The Lie of 'Just Try Harder': What Most People Misunderstand About Cognitive Load

Daniel Steinberg, PhD
May 27
2 min read

If willpower worked, you wouldn't still be stuck. Cognitive overload isn't a character flaw—it's a systems problem.

A woman sits at a chaotic desk covered in papers, sticky notes, and coffee cups, appearing overwhelmed while trying to focus on her laptop. The image illustrates the mental strain of cognitive overload despite external productivity tools. — Surrounded by productivity tools and still overwhelmed—because cognitive overload isn’t solved with more effort.

🔬 Why "Just Try Harder" Misses the Mark

“Just try harder.”

“Use a planner.”

“Set better goals.”

If you’ve ever struggled with attention, motivation, or task initiation, you’ve probably heard some version of this advice.

And if you’ve ever lived with executive dysfunction, you know how ineffective—and damaging—it can be.

🧠 What Executive Function Really Is

Executive functions are the brain’s command center: the mental skills that allow us to plan, organize, initiate, and sustain goal-directed behavior. When these systems are underperforming, it’s not about laziness—it’s about a bottleneck in the brain.

Symptoms of executive dysfunction often include:

Trouble getting started, even on urgent tasks
Difficulty switching between activities
Frequent disorganization or forgetfulness
Emotional overreactions to minor stressors
Mental fatigue from simple decisions

📉 The Reality of Cognitive Load

Most people underestimate the role of cognitive load—the mental bandwidth required to juggle competing demands.

When your executive systems are overloaded (due to ADHD, trauma, sleep deprivation, or stress), your capacity to follow through decreases—even when your intentions remain strong.

It’s like trying to run modern software on a decade-old laptop. The issue isn’t motivation—it’s processing power.

🚫 Why Willpower Isn’t the Answer

Telling someone to "just focus" or "just try harder" assumes the system is intact.

But when executive function is impaired, willpower is a short-term fix—not a long-term strategy. And constant failure to meet expectations only reinforces shame, imposter syndrome, and burnout.

Instead of shame, we need clarity.

Instead of motivational speeches, we need targeted strategies based on how the brain actually works.

🧠 When to Consider an Evaluation

If you’ve tried every productivity trick and still feel stuck, it’s not a character flaw—it may be a system issue.

A comprehensive ADHD or executive function evaluation can:

Identify underlying neurocognitive patterns
Differentiate between ADHD, trauma, anxiety, or burnout
Offer actionable strategies that align with your unique wiring

You don’t need another app. You need a framework that fits you.

📍 Final Thought: Clarity Isn’t a Luxury

Executive dysfunction isn’t solved with hustle. It’s understood through assessment, supported by evidence, and managed with compassion.

If you’re navigating a hidden struggle beneath your productivity—or lack of it—I offer structured evaluations that turn confusion into clarity.

➡️ Learn more about adult ADHD evaluations

➡️ Schedule a consult

Dr. Daniel Steinberg is a licensed clinical psychologist offering telehealth-based ADHD assessments for adults across PSYPACT-participating states. His approach emphasizes clarity, compassion, and clinically sound evaluation.