Hello everyone! My name is Amanda, and I am your unconventional Board Certified Behavior Analyst – a neurodivergent BCBA, if you will. Throughout my life, and in my work, one of the concepts that pose both a persistent challenge and a compelling interest for me is consistency.
We’ve all heard the adage, “consistency is key.” Indeed, it is. Its importance in shaping behaviors, establishing routines, and eliciting positive change is undeniable. However, maintaining a steady course is not always as linear as it appears, especially in the face of our body’s natural desire for immediate satisfaction – enter dopamine.
Dopamine, that nifty neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward, plays an undeniably significant role in our lives. It’s the intrinsic pat on the back when we indulge in a delicious meal, observe a beautiful sunset, or punch out early for some well-deserved rest. It’s enticing, it’s infectious, and it’s not always in our best interests. Why? Because often, this short-term desire for dopamine release outweighs our impulse control.
As a neurodivergent individual, I’ve come to witness this battle firsthand. We live in a world where quick, pleasurable rewards are constantly at our fingertips. Be it social media offering a bounty of likes and comments, refreshing sweeter-than-sweet frappuccinos on every corner, or the comforting familiarity of habitual behaviors – resisting these immediate rewards requires considerable willpower.
Life’s full of these short-cuts to dopamine, and a neurodiverse brain is particularly susceptible. Complying with the long-term demands of consistency when the lures of immediate satisfaction are omnipresent can feel like walking a tightrope. Too much on one side, we risk impulsivity and self-indulgence. Lean too much the other way, we face rigidity and miss the joy of spontaneity and novelty.
Yet, it is vital to remember, mastering consistency doesn’t demand perfection. It requires self-awareness and adaptive strategies. Using antecedents and consequences, we can methodically shape behaviors to achieve a balanced approach to satisfying our natural dopamine desires while building and maintaining consistency.
The benefits of cultivating a consistent approach in life are manifold. Consistency raises reliability within ourselves and others. It boosts our credibility and self-confidence. It nurtures productive behaviors that can become second-nature routines, enabling us to achieve long-term objectives.
Striking the balance is key. Allow yourself the joy of occasional dopamine-driven rewards while keeping sight of your overriding goals. Resist the idea that we must be perfect, and instead, focus on the power of incremental progress —little doses of consistency that creates a path towards our higher commitments.
Being a neurodivergent BCBA allows me to empathize uniquely with my clients and understand humans’ shared struggles. Grappling with consistency, dopamine, and impulse control is not simply a neurodivergent issue—it’s a human issue. And acknowledging this commonality is a step towards fostering a more accepting, understanding world.
Until next time, stay consistent, and stay splendid.
Best,
Amanda