Why do small tasks drain all my energy but big tasks don’t?

Small tasks often lack novelty, meaning, or urgency, so they provide very little dopamine. Big projects tend to be more engaging and stimulating, which makes them easier for ADHD brains to sustain. This mismatch leads people to feel confused about their own energy and capability. Clinicians emphasize that this is about task characteristics, not willpower. Designing systems that bundle small tasks with stimulation or reduce their frequency can help preserve energy.