Thought of the Week: Finding Joy in Hyper-focus

Have you ever been so engrossed in something that you lose all sense of time? That’s hyper focus in action, and for many of us who are neurodivergent, it’s not just a rare experience, it’s a regular part of how our minds work. But is it a ‘superpower’, or does it come with strings attached?

For me, hyper focus feels like a deep dive into a world where everything else fades away. It could be a work project, a creative idea, or even a random curiosity (did you know monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles? I didn’t either until I spent a whole evening researching it). When I’m in that zone, I can work with a level of detail and passion that feels like my brain is fully switched on, like I’m firing on all cylinders. But there’s a catch. While I’m deep in one thing, everything else; emails, meetings, meals and even bathroom breaks can fall by the wayside.

At work, this can be both a blessing and a challenge. Hyper focus is incredible for solving complex problems or creating something new, but it doesn’t always align with deadlines or priorities. And let’s be real, it’s hard to explain to someone that you didn’t reply to their email because you were laser-focused on reformatting a spreadsheet that wasn’t even urgent.

Hyper focus doesn’t ask for permission; it just shows up when it wants to.

My thoughts this week are around asking how does focus show up in your life? Maybe you’ve experienced those moments where the world fades away, and you’re so locked into what you’re doing that everything else disappears. Does that feel like a strength? Or does it sometimes pull you away from the things you “should” be doing?

For me, learning to manage hyper focus has been an ongoing process. I’ve had to set alarms to remind myself to look up, check in, and oh yeah, eat lunch. I’ve also had to let go of guilt when it takes over unexpectedly. Sure, I might lose track of time, but what I gain is a depth of insight and creativity that makes me uniquely me.

What I’ve come to realise is this: hyper focus, like so many aspects of neurodivergence, is about balance. It’s not always about controlling it but about embracing it and channelling it in ways that add value. Whether that’s diving deep into a task, solving a tricky problem, or simply sharing your enthusiasm for a niche topic (hello again, monarch butterflies), hyperfocus can be a source of strength and joy.

So, I’ll leave this with you: how can we better embrace those moments of deep focus? Whether they’re driven by hyper focus or simply passion? And how can we create space in our workplaces and lives to celebrate these moments for what they are, instead of trying to rein them in?

Let me know what you think! How do you manage focus, and what does it mean to you?