Music Mental Health Diary Entry Day 2: Signs You Might Have ADHD (And Why It Matters in the Music Industry)

By Rich Steve Beck

Let me guess: some days, focusing feels impossible. You sit down to write lyrics or mix a track, but your mind jumps from one thing to the next. Yet, when you’re truly passionate about something—a new melody, an idea for a song—you dive in so deeply that hours fly by without you noticing. For me, this has been both a blessing and a curse. Hyperfocus lets me create incredible work when inspiration strikes, but it’s frustrating when I can’t summon that same energy for less exciting tasks, like admin or emails. Sound familiar?

You’re Constantly Running Late—or Overcommitting

Do you find yourself overbooking gigs, sessions, or collaborations, only to realise you’ve bitten off way more than you can chew? Or maybe you’re always running late because you underestimated how long something would take. I used to think this was just poor time management on my part, but it’s actually a common ADHD trait. Time blindness—the inability to accurately estimate how long things will take—is real, and it can make juggling the demands of the music industry feel overwhelming.

You Lose Track of Important Details

Have you ever forgotten to reply to an important email, missed a deadline, or misplaced a file you swore you saved? I know I have. ADHD often makes it hard to keep track of details, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects at once. In the music world, where professionalism matters, this can feel particularly frustrating. The good news? Systems like reminders, calendars, and cloud storage can help—and they don’t mean you’re failing; they just mean you’re adapting.

You Thrive on Chaos—but Get Overwhelmed by It Too

The music industry thrives on high-energy environments, last-minute changes, and constant hustle. For someone with ADHD, this can feel exhilarating—at first. But eventually, the same chaos that fuels your creativity can leave you feeling drained or scattered. I’ve noticed that I love the adrenaline rush of a tight deadline or a spontaneous studio session, but if I don’t carve out time to recharge, I crash hard. If this pattern sounds familiar, it could be a sign of ADHD.

You Procrastinate Until the Last Minute

Raise your hand if you’ve ever pulled an all-nighter to finish a track or scrambled to prepare for a gig at the eleventh hour. I definitely have. People with ADHD often procrastinate—not because they’re lazy, but because starting tasks feels overwhelming or unappealing until the pressure is sky-high. While this strategy can work (hello, adrenaline-fueled creativity), it’s not sustainable long-term. Recognising this tendency can help you find healthier ways to manage deadlines and avoid burnout.

You Feel Like Your Mind Is Always Racing

Does your brain ever feel like it’s going a million miles an hour? You might jump from one idea to the next, struggling to slow down long enough to act on them. This “racing thoughts” phenomenon is common with ADHD, and while it can fuel incredible creativity, it can also leave you feeling scattered or restless. For me, keeping a notebook handy has been a game-changer. Writing down ideas as they come helps me capture them before they slip away—and gives me a chance to revisit them later when I’m ready to focus.

You Struggle with Impulsivity

Impulsivity is another hallmark of ADHD. Maybe you’ve said yes to every opportunity that came your way, only to realise you’re stretched too thin. Or perhaps you’ve made quick decisions—like signing a contract or agreeing to a collaboration—without fully thinking them through. I’ve definitely been guilty of this. While spontaneity can lead to exciting opportunities, it’s important to balance it with thoughtful decision-making. Learning to pause and reflect before acting has helped me avoid unnecessary stress.

You Feel Emotions Intensely

People with ADHD often experience emotions more intensely than others. This means you might feel elated during a creative breakthrough but crushed by criticism or setbacks. In the music industry, where rejection and feedback are part of the job, this emotional sensitivity can be tough to navigate. For me, learning to separate constructive criticism from personal attacks—and finding healthy ways to process emotions—has been key to staying grounded.

You’re Highly Creative—but Struggle to Finish Projects

ADHD brains are wired for big ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. But finishing projects? That’s a whole other story. You might start a song, get excited about a new concept, or dive into a collaboration, only to lose steam halfway through. I’ve struggled with this too. The key, I’ve found, is breaking tasks into smaller steps and celebrating progress along the way. Even completing one verse or tweaking one track is worth acknowledging—it keeps the momentum going.

You Feel Like You Don’t Fit the Mold

Finally, if you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit into the traditional structures of the music industry—or life in general—you’re not alone. ADHD often makes people feel like outsiders, especially in environments that prioritise routine and structure. But here’s the thing: your unique perspective is your superpower. The music industry needs people who think differently, challenge norms, and bring fresh ideas to the table. If you see the world through a different lens, embrace it—it’s what makes your art special.

Recognising these signs isn’t about labeling yourself or limiting your potential. It’s about understanding why you operate the way you do—and using that knowledge to build systems, habits, and support networks that work for you. For me, learning about ADHD has been empowering. It’s helped me stop blaming myself for things I thought were flaws and start seeing them as part of how my brain works. And in the music industry, where creativity and individuality reign supreme, leaning into your authentic self is the most powerful thing you can do.

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Rich Steve Beck is a podcaster (PMFC Global TV), pro audio engineer/producer community leader (Produce Mix Fix and Conquer), full Music Producers Guild member, and pro mastering engineer who's worked with platinum-selling and Grammy-winning audio engineers.

He is also on a huge journey discovering about his own mental health and has felt a calling, as a large music community leader, to be an advocate for open mental health discussions across the industry.

ADHD, depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, autism...let's dive in to every mental health topic!

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