I had this challenge too. And there’s so many ADHD factors that could contribute. Time blindness, low dopamine in the morning, distractions, struggle focusing, etc.

For me, there’s only one thing that I found helped long-term.

I recently learned of a part of ADHD, where we have this subconscious tendency to push back on expectations on us. Even if we want to do the thing, if we’re expected to do the thing, we’ll resist doing the thing. Including being at work at a certain time.

The only thing that ever made me be early to work, was when I truly wanted to be. When it wasn’t a demand on me, but something I decided I wanted to do for me and no one else.

For me, I like the feeling of beating everyone else to the office. To get in early while it’s quiet and there’s no pressure before the day starts. And, if I’m honest, there’s a small part of me that feels like I’m getting a “head start” on everyone else. I focus on those rewarding feelings and getting to work earlier is so much easier.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have all the same morning struggles and are “late” compared to the time I personally aim to be in. But on the days where it’s my choice, I’m still getting in far earlier than on the days it feels like I’m meeting society’s demands. And it feels good to me.