Can't focus

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At the moment, there are too many things that I have to do, and too many other things that I want to do. My brain is full.

I really need to clean up the house. It's disgustingly messy. But when I'm cleaning, I'm thinking about all the other things I'd rather be doing (aquariums, webpages, sewing, internet). But I can't do them because there's no room! There's clutter everywhere.

I know that I just have to get in and clean. I know that if I just do it, then it will be done and I can do fun stuff. But I just can't make myself do it.



I've tried to just pick a room and attack it til it's done. Hasn't worked.

I've tried making lists of everything that needs doing to break it into small jobs, but it's still too overwhelming (but it did clear my head a little). And I don't stick to what's on my list, I skip to the "good" jobs.

I've tried rewarding myself with time on the computer for a certain time spent cleaning or finishing a job, but I end up spending twice as much time on the internet as I intended.

I've tried staying off the computer entirely so I'd get more done, but then I just get cranky.



Is there a trick to focusing on jobs that aren't interesting?
It would be so much easier if my brain came with an instruction manual!

I understand perfectly. As an unmarried man living alone, I'm supposed to not be tidy, if you know what I mean. But sometimes It gets too bad and I tend to live in a mess for a long time, until something clicks and I start to tidy things up. Guess this have to do with the executive disorder thing, that many AS ppl seems to have. I just have to wait for the right mood to get started. Sorting things out also is a problem for me, but I get it done when I'm ready. When I do things I tend to do it properly, so if I'm not in the right state of mind, I don't start, cause I know I'll give up halfway

But I'm never in the mood for cleaning!

That's what I'm having trouble with. I know my house isn't fit for human habitation. I know I have to clean. I just don't want to!

When I'm cleaning, I'm thinking about other things. When I'm doing other things, I'm thinking about how I really should be cleaning.

It doesn't just happen with cleaning, but that's the main issue right now. Sometimes it's at work when I want to do two things at once and end up getting nothing done. Or even if I've got time for special interests, and I can't choose which one. I'm even jumping between 4 different forums now...

How do I get my brain to sit still and do one thing at a time?

I have still not learnt how to focus on jobs that are not interesting - With the house I tend to focus on a small area at a time like you tried but then that's a problem too because then I just get stuck on small areas [doing them to perfection] and not the whole thing - What is the point of a really clean cupboard or really well vaccumed hallway carpet when the rest is a sh!t tip? lol

I know what you mean about having your mind in too many 'places' at once when you are not able to focus - it is a way better feeling for me when I am focused, I need that. I either seem to get overly focused or can't get focused at all - always a problem with the middle ground. The best feeling for me is when I am reasonably focused but I can hardly get the balance.

I hate not being able to focus at all because although my mind feels racing and wanting to do many things at once I just end up doing nothing at all other than being in some sort of a daze - I can waste so many hours this way and I don't like it at all.

I always have multiple browser tabs going at one time too, but the thing is, I really only take things in by doing one thing only at a time so it really defeats how I need to do things but I can't help it!

I know it's frustrating. However! I don't have any advice!

Yes, I completely understand, which is probably why my room hasn't been clean in 5 years.