Understanding Procrastination and Avoidance as Defense Mechanisms

In this episode of the ADHD Support Talk Radio podcast, co-host Lynne Edris takes a unique perspective on common struggles experienced by adults with ADHD, namely poor follow-through, procrastination, and avoidance. Lynne challenges the conventional view of procrastination as laziness or a character flaw and instead explores it as a behavioral habit born of a coping mechanism that has gone awry. This episode originally aired in April of 2021.  Lynne delves into the underlying reasons behind procrastination and avoidance, helping listeners understand the root causes of these behaviors. She emphasizes that individuals with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning, which can make it challenging to initiate tasks, sustain focus, and manage time effectively. Procrastination and avoidance, therefore, become maladaptive coping mechanisms that provide temporary relief from the anxiety and overwhelm associated with tasks. By reframing procrastination as a coping mechanism, Lynne helps listeners gain insight into their own patterns of avoidance and understand the emotional and cognitive factors that contribute to their struggles. This shift in perspective helps individuals move away from self-blame and judgment and towards a more compassionate and proactive approach to addressing their challenges. Throughout the episode, Lynne provides practical strategies that listeners can implement to overcome procrastination and improve follow-through. These strategies are tailored to the specific needs of individuals with ADHD and take into account the unique aspects of their cognitive functioning. By addressing the underlying causes of procrastination, such as fear of failure, overwhelm, or difficulty with task initiation, listeners can develop effective tools and techniques to enhance their productivity and consistency. Podcast Co-Host Lynne Edris s a Productivity & ADHD Coach who helps distracted professionals from all over the world learn to accomplish what they intend and take control of their days with ease so that they can perform at the level of their abilities and have more time, more energy and more bandwidth for what matters most to them.  Lynne is a woman, wife, and mom with ADHD herself, so she understands the struggles and challenges of living with ADHD. She has gone from living in the constant state of chaos, overwhelm, and under-performance that adults with ADHD know far too well, to living a life of more success and fulfillment than she once dreamed possible. Her passion is to help others fulfill their own potential and start “firing on all cylinders” in all areas of your life. You can learn more about Lynne at , and text keyword “MYQUIZ” to 33777 you’ll get complimentary access to her Online Productivity Breakthrough Quiz to identify your productivity type and get to the root of what gets in the way of your productivity and follow through, so that you can stop struggling, take control of your time and your life, and show up like the incredible person you really are more easily and more consistently!! Tara McGillicuddy has been known and celebrated in the ADHD community for decades of practical and long-lasting shifts in tens of thousands in her communities. The creator of ADDClasses.com, The ADHD Awareness Expo and ADHD Support Talk Radio Tara is one of the longest-standing leaders in the field. Over the years she has also honed her natural skills as an empath. She now also combines the rare gift of sight and energetic knowing and her latest project is Empath Now a resource to help Empower Empaths. Podcast Co-Host Lynne Edris s a Productivity & ADHD Coach who helps distracted professionals from all over the world learn to accomplish what they intend and take control of their days with ease so that they can perform at the level of their abilities and have more time, more energy and more bandwidth for what matters most to them.  Lynne is a woman, wife, and mom with ADHD herself, so she understands the struggles and challenges of living with ADHD. She has gone from living in the constant state of chaos, overwhelm, and under-performance that adults with ADHD know far too well, to living a life of more success and fulfillment than she once dreamed possible. Her passion is to help others fulfill their own potential and start “firing on all cylinders” in all areas of your life. You can learn more about Lynne at , and text keyword “HACK” to 33777 to get her 7 Fool-Proof Productivity Hacks for unfocused professionals! ADHD Support Talk Radio is an award winning Podcast for Adults with ADD / ADHD. Co-hosts Tara McGillicuddy and Lynne Edris are joined by Adult ADHD experts and they cover important topics related to Adult ADD / ADHD. Podcast guests include Dr. Edward Hallowell, Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, Dr. Ari Tuckman, Laurie Dupar, Terry Matlen and many more. Tara McGillicuddy is the Producer, Owner and Co-host of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast. You may contact Tara with general questions or feedback about the podcast, Lynne Edris is the Co-host of the ADHD Support Talk Radio Podcast. You may contact Lynne with feedback about her episodes or if you are interested in having her interview you as a guest. We may be affiliates for products we mention or recommend. If you purchase those items through our links, we may earn a commission.