What does, “That’s so ADHD,” really mean?

We’ve all said it:

“That’s so ADHD!”

Maybe it’s when your friend forgets where they put their keys.

Or when you scroll through Instagram a little longer than you meant to before finishing a simple task.

Or when you get so excited you blurt something out before thinking.

Distraction, clumsiness, excitement, impulsivity — these moments are part of the human experience. In small doses, we all experience what feels a little “ADHD.”

But here’s the big question: What’s the difference between someone having an “ADHD moment” and someone who actually has ADHD?

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s not about being “bad at paying attention.” It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the brain’s executive functioning — the set of skills that help us plan, organize, focus, and regulate our emotions.

In other words, ADHD isn’t about willpower. It’s about the brain having trouble prioritizing and sustaining attention, no matter how hard someone tries.

Clinically, ADHD shows up in three main types:

1. Inattentive type — trouble sustaining focus, forgetfulness, disorganization
   
   • Example: starting five projects but finishing none, forgetting to pay bills, constantly misplacing essentials
     
2. Hyperactive-impulsive type — fidgeting, restlessness, impulsive decisions
   
   • Example: talking over others in meetings, interrupting, driving too fast without thinking
     
3. Combined type — a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits
   

Did you know? ADHD affects about 9.8% of children in the U.S. and an estimated 4–5% of adults worldwide. That means millions of people experience its impact daily, often in ways that go far beyond occasional forgetfulness.

The Key Difference: Occasional vs. Impaired

Everyone occasionally loses focus, forgets something, or makes an impulsive choice. That’s normal.

But for someone with ADHD, these struggles aren’t just occasional. They are:

• Persistent — showing up across different areas of life (work, school, relationships)
  
• Pervasive — not just when tired or stressed, but consistently present
  
• Impairing — interfering with daily functioning and success
  

Concrete examples:

• Occasional ADHD moment: You forget your grocery list one day and end up winging it.
  
• ADHD impairment: You forget your list every week. Despite reminders, you leave without half the items. The pattern causes conflict at home and impacts family meals.
  
• Occasional ADHD moment: You get distracted by a text while cleaning, and it takes longer than expected.
  
• ADHD impairment: You get distracted so often that bills, housework, and projects pile up — leaving you overwhelmed and stressed.
  

Why This Matters

When we say, “That’s so ADHD,” we’re usually pointing to a normal lapse — a socially acceptable way to laugh at our quirks. And that’s fine.

But for people with ADHD, these lapses aren’t just quirks. They’re daily battles against a brain that struggles to organize, regulate, and follow through — no matter how much the person wants to do things “properly.”

And here’s the beautiful paradox: People with ADHD are often the first to laugh at themselves. Why? Because life has taught them that control is an illusion. No matter how seriously they try to take life, ADHD constantly reminds them to roll with the punches.

This makes them experts at flexibility, adaptability, and pivoting from Plan A to Plan B (and C, and D). That resilience is something worth learning from.

There is always something beautiful and teachable hidden in suffering — if we have the eyes to see it.

What’s Next

Over the next several weeks, we’ll unpack ADHD more deeply. Whether you live with ADHD, love someone who does, or simply wonder how much of your own quirks might fit the picture, this series is for you.

Have a specific ADHD question you’d like answered? Drop it in the comments. I’ll prioritize those as we go.

God bless,

Teresa Violette