2024 Tech: The ADHD of Innovation

Othmane N.
3 min readOct 31, 2023

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Picture by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Innovation frequently feels like it has ADHD in the rapidly evolving field of technology, where AI, deep learning, and quantum computing are the newest buzzwords. Thoughts are like charged electrons speeding across space at the speed of light, but how many of them cross the finish line?

In 2024, there is a flurry of activity in the tech sector. More startups are opening up than you can say “Silicon Valley,” and there’s a strong sense of entrepreneurship in the air. Though it appears like everyone is coming up with amazing ideas, at some point they seem to lose concentration and move on to the next shiny item.

We’ll just refer to it as the ADHD of creativity. Those who are struck with inspiration in the morning and follow it up with another idea after lunch are not unusual in today’s world. It’s a known fact that people sometimes have million-dollar ideas before breakfast, but how do you actually make those thoughts a reality? But that’s an other tale.

An innovative person with ADHD may resemble a squirrel high on coffee. Thoughts are hidden in the most obscure areas of our minds, quickly forgotten as a fresh one appears. This frenzy of ideation is common among IT fans, engineers, founders, and even chief executive officers. They become convinced that they can create the next game-changing invention when they witness the wonders of artificial intelligence, the potential of deep learning, and the astounding rise of startups.

But here’s the thing: innovation is about execution as much as it is about ideas. It’s about the arduous work, the perspiration, the innumerable tries, and yes, the setbacks. It’s the dedication to turning an idea from a concept onto paper, and this is where innovation’s ADHD frequently throws a curve ball.

In the tech industry, overstimulation and overenthusiasm coexist paradoxically. These days, there are as many fresh chances available online as there are cat videos. The lack of follow-through is the drawback of this hyperactivity. The latest fascinating potential or the next big trend might easily divert people’s attention. Brilliant, transient ideas abound in the cemetery of half-baked, never-executed undertakings.

What then is the 2024 version of the ADHD of innovation? It all comes down to striking the correct balance, though. It’s about controlling your inner squirrel, concentrating on a small number of concepts, and seeing them through to maturity. It all comes down to realizing that not every idea that comes to you is worthwhile and that more methodical approaches to invention can provide better outcomes.

The most productive inventors in the software industry are frequently those who can focus their energy into a steady flow of projects. They know that it’s more important to execute the ideas you do have well than it is to have a lot of ideas.

Though it may be common in the tech industry, the ADHD of invention isn’t always a bad thing. It is evidence of the plethora of inventiveness and the seemingly endless prospects present in this dynamic environment. The secret is to maximize the wonderful ideas that come your way by perfecting the balance of enthusiasm, focus, and perseverance.

In 2024, as we traverse the rapidly evolving world of technology, let’s keep in mind that innovation isn’t about being everywhere at once and doing everything. It’s about channeling the creative energy of an ADHD-like person into a few transformative undertakings that could change the course of human history.

Don’t allow a fresh concept in the tech industry pass you by the next time you get a rush from it. Take hold of it, give it some care, and watch where it leads. After all, the trip may be just as exciting as the destination in the ADHD of creativity.

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Othmane N.

Senior Fullstack Developer | Passionate about JavaScript, TypeScript and UX, open-source | In love with SaaS architectures and automation 🚀