turns out, those distractions might actually be doing your brain a favor 🧠 

  • But why? Letting your mind wander during simple tasks boosts creativity and problem-solving (backed up by science). It’s why your best ideas show up in the shower or mid-procrastination scroll.

  • Instead of fighting it, try scheduling “mind-wandering breaks.” Use the time to daydream, doodle, or stare into the void guilt-free. Then jump back into your work with fresh energy.

Distractions aren’t necessarily the enemy. Sometimes the messiest part of your brain is where the magic lives 🪄 

Is remote work a dream or disaster for ADHD?

Via Tivazo

Working from home sounds like a dream for ADHDers.

No commute, no micromanaging boss hovering over your desk, and total freedom to work when your brain actually wants to cooperate 😇 

But then reality hits: your “office” is also where you binge Netflix, fold laundry, and have that one lonely snack drawer that keeps calling your name.

Here’s the deal: Studies show that remote work can boost productivity and focus when paired with ADHD-friendly strategies, but it’s far from perfect. For some, the lack of external accountability can mean deadlines go “poof” faster than your attention span at a two-hour Zoom meeting.

  • The Problem: Research found that remote workers with ADHD are 17% more likely to struggle with daily tasks compared to their on-site peers, mainly due to a lack of external structure.

  • The Solution: Experts emphasize the need for intentional routines and supportive leadership to help ADHD employees thrive. Think scheduled check-ins, flexible hours, and clear expectations.

What are your thoughts? Let’s settle it with a poll:

That’s a wrap! Have an ADHD hack to share with the community? Hit reply and let me know! I’ll feature my favorite in next week’s edition.

Made it this far? Here’s your small win for today: 🏆

See you next week!

—Eugene (ADHDfounder) ✨