295 The Truth About ADHD and Avoidance Behaviors (It’s Not Laziness!)
Dec 24, 2024
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Discover the real reasons behind avoidance behaviors in adults with ADHD, debunking the myth of laziness. Listen to a personal tale about the struggle with unfinished tasks, like those wedding thank you notes that haunt our guilt. Gain insights into emotional regulation techniques and how to improve task follow-through. The importance of aligning personal goals with daily tasks is emphasized, along with the nuances of ADHD symptoms and the value of supportive growth. Reflect, seek help, and conquer those productivity hurdles!
43:49
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Quick takeaways
Evaluating and aligning your to-do list with your goals is essential for meaningful productivity without overwhelming responsibilities.
Shame can lead to avoidance behaviors in adults with ADHD, making it crucial to seek support and foster self-understanding instead.
Deep dives
Evaluating To-Do Lists for Productivity
Before effectively following through on tasks, it is essential to evaluate and align your to-do list with your goals. Many adults with ADHD mistakenly assume that their list contains the right tasks without critically assessing what truly matters. It's highlighted that prioritization is crucial, as one can only follow through on certain tasks at any given time. This approach helps prevent overwhelming oneself with unnecessary responsibilities and allows for focused, meaningful productivity.
The Role of Shame in ADHD
Shame is often detrimental for those with ADHD, leading to avoidance and hiding rather than motivating individuals to complete tasks. The podcast discusses how many adults internalize guilt and self-loathing for not accomplishing what they perceive they should do. A personal story is shared about never writing wedding thank-you notes, illustrating how shame compounded the struggle to follow through on the task. This emphasizes the need to shift from a shame-based approach to one that seeks support and understanding.
Identifying Support Needs
It is vital for individuals with ADHD to recognize what support they need to succeed in completing tasks instead of relying solely on self-criticism. Often, individuals hesitate to seek help, believing they should manage on their own, which can hinder their progress. By identifying and accepting the necessity of support, people with ADHD can create a more realistic approach to their responsibilities. Encouraging reflection on what is needed can empower individuals to seek the resources that will aid their productivity.
Emotional Regulation as a Tool
Emotional regulation practices are essential for adults with ADHD to effectively manage their emotions and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Techniques such as the RAIN method can help individuals recognize, allow, investigate, and nurture their feelings, fostering a healthier emotional landscape. By practicing these techniques during calm moments, individuals can build resilience and effectively cope with emotional dysregulation during challenging times. Consistently integrating emotional regulation into daily routines enhances the ability to maintain focus and overcome distractions.
Sign up for my free class HERE! In it, we'll dive into WHY your to-do list is broken, and how to fix it. I can't wait to see you there on Monday December 30!
Today's episode dives into the challenges of follow-through and the impact that shame has on our ability to get the things done. I share with you own experiences of unfinished tasks, and one in particular that still plagues me to this day.
Buckle up because this is a solo show which means it's a little unhinged and all over the map - just like every single one of us with ADHD!