Divergent thinking and the ADHD brain

Which one is most like you?

👉A flexible original thinker, innovator and ideas generator or the finisher who gets the job done efficiently and by the book?

These represent two distinct modes of thinking - Convergent and Divergent.

We all use both types of thinking and both are important. Divergent could be considered the ideas phase of a project and convergent the decision making and follow through.

And one of them is FAR more used by ADHDers….

🚨Express lane....

Article too long? Here's the gist or skip down to the section called 'strategies' for some ideas how to move from divergent to convergent.

Key points:

• Convergent thinking =finding 1 correct solution through logic and proven methods

• Divergent thinking =creativity and multiple 'out of the box' ideas

• ADHDers excel at divergent thinking

• Too many ideas can lead to overwhelm and decision paralysis

• ADHDers can benefit from setting boundaries on creative time, using techniques like mind mapping, time-blocking, and collaboration

• Don't forget to enjoy and appreciate your spectacular, creative brain!

Convergent thinking

Convergent thinking is generally a linear approach that relies on logic and established ways of doing things. It may involve filtering ideas into limited options and analysing these options to make effective decisions to solve the immediate presented problems.

This thinking effectively navigates from point A to point B by examining and analysing the facts to efficiently arrive at the one correct solution.

Convergent thinking is incredibly effective when immediate, timely, practical solutions are needed. Individuals in an organisation who spend more time in convergent thinking tend to be those who get things done and meet the deadlines by following the established frameworks with attention to detail.

(This can sound a little dull to an ADHDer…!)

However, with an emphasis on convergent thinking, exploration of new ideas or alternative approaches doesn’t happen and innovation stalls. Breakthroughs remain elusive, and the future becomes a reflection of past knowledge recreated and repackaged.

If nothing changes, nothing changes……

How can you create a life you really want, when doing what you’ve always done?

Divergent thinking and ADHD

Before a convergent thinking approach, the creative process benefits from the use of a divergent thinking approach.

Divergent thinking is a cognitive process that involves generating of multiple solutions to a problem. It involves embracing the realm of possibilities beyond conventional approaches by crafting unique solutions, and uncovering a spectrum of viable answers to a given challenge. This kind of thinking can challenge the status quo.

Unlike convergent thinking, which seeks a single, correct answer, divergent thinking encourages sparks of creativity, flexibility, unusual connections and open-ended exploration. It’s a key component of the creative thinking process.

Individuals with ADHD excel at divergent thinking and in tests of creativity and divergent thinking have been found to outperform non-ADHD adults*. Their brains are naturally inclined to make connections between different pieces of information, often seeing what others miss. Being able to approach a problem from a variety of perspectives means they can enhance brainstorming sessions, helping teams develop creative solutions. They also tend to be more adaptable to change and able to pivot quickly in dynamic, fast paced environments.

But, as amazing as it is to be so creative, at some point, you’re going to need to eliminate some options and follow through…

ADHD challenges of divergent thinking

An emphasis on divergent thinking has it’s challenges. For those with ADHD, this constant 'noise' and activity of ideas can become exhausting and with so many ideas and solutions it can result in overwhelm and decision paralysis.

When you have an abundance of really great options, how are you supposed to choose which option to follow?

In addition to feeling overwhelmed by choices, divergent thinkers may struggle to move into the convergent thinking needed to follow through on their ideas, leaving projects unfinished.

This is not due to a lack of motivation, but rather the overwhelming nature of managing numerous competing ideas.

The inability to focus on a single solution can lead to frustration, as the individual may feel as though they’re constantly jumping from one idea to the next without ever completing a project.

When ADHDers embrace their divergent thinking abilities and learn to manage them effectively, they can achieve great things, both creatively and practically.

The key is finding a balance between creativity and implementation—with practice you can improve your recognition of when and how to move from divergent into convergent thinking.

Getting unstuck from ADHD overwhelm and decision paralysis

How can you convert your creative ideas into action to design a life you love?

The strength:  Before addressing the challenges associated with a preference for divergent thinking, it's important to acknowledge what a significant strength and talent it is to be able to think divergently with such ease! You can generate a ton of ideas in a matter of minutes? Pretty incredible right?! For some people who excel at convergent thinking, divergent thinking can be really tough!

👉Strategies to move from creative divergent mode to follow through convergent mode:

• Time it: Try putting a limit on how long you intend to spend in that creative head space by setting a timer or time blocking

  
  

• Get visual: Use techniques like mind mapping that allow ideas to be become visual and get the flurry of ideas out of your head and into a more organised format

  
  

• Self-talk: Mantras like, ‘done is better than perfect’, and ‘what is my minimum viable product’ when you’re spiralling and just can’t stop idea creating can help break the cycle

  
  

• Change of environment: If you’re stuck in divergent, get unstuck from your seat! A short walk or change of environment can help the brain task switch

  
  

• Other people: Talking through your ideas with someone else allows you to use verbal processing, a technique preferred by many ADHDers whilst getting feedback and support making decisions. You may even want to call upon your convergent thinking friends and colleagues to help you move from idea creation to task completion

  
  

• Generating the right state: Notice what sets off your divergent brain- reading articles, walking, certain music, talking to others? Then think about what doesn’t help identify what helps for convergent thinking- calmer music, working at home, noise cancelling headphones..

  
  

• Strengthen: Meditation and mindfulness can also strengthen the ability to recognise and then move away from divergent thinking when it is becoming a distraction

👉ADHD leaders and high empathy

Extra considerations for divergent thinkers:

Having options:

Whilst we don’t want to be jumping constantly between tons of different projects and tasks, having options can really help when we get stuck.

For example, I have loads of half written articles- which is the way I like it. This way I can pick some up and finish them off and if I get stuck with one, I can simply move on to another until I get the inspiration to finish the first.

Because having just one task to do at a time from start to finish? Well, as an ADHDer that sounds pretty dull to me!

Don’t lose those sparks of genius!

Because your divergent brain can spark its best ideas at any imaginable time (in the middle of a conversation, whilst falling asleep, when trying to write a report…) it can help to have a place to capture and store these for later reflection, helping to both prevent its loss and also avoid being distracted from the task at hand.

You might use a note or voice note in your phone or I love work management tools like Trello so I can have some organisation when I note down my ideas.

What benefits do I experience from my creative brain?

And reflect, where are you able to use your divergent thinking to your advantage? What strategies (or people!) help you move into a convergent thinking space for getting things done?

Have fun!

And finally, your brain loves this type of thinking, so whilst it may important to put boundaries in place in work contexts, it’s beneficial to let your ADHD ‘off leash’ at times and just enjoy how beautifully, entertainingly creative it can be!

Conclusion:

ADHDers have immense potential for divergent thinking.

With the right support, tools, and mindset, you can transform your abundant creativity into meaningful action, allowing you to design the life you truly love. 💖

References:

*White, H. A., & Shah, P. (2011). Uninhibited imaginations: Creativity in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Personality and Individual Differences, 50(6), 800-805.