In today’s post, we’ll cover:

• Secrets to enjoying hobbies without excess.

• How I juggle work, gaming, shows, and dad duties.

• Tools to keep your passions in check

I’ve always believed in playing to my strengths. Recently, I’ve been working with my coach to fine-tune how I balance my passions with my responsibilities.

It’s a work in progress, but I’m getting there.

Here’s what I love:

• Binge-watching shows with my wife

• Jumping into Call of Duty with my buddies online.

• And a bunch of other things that spark joy in the moment

These activities are dopamine goldmines for me!

They light up my brain, and I’m not ashamed to admit it.

But here’s the catch: chasing those hits endlessly isn’t sustainable.

It’s fun until it’s not. I’ve got a family to provide for.

My kids and wife deserve a present, grounded dad and husband, not someone lost in a dopamine haze. No pun intended, but addiction’s no joke.

So, how do I keep my “addictions” in check? It comes down to three things:

1. Reward systems

2. Time limits

3. Accountability partners

Let me break it down

1) Reward Systems

I use rewards to trick my brain into tackling tasks I’d rather avoid.

For example: “If I knock out this work project, I’ll treat myself to an episode of that new Netflix thriller.”

It’s a motivational hack that works wonders, especially for the admin side of life

• Bills

• Emails

• Scheduling

I dread that stuff, but knowing a reward’s waiting… It’s like dangling a carrot in front of a horse. I get started, stay focused, and before I know it, I’m done.

2) Time Limits

This one’s tough, I’ll be real.

Just because I’ve earned a reward doesn’t mean I can let it consume me. It’s easy to fall into a Call of Duty marathon or get sucked into “just one more episode.”

That’s when the addictive side creeps in. To combat it, I set strict time limits, usually 1 to 2 hours for fun.

After that, it’s back to reality. Easier said than done, sure. Sometimes I’m tempted to keep going, but sticking to the limit keeps me in control, not the game or the show.

3) Accountability Partners

Here’s where the magic happens!

My accountability partners are guys like me,

• Husbands

• Dads

• Juggling family and work while trying to stay sane

We get each other. We’ll hop online for some Call of Duty, but it’s not just about gaming.

We push each other to handle business first: finish the day’s work, take care of home, then play!

When we game, we stick to the same timeframe and check in afterward to make sure we’re all staying on track.

It’s camaraderie

• With a purpose

• Mental health

• Balance

• and a little friendly competition

Final Thoughts

These three strategies aren’t just about managing “addictive” tendencies.

They’re about living intentionally. They help me show up for my family, my work, and myself without letting fleeting pleasures run the show.

It’s not perfect, but it’s progress. And that’s what keeps me moving forward

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Lastly,

Stay Different,

The AuDHD Exec

Disclaimer: I am not your psychiatrist, coach, doctor. Neurodiverse Diary does not provide medical services or professional counselling and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Everything I publish represents my opinions, experience, not advice.