My theory is that hyperfocus is overcompensation for the lack of normal motivation. If I’m going to do a large project or task, it’s all of nothing. The amount of time and effort I have to put into it before even getting started, vs a person without ADHD, means that working on something 30 minutes a day for 2 weeks is not possible.

It can take me 2 hours to work myself up to doing something like studying for a test or reading a book. Wasting 2 hours every day so that I can study for 30 minutes wouldn’t be very efficient. Cramming for 12 hours the weekend beforehand probably isn’t ideal either but it’s literally the only way I’m going to do it at all.