There is nothing more frustrating to someone with ADHD than when we share our frustrations only to get back generic advice that we’ve heard a million times.

It makes me want to throw up in my mouth and cry in frustration.

It feels like I must be losing my mind.

ADHD Person: 

“I am having trouble getting things done and it’s driving me crazy! I’m so frustrated!”

Every Non-ADHD Person’s Response:

ADHD Person:

“No SH*T! Like I didn’t think of that. Do you think I am just STUPID?!”

Living a life with ADHD but also having the intelligence to do such a great job at “masking” it for much of our lives is a blessing and a curse.

We end up feeling misunderstood and also start to question our reality.

It’s so much more than people think.

It runs much deeper than just being:

• “Hyper”

• “Obnoxious”

• “Annoying”

• “Forgetful”

• “Lazy”

• “Overanxious”

• “Scattered’

Side Note: Of course, there are a million awesome advantages but for this context, I am focusing on the challenges.

“This is all sounding so doom and gloom, Ian. WTF? Is there a bright side here or are you just trying to ruin my Sunday?”

YES! The point here is that if you are anything like me, STARTING is not always the problem!!!

Throughout my life “starting small” or “doing the bare minimum” was my specialty in many areas!

I feel like much of my life I have left a trail of projects or tasks that were “started” everywhere I went.

“What’s the Point???”

We are GREAT at STARTING but SUCK at FINISHING!!!!!

In my online course Conquering ADHD Paralysis (which is FREE this month with the link below BTW),

I use the analogy of an airplane to represent the process of completing any single task or project.

Here are two techniques from the course which you could try TODAY.

#1) Embrace a First Draft Approach

When we start anything we often are scared to “close” or “complete” it.

We are paralyzed by fear of:

• perfectionism

• insecurity to make mistakes

• trauma from the past impulsivity

• uncertainty of expectations

• feeling inadequate for that task

• and more

What we need to do is lower the perceived RISK of actually “completing” it.

When we think in terms of a first draft,

it tells our brain:

• we are safe

• this is not final

• I can fix any mistakes

• I can look at my draft when its done and check it over

This simple technique allows us to move through to completion much easier.

You will be surprised how often once you finish something you don’t need to change it that much.

#2) Celebrate the Value of Repetition

When we are faced with something “half done”, it’s VERY common to freeze up in the middle allowing our minds to go in loops analyzing the task or project.

This causes us to:

• become frozen in “pause” mode

• waste mental energy and processing power on “solutions” and problem-solving

• become emotionally exhausted with the task or project

• gradually avoid it due to the emotional and mental stress it causes us

When we shift our focus on the value and power of “repetition”, this allows us to break through those blocks with a new target to move towards.

Repetition provides us:

• improvement of our skills

• experience with more data to reflect on

• the ability to uncover new solutions and ideas that are not purely “theoretical”

• the volume of activity from which to improve on

Key Takeaways:

• Starting is great but if you do not COMPLETE anything then you will not be living up to your potential

• These techniques are very effective but takes patience and practice

• Our minds are VERY powerful so we need to “outsmart” them and direct them where to go

• ADHD challenges are REAL so practice self-compassion and patience with yourself

• You are not ALONE. Millions of others also share the very same challenges that make you feel crazy sometimes.

It is my life mission to help others through my work.

When you are ready, here are the ways I could help you:

• Individual coaching: Together we will dig into the patterns and beliefs holding you back. My work with private coaching clients is focused on helping senior leaders uncover how ADHD has played a role in their performance and make the shifts to accelerate their performance. To schedule an intro session with me, click here.

• ADHD Leadership Mastermind Accelerator: Join an exclusive group of leaders with ADHD in a 6-week mastermind accelerator program. You will learn about your ADHD with peers and leverage the power of accountability to make powerful shifts that transform your ability to execute what matters. Learn More

• Conquering ADHD Paralysis: Online Course: This course is broken into 11 bite-size lessons for about 5 minutes each. You will follow along with the workbook and transform your ability to execute hard things.

  • FREE FOR NOVEMBER! ($150 Value)

    • USE CODE: NOV23NL

      • Instant Access

PS - THANK YOU for reading. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE reply to me and let me know if these are helpful.

Do you have any specific challenges you would love me to write about?

Let me know!

Much love,

Ian