By: Samantha Maloney
Ringing in the new year often brings a sense of renewal and optimism. For students returning to school after the holiday break, it’s a time to set goals, make resolutions, and embrace the idea of a "fresh start." While this can be motivating, for many neurodiverse students, especially those with ADHD, this relentless optimism can sometimes backfire.
Research by Knouse and Mitchell (Incautiously Optimistic: Positively-Valenced Cognitive Avoidance in Adult ADHD, 2015) reveals that the “fresh start” mentality can lead to overly optimistic automatic thoughts, which may result in setting unrealistic and unachievable goals without proper support. Let’s explore how this dynamic plays out and how coaches at BES help students turn their optimism into actionable success.
For neurodiverse students, the start of a new semester often brings a wave of positivity. Many believe that, “This semester will be different!” Many are confident they’ll be able to overcome past struggles effortlessly. For instance, college students on academic probation might approach the next semester with the mindset of “I’ve got this,” despite lacking a clear plan to improve. Even while in high school, students might resolve to raise their grades dramatically without considering the challenges that derailed them in the first place.
Unfortunately, without realistic planning and external support, these overly optimistic goals can lead to frustration and disappointment. The cycle often repeats, leaving students feeling defeated.
At BES, we understand the importance of maintaining optimism while grounding it in realistic and actionable strategies. That’s why our Academic and Executive Function Coaches help students create S.M.A.R.T. goals:
Coaches don’t just provide suggestions—we offer accountability. Each coaching session includes actionable steps that bring the student one step closer to achieving their goals. Some of these actionable items include…
Executive Function Coaching looks different for every student. Based on the research by Knouse and Mitchell, BES coaches understand the appeal of a clean slate while urging caution when setting ambitious goals. We encourage students to consider the necessary support, accountability, and resources needed to succeed. Coaches also reflect on past challenges and incorporate lessons learned into their planning. Most importantly, our philosophy is to build momentum with small, consistent wins rather than chasing perfection and riding the wave of optimistic, hopeful feelings.
If your child’s December didn’t end as successfully as they hoped, consider scheduling a free Meet & Greet with a BES coach. During this session, our coaches will briefly discuss your student’s goals, explore personalized strategies and actionable plans, and outline a path to success with ongoing support and accountability.
It’s wonderful to dream big, but imagine how empowering it would be for your student to achieve those dreams step-by-step. Let BES help bring those goals down to earth and into reality. Contact us today to start the journey toward a more successful semester.
References
Knouse LE, Mitchell JT. Incautiously Optimistic: Positively-Valenced Cognitive Avoidance in Adult ADHD.
Cogn Behav Pract. 2015 May;22(2):192-202. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2014.06.003.