How to Use Novelty to Trick Your Brain Into Taking Action (Especially When You’d Rather Do Literally Anything Else)

Let’s Talk About the Laundry Monster

Every week, I make the same tragic mistake. I ignore the laundry.

First, it’s just a casual pile. A couple of shirts. Maybe some socks doing the cha-cha across the floor. But then… the underwear situation becomes critical. Suddenly, I’m running 37 loads in a caffeine-fueled panic, thinking, Why do we even have this many clothes?!

You’d think that would be the hard part, right?

Wrong.

Because then comes Mount Kilimanjunderwear. (Not Everest. That’s too basic. Kilimanjaro is a freestanding volcano in Tanzania, which is actually harder to scale because you gain altitude rapidly. Similarly, dumping every clean load onto my bed to “deal with it later” gives me a rapid spike in overwhelm. Scientific.)

And there it sits. Staring at me. Judging me. Whispering, “You thought this would take 10 minutes? Ha.”

But here’s where novelty saves the day. The ADHD brain loves novelty. And I learned how to use it on purpose to outsmart myself, and maybe even have a little fun in the process.

The Science of Novelty: Why It Works for ADHD Brains

Novelty triggers dopamine, our favorite brain chemical for motivation and interest. It helps bypass the “ugh” filter that blocks task initiation, especially when something feels repetitive, boring, or overwhelming (like, say, sorting 14,000 unmatched socks).

So when you’re stuck, unmotivated, or circling the drain of executive dysfunction, try one of these novelty-based hacks:

1. Change the Environment

Even a tiny tweak can reboot your brain:

• Fold laundry on the porch or living room floor instead of your bed

• Set a silly scene: laundry fort, spa music, lava lamp, whatever works

• Light a candle and tell yourself you’re folding clothes in a fancy boutique (bonus if you narrate in a fake French accent)

ADHD trick: Different = Interesting. Even if it’s still laundry.

2. Gamify the Task

Turn it into a game and suddenly, you’re playing, not working.

• Set a timer for one song, then fold like a beast until the song ends

• Use a spinner app to decide which item to fold first (shirts vs pants: battle mode!)

• Pretend it’s a game show: “Contestant #1 has 5 minutes to fold as much as possible, and... GO!”

This is how I now approach my laundry like a boss battle. Mount Kilimanjunderwear? I am armed. I am dangerous. I have a time timer!

3. Use a Novel Tool or Supply

Weirdly, your brain cares what pen you use.

• New sticky notes or highlighters? Dopamine.

• Giant dry erase board for planning chores? Executive function boost.

• Folding clothes while using a voice memo to list what you’ve finished? Satisfying and multi-sensory.

4. Add a Human Spark

Body doubling changed the game for me. I literally body double (aka co-work) virtually with my clients every week, and have gotten more accomplished than ever before, as a result. Having someone nearby, even virtually, makes boring tasks feel less lonely and more doable.

• Call a friend and chat while folding

• Text someone “Laundry round 1 starts now—will report back!”

• Use Focusmate, Zoom co-working, or even a pet for moral support

Accountability = action.

5. Surprise Your Brain

Weird is welcome.

• Narrate like a YouTuber: “Today on My TED Talk, we tackle sock mountain…”

• Do the steps in reverse order. Put away clothes before sorting (what could go wrong?!)

• Pretend you’re filming a reality show: Real Housewives of Executive Dysfunction (I just created a whole episode in my mind and it was epic!)

The more unexpected, the better. Your brain perks up to see what’s next.

Bonus Starter Phrases to Bypass the Mental Wall:

• “Let’s just mess around with this for 5 minutes.”

• “I’m not doing it... I’m just looking at it.”

• “Let’s make this weird for a second.”

• “I bet I can fold 10 shirts before this song ends.”

• “I can do anything for just 2 minutes.“

Final Thoughts: Make It Novel, Make It Doable

If your brain resists the task, don’t fight harder—sneak around it. We're not going for fancy or perfection. We're simply trying to keep your brain interested just long enough to get started.

And once you’re in motion?

Boom. Magic!