INCUP: The ADHD Motivation Keys
Why 'Importance' doesn't motivate us: Using Interest, Novelty, Challenge, Urgency, and Passion to start tasks.
The 5 Ignition Keys
Dr. William Dodson identified that the ADHD brain doesn't have an "Importance-based" interest system. It has an Interest-based system.
If you want to finish a task, you must check for the INCUP factors. If none are present, the "Engine" won't start.
1. Interest: Do you actually care about this? (If no, can you listen to a podcast while doing it?)
2. Novelty: Is this a "New" way to do it? (If no, can you use a different pen? Go to a new room?)
3. Challenge: Can you turn it into a race or a game? (e.g., *"Can I do this in 10 minutes?"*)
4. Urgency: The scary "Last Minute" adrenaline. (e.g., Use a *Pomodoro* timer).
5. Passion: Does this align with your "Hyper-focus" or your deeper values?
Don't yell at your brain for not working. Ask your brain: 'Which INCUP key do you need right now to turn on?'