
Parenting with Impact EP231: ADHD And Productivity: How To Work Smarter, Not Harder
Sep 10, 2025
Ari Tuckman is a psychologist and ADHD expert, renowned for his insights on productivity and emotional barriers. In this discussion, he reveals that productivity struggles often stem not from effort, but emotional roadblocks like shame and decision paralysis. Ari emphasizes the importance of defining problems clearly and adopting effective prioritization. He also shares strategies for deep work, offers tips on saying 'no' to manage social obligations, and advocates for a compassionate approach to overcoming past failures. A must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance their productivity!
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Purpose Over Pure Productivity
- Productivity isn't about becoming a relentless robot grinding tasks nonstop.
- The real goal is living a good life with meaningful work and strong relationships.
How ADHD Found His Practice
- Ari describes how adult ADHD found him as a career path in the late 90s and fit naturally with his circle of friends.
- He realized many old friends likely had undiagnosed ADHD, which confirmed the match.
Emotions Drive Productivity Problems
- Emotional context shapes productivity struggles just as much as executive function gaps.
- Addressing shame and feelings about ADHD prevents compounding negative cycles.




