Starting Strong: The Momentum Series Guide to Getting Things Done

Jul 1, 2025

Dive into the struggles of starting, stopping, and switching gears as an entrepreneur with ADHD. Explore the 'messy start method' that prioritizes action over perfectionism. Discover the 2% + 20% formula that simplifies taking first steps. Learn practical systems and strategies for everything from launching a podcast to reaching dream clients. Overcome procrastination with small, manageable steps and embrace the power of imperfection. Join the journey to build sustainable momentum and finally get those projects off the ground!

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INSIGHT

The ADHD Starting Paradox

ADHD entrepreneurs face two opposite starting problems: analysis paralysis and cannonball starting.
Both extremes set us up for failure by either creating impossible standards or causing burnout.

ANECDOTE

Renee and Mark's Starting Struggles

Renee overplans her course launch, delaying actual content creation for months.
Mark impulsively announces a membership site before having a clear plan, leading to panic.

INSIGHT

The Root Fear of Sustainability

Both overplanning and impulsive starts are driven by the same fear: "What if I can't keep this up?"
Planning tries to outsmart fear; impulsive starts try to outrun it, but neither strategy works.

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Welcome to ADHD-ish, the podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs whose brains work a little differently.

I’m your host, Diann Wingert, and today we’re kicking off “The Momentum Series,” a deep-dive into what I like to call the “unholy trinity” of ADHD business struggles: starting, stopping, and switching gears.

Ever find yourself stuck in a never-ending planning phase, or maybe leaping headfirst into a project before you’re actually ready?

You’re not alone—it’s what I call the ADHD starting paradox, and it’s a challenge so many of us face. In this episode, we’ll break down why we get trapped in either over-planning or impulsively diving in, and explore the real fear that’s driving both: “What if I can’t keep this up?”

I’ll introduce you to my messy start method—a practical, low-pressure approach that ditches perfection and procrastination for real results. You’ll learn the 2% + 20% formula for action and discover foolproof systems that don’t depend on your mood.

Plus, I’ll walk you through concrete steps, emergency protocols for when you’re stuck, and real-world examples to get you moving—whether your challenge is launching a course, starting a podcast, or finally reaching out to those dream clients.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical strategies to overcome your biggest starting hurdles, and set yourself up for momentum that actually sticks. So if you’re ready to get your ass in gear, let’s jump in!

Episode Overview — What to Expect:

The Two ADHD Starting Problems:

Analysis paralysis: Getting stuck in endless planning and research
Cannonball starting: Diving in impulsively without enough prep

Why Both Approaches Set Us Up For Failure:

Perfectionism and over-planning create pressure and stall action
Impulsivity leads to chaos, burnout, and stopping problems

The Real Root: Sustainability Fear

Why ADHD entrepreneurs fear they can’t keep things going—and why this fear is rational (but surmountable!)

The Messy Start Method:

Diann’s proven “2% + 20%” formula to get unstuck
How to combine just-enough planning with tiny, immediate action

The Five-Minute Blind Spot Check:

Five quick questions to avoid overthinking or reckless starting

Mood-Independent Starting Systems:

How to set up external cues and “pathetically small” first steps
Using the two-minute rule for unstoppable momentum

Built-in Course Correction:

How to schedule check-ins and adjust your approach without self-judgment
Emergency protocols for when you’re frozen or tempted to leap in blindly

🎙️Mic Drop Moment:

"The more you practice starting small and adjusting as you go, the more sustainable, quite literally, everything becomes. Because you're not depending on the perfect conditions, or the perfect mindset, or the perfect motivation. You're depending on real systems that work even when you're tired, distracted, or overwhelmed."

Help me help you

I am creating a FREE Start -Stop-Switch toolkit. Click here to complete an anonymous 30-second survey on your Starting Struggles to let me know what you need most.

Don’t know Diann Wingert?

ADHD coach, former psychotherapist, and business strategist for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Diann combines her professional expertise and lived ADHD experience to offer practical strategies for entrepreneurs whose brains work a little differently. Through her podcast and coaching, she’s passionate about helping others embrace their unique strengths and build sustainable businesses.