Why do I abandon routines that initially worked?

This is a classic ADHD pattern. Routines often work at first because they’re new and engaging. Once novelty fades, the routine requires sustained self initiation without immediate reward, which is much harder for the ADHD brain. Clinicians don’t see this as lack of follow through. They see it as difficulty with habit automation. Many people do better with flexible systems, periodic resets, or external structure rather than rigid routines. Dropping routines doesn’t mean they failed. It means the brain needs stimulation or support to maintain them.