I'm Busy Being Awesome - Sustainable Productivity for ADHD

Episode 338: I Never Finish Anything! ADHD & the last 5%

12 snips
Jan 19, 2026
Have you ever found yourself stuck at the last 5% of a task? This conversation dives into the challenges that procrastinate ADHD brains, exploring reasons why finishing can feel so overwhelming. Discover five hidden obstacles that trap you in the 'almost done' loop, and learn two effective ways to redefine what 'done' means. With a focus on 'functional done' and daily accomplishments, you'll gain practical strategies to break free from perfectionism and embrace productive pauses.
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ANECDOTE

Birthday Card That Never Gets Sent

  • Paula describes the birthday card example where buying the card felt like progress but writing and sending it stalled.
  • The small task stretched from minutes into days and caused guilt when the birthday was missed.
ANECDOTE

Publishing: One More Requirement

  • Paula shares her book-publishing experience where each time she thought she was done more requirements appeared.
  • Missing final items like an index and permissions made completion feel endless.
INSIGHT

Finish Work Uses A Different Brain Mode

  • Paula explains that the last 5% requires different attention and skills than the main work.
  • Finishing often needs detail-oriented, administrative focus separate from creative work.
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