In this engaging discussion, Dr. Ari Tuckman, a clinical psychologist and ADHD expert, dives into the intricate dynamics of productivity and ADHD. He highlights the paradox of wanting to be productive while feeling stuck in self-blame. Tuckman shares insights from his book on the myth of the perfect planner and the nuanced relationship with to-do lists. Emphasizing self-honesty, he encourages listeners to reevaluate their priorities and the pressures of perfectionism, ultimately redefining what true productivity means.
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insights INSIGHT
ADHD Amplifies Common Productivity Issues
ADHD intensifies common productivity challenges rather than creating new ones.
Time tracking and future planning pose specific difficulties affecting productivity.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Set Alarms Strategically
Use alarms thoughtfully by setting them early enough for preparation.
Understand context before setting reminders to avoid frustration.
insights INSIGHT
Overcoming Tool Resentment
Resenting productivity tools may stem from embarrassment or feeling judged.
Recognize alarms and calendars as tools for your own benefit, not others'.
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It’s not that people with ADHD don’t want to be productive. It’s that they’re often trapped in a paradox: striving to do more, while silently blaming themselves for not doing enough. That tension—between internal ambition and external expectations—is the focus of this conversation with returning guest clinical psychologist Dr. Ari Tuckman.
In this episode, Ari joins Pete and Nikki to explore the deep psychology of productivity, the social pressure to “look busy,” and the subtle ways perfectionism becomes a form of avoidance. Along the way, they discuss the myth of the perfect planner, why your to-do list is lying to you, and what happens when you finally admit you just don’t want to do the thing. With humor, heart, and a healthy dose of hard-earned insight, Ari introduces lessons from his new book, The ADHD Productivity Manual, revealing how managing productivity starts not with apps or alarms—but with radical honesty.
Because the real challenge isn’t doing more—it’s knowing what matters enough to do at all.
(00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
(02:12) - The Productivity Trap with Ari Tuckman
(03:21) - The ADHD Productivity Manual by Ari Tuckman
(05:12) - Where is the ADHD Productivity Groove?
(22:04) - Perfectionism
(25:58) - Getting Clear
(28:32) - "I don't wanna"
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Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast 
