Why ADHD reduces working memory

While everyone talks about ADHD and time blindness, ADHD-ish host Diann Wingert spotlights the real bottleneck: working memory.

She unpacks what working memory is (and how it's not just short-term memory), why ADHD brains often struggle to keep pace in business, and why brain games probably won't fix the problem.

But it’s not all doom and gloom—Diann shares honest strategies that actually work, from building reliable external systems to reducing cognitive load with templates, checklists, and automation.

If you’re tired of forgetting your best ideas or fumbling through processes you’ve done a hundred times, this episode will empower you with practical tips to actually work.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

1. Working memory vs. short-term memory: Get clear on the difference (hint: it’s not just about forgetting phone numbers!).
2. Where working memory trips up your business: From client calls that go haywire to onboarding step mix-ups — see if any sound familiar!
3. Why brain games aren’t your magic ticket: Diann gives it to you straight about apps that overpromise and underdeliver.
4. Practical, game-changing strategies: Discover ways to reduce your cognitive load and externalize what your brain shouldn’t have to hold onto (checklists FTW!).
5. How entrepreneurs with ADHD actually build smarter businesses: Find out why having to systematize things can become your secret advantage over neurotypical competition.

Actionable Strategies to Outsmart Your Working Memory

Build External Systems:

1. Use voice memos obsessively to capture ideas instantly.
2. Write everything down—client notes, tasks, processes.
3. Use checklists for multi-step processes, every single time.
4. Offload information for others; don’t be their external hard drive.

Automate and Template:

1. Batch similar tasks to minimize context switching.
2. Use templates and SOPs for recurring processes and emails.
3. Automate scheduling, reminders, and follow-up wherever possible.

Optimize Your Cognitive Capacity:

1. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and stress management—your working memory tanks when these are out of whack.
2. If you take ADHD medication, schedule your heavy-thinking work when it’s at peak effectiveness.
3. Try meditation to increase basic focus and reduce mental noise.

About the Host:

Diann Wingert (she/her) is a seasoned coach, consultant, and the creator/host of ADHD-ish. Drawing from her many years of experience as a former psychotherapist, business owner, and someone who thinks "outside the box," Diann is known for her straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to the intersection of neurodiversity and business ownership.

Resources Mentioned During the Episode

1. Tidy Cal - online scheduler to eliminate the email tango (lifetime offer)
2. Voxer - walkie-talkie app for voice notes (free)
3. Fathom - AI notetaker (free)
4. Dual N’Back brain training for working memory
5. Brain Workshop open source working memory training

Let’s put insight into action:

Ready to make your business less chaotic and way more effective? Pick ONE recurring task you’ve been trying to keep in your head and turn it into a system — make a checklist, create a template, whatever works for you. Your future self will thank you!

And if you loved this episode (or you’re new to ADHD-ish), follow/subscribe right now so you don’t have to remember to search for it next time.

For 1:1 customized help building ADHD-friendly systems that stick, check out Diann Wingert’s coaching at www.diannwingertcoaching.com.

© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.