In this engaging discussion, Madeline O’Reilly, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and Jonathan Hassall, an ADHD and Executive Function coach, unveil their online program, Decoding Doing. They share a fascinating five-stage model for overcoming procrastination and emphasize the importance of understanding cognitive and emotional needs. The duo offers practical tips, such as visualizing tasks and considering emotional energy while planning. They also encourage reframing procrastination as self-care, inviting listeners into a new perspective on productivity.
The podcast emphasizes a five-stage model for addressing procrastination, encouraging emotional engagement and proactive task planning.
Listeners learn that motivation can be self-driven by visualizing steps to complete tasks, rather than relying on external rewards or deadlines.
Deep dives
Understanding Procrastination
The podcast discusses a five-stage model designed to tackle procrastination, which is a common struggle for individuals with ADHD. The initial stage, termed 'connect,' involves emotionally engaging with a task by acknowledging its relevance and committing to it. Following this is the 'imagine' stage, which emphasizes detailed planning, considering the processes, resources, and context needed to accomplish the task. This approach seeks to break the cycle of procrastination by shifting focus from merely recovering from it to preventing it through proactive engagement.
Redefining Motivation
A significant insight highlights the misconception surrounding motivation for those with ADHD, where it is often viewed as a potent emotional drive contingent on the task's rewards or deadlines. Instead, the conversation emphasizes that motivation can be cultivated by visualizing the steps required to complete a task, transforming it into a manageable process rather than an overwhelming goal. By imagining themselves accomplishing the task, individuals can foster a sense of motivation that is self-driven and not reliant on external factors. This shift allows for a more consistent approach to initiating tasks without waiting for that 'spark' of motivation.
Capacity and Self-Acceptance
The dialogue reveals that procrastination can often stem from unmet needs such as fatigue or emotional exhaustion, rather than merely a lack of willpower. Recognizing and addressing these underlying needs is crucial for individuals with ADHD, as ignoring them may lead to chronic procrastination. The importance of self-acceptance is underscored, enabling individuals to acknowledge their limits and adjust their plans accordingly. This acceptance serves to reduce the feelings of inadequacy that often accompany ADHD, thereby fostering a healthier self-esteem.
Practical Strategies for Action
Listeners are encouraged to adopt practical strategies, such as visualizing tasks and recognizing the importance of both time and emotional capacity in planning. It's advised to take a moment to pause when encountering obstacles, analyze the situation, and consciously choose the next step forward. This approach not only enhances clarity in task execution but also empowers individuals to navigate unexpected challenges with confidence. By prioritizing self-care and recognizing the value of rest and breaks, individuals can maintain their productivity without succumbing to stress or burnout.
This week I’m joined by Madeline O’Reilly and Jonathan Hassall to talk about their new online program called Decoding Doing that is based on a book they wrote with the same title. And that’s fair, Decoding Doing is a great title when we’re talking about procrastination.
And just a little background, Madeline is a clinical psychologist with a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Additionally, Madeline is a member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association along with the Australian Professional ADHD Association and the Australian Association for CBT. Jonathan is an ADHD and Executive Function coach and also is a board member of the ADD Association (ADDA USA).
In our conversation today we go through the their five-stage model for working through procrastination. We’ll explore how our perception of motivation can often hold us back, and more importantly, how understanding our emotional and cognitive needs can help us break free from the procrastination cycle.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/204
When planning a task visualize the steps. Don’t just think about the goal, picture the process of how you’ll get there. And be prepared for interruptions or barriers. When they come up, pause, analyze the problem, and choose your next step.
Don’t just rely on time management—factor in your energy and emotional capacity when planning your day. While time plays a factor in what you can get done, your energy levels are an equally important factor to consider.
Often when you’re procrastinating, it’s a signal that something else—like rest, food, or movement—is needed. When you find yourself in a cycle of procrastination try slowing down and seeing what else might need to be addressed.
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