ADHD Crash Course

Donae Cannon
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Sep 23, 2025 • 14min

Ep 114. How to Stop Reacting and Start Choosing: ADHD & Emotional Regulation and The Bee vs. The SUV

Ever find yourself saying yes when you’re already overwhelmed… or lying in the heat of the moment even though you know better?This video breaks down how ADHD and nervous system dysregulation affects your ability to make real choices. Using a real life example “The Bee and the SUV,” I explain what happens when your brain perceives a threat—and how to get back into decision-making mode instead of reacting in ways that don't serve you.You’ll learn:-How your brain reacts to emotional and social threats, not just physical ones-Why we often say “yes” to things we don’t want to do (and how to STOP)-How to identify what’s really bothering you (the bee) vs. what actually has long-term consequences (the SUV)-Why even lying can be a nervous system response—not always a moral failure.______________________________________________________________________________🧠 Coaching, resources & community:ADHD tips delivered to your inbox: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/...group program: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/...individual coaching with me here: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/...______________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps:00:00 – Intro + what dysregulated decisions look like00:30 – Story: My daughter, the bee, and the SUV01:40 – Why we react instead of choose when overwhelmed02:20 – Expanding the definition of "threat"03:00 – How ADHD intensifies nervous system responses04:10 – Client story: Saying yes out of fear, not choice05:50 – Common “bees”: rejection, failure, confusion, overwhelm07:30 – Tools: Pause and ask, “What’s the bee? What’s the SUV?”09:45 – Helping kids (and ourselves) understand lying as reaction12:00 – Rabid raccoons, viral videos, and our human brains13:45 – Final thoughts: Self-compassion and lowering the threat level
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Sep 16, 2025 • 8min

Ep 113. I Can't Get Started! Procrastination, Why Just Do It Doesn't Work (and When It Can)

Struggling with procrastination and wondering if you should “eat the frog” or start small? In this video, I break down two opposite but equally powerful strategies to help ADHD brains get unstuck and get going, without shame or burnout.As an ADHD coach and occupational therapist, I help late-diagnosed adults with ADHD use simple, compassionate strategies that actually work with their brains (not against them).We’ll explore:- Why “just do it” doesn’t work for ADHDers (but also how it sometimes can)- How to know when to tackle the hardest task first (aka “Eat the Frog”)- When to go for low-hanging fruit to build momentum - The real reasons we procrastinate (hint: it’s not laziness!)- How to stay curious and use your energy wiselyWhether you're stuck on starting your workday, avoiding that one annoying phone call, or just tired of spinning your wheels, you'll learn how to:  ✅ Identify what kind of support YOU need ✅ Avoid “procrastivity” (getting busy to avoid discomfort) ✅ Work with your nervous system, not against it🧠Learning to Work With Your Brain? Learn more about coaching with me here:https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/coaching-services______________________________________________________________
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Sep 2, 2025 • 11min

Ep 112. How to Build Habits with ADHD (That Actually Stick)

Do you tell yourself, “I’m just not a habit person”? I get it—and same. But ADHD doesn’t mean you can’t build habits—it means you need to build them differently.In this video, I walk you through how to create habits in a way that actually works for your ADHD brain—without the burnout, shame spirals, or “new me, new life” traps.💡 You’ll learn:-Why tiny habits matter more than big ones-How to work with your brain, not against it-What to do when you lose a habit that was working-How to build flexibility into your routines-The surprising key to restarting without shameVideo Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: Why habits matter (even if you don’t feel like a “habit person”)01:00 – Why too much structure doesn’t always work with ADHD01:30 – Be picky about which habits to build02:30 – Why "starting small" actually works (and what you’re really doing when building a habit)03:30 – The potted plant analogy: how habits take root05:00 – Controlling for friction (aka pests!)06:30 – How to break a habit using reverse friction07:00 – The #1 pitfall: starting too big08:00 – Building flexibility into your habit system08:30 – How to restart a habit after losing it10:00 – Final thoughts: let go of shame, restart tiny, and build again__________________________________________🧠 Coaching, resources & community:*ADHD tips delivered to your inbox: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/mailing-list* group program: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/eyb-group-program*individual coaching: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/coaching-services
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Aug 26, 2025 • 8min

Ep 111. Working Memory and ADHD: Why You Keep Forgetting (and What Actually Helps)

Struggling to remember simple tasks is a common challenge for those with ADHD. The discussion highlights the distinction between working memory and attention. It also dives into what forgetting truly means for individuals with ADHD. Real-world strategies, such as setting up reminders and organizational systems, are shared to help manage memory difficulties. Whether it's misplacing instructions or forgetting appointments, practical solutions are offered to create supportive systems that work with your brain.
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Aug 19, 2025 • 3min

Ep 110. The “Ta-Da List”: The ADHD-Friendly Productivity Hack That Actually Works

Feeling like you never get enough done—even when you’re constantly busy? In this episode, I’m introducing the “Ta-Da List,” a simple, empowering productivity tool designed especially for ADHD brains. Learn how this practice boosts dopamine, improves time awareness, and helps shift you out of perfectionist thinking. Whether your day was full of wins or curveballs, this tool can help you celebrate what really matters—your effort!TIME STAMPS:00:00 – Intro: Why this tool is ADHD-friendly00:30 – What is a Ta-Da List?01:00 – The dopamine boost: why this matters for ADHD01:40 – “I don’t know what I did all day”: solving that mystery02:10 – How this tool improves time awareness02:40 – From perfectionism to progress: flexible thinking03:20 – Why celebrating effort increases motivation03:50 – Put everything on your Ta-Da List04:30 – Final thoughts: try this today!
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Aug 12, 2025 • 10min

Ep 109. Emotional Regulation & ADHD: Tools That Work (Even If You Hate Mindfulness)

Discover why emotional regulation is more than just staying calm. Learn about a powerful pyramid of practical tools tailored for ADHD, focusing on body-based, skill-based, and thought-based strategies. Explore why traditional mindfulness techniques can feel challenging and how to make them ADHD-friendly. Find out unique methods like the ice water trick to reset your system and why positive thinking alone doesn't cut it. These strategies aim to help you regain control during overwhelming moments, whether at home, work, or in traffic.
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Aug 5, 2025 • 7min

Ep 108. Decision Paralysis & ADHD: How to Escape the Research Rabbit Hole

Ever spend way too long researching a “simple” decision—only to feel more confused than when you started? You’re not alone. In this episode I talk about why ADHD brains fall into the “over-research” trap and how to get out of it. Learn why perfectionism, attention regulation, and priority overload lead to analysis paralysis—and the tools you can use to start making “good enough” decisions with confidence!00:00 – Intro: The ADHD over-research trap 00:30 – Why ADHD brains get stuck in research mode 01:10 – Attention regulation: why too many tabs = overwhelm 01:40 – The pedometer story: how too many features = confusion 02:30 – Narrowing your priorities = more clarity 03:00 – Perfectionism & decision fatigue 03:30 – Maximizers vs. Satisficers (and why “good enough” is powerful) 04:30 – What’s really at stake? Weigh the impact 05:00 – Save your energy for what matters 05:40 – Set time and option limits 06:30 – Accepting uncertainty: the hardest (but most freeing) part 07:00 – Final thoughts: Stop spinning. Start moving.
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Jul 29, 2025 • 9min

Ep 107. Why Transitions Are So Hard with ADHD (And What to Do About It)

Why are transitions—like stopping watching Netflix to pay bills or switching from reading to getting ready for bed—so exhausting when you have ADHD? In this episode, I break down why transitions are uniquely challenging for people with ADHD and what you can do to make them easier.We’ll talk about:Why your brain resists change (even for things you like!)The power of a “neutral” activity between tasksReal-life examples, like my client “Jenna,” and how small changes helped her sleep more and stress lessHow to reduce energy drain and stop white-knuckling your way through the day✨ I'm an occupational therapist and executive functioning coach. My goal is to help people with ADHD make life easier—so you don’t have to work so hard just to keep up.👉 Subscribe for practical, neurodivergent-friendly strategies here: You Tube ChannelClarity Coaching Newsletter (ADHD Strategies to your inbox!)
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Jun 17, 2025 • 9min

Ep 106. Am I Lazy? Or Am I Stuck? ADHD, Motivation & the Myth of Laziness

In this video, I unpack the myth of laziness—especially how it shows up for people with ADHD. If you've ever told yourself, “I’m just lazy,” or felt frustrated by your inability to take action, this is for you.We'll walk through my "Am I Lazy?" Flowchart, a simple self-coaching tool that helps you identify what's really getting in the way—whether it's mental fatigue, lack of clarity, or overwhelm—and figure out how to move forward. Spoiler alert: laziness isn’t the answer. Stuckness usually is.✅ Learn how to get curious (not critical) ✅ Find practical ways to get unstuck ✅ Rebuild trust in your ability to rest, prioritize, and take action🔗 Use the link to download the flowchart!This episode on YouTube✨ Interested in More Support? Join my group coaching program!
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Jun 12, 2025 • 8min

Ep 105: The Perfect Planner for ADHD?

The Perfect Planner for ADHD? Let’s Talk Time Systems That Actually WorkIf you’ve ever thought this planner is going to change my life... only to abandon it weeks later, you are not alone! Today, we’re diving into the REAL reason planners often don’t work for ADHD brains—and what to do instead. In this video, I walk you through: ✔️ The 3 essential parts of an ADHD-friendly time system✔️ Why your brain shouldn't be your to-do list✔️ How to use a dump list without drowning in it✔️ The importance of retrieval (not just collection)✔️ What to do with “boomerang tasks” that come back later✔️ And why it’s 100% okay to switch up your planner (really!)I’ll also share how I personally use my system—weekly planning, daily focus, and energy management—to stay ahead of chaos, without running myself into the ground.#ADHDplanner #ExecutiveFunctioning #ADHDtimeManagement #OccupationalTherapist #DumpList #ADHDcoaching #CalmSystems #neurodivergentlife 👇 Jump to what you need:00:00 - Welcome! Why ADHD and planners often clash01:00 - Part 1: Collection & Dump List02:00 - Why your brain shouldn't store everything03:00 - The danger of using your dump list every day04:00 - It’s okay to switch planners if you have ADHD05:00 - What about habits? Where (and when) they fit in06:00 - Part 2: Retrieving & Applying (aka Planning)07:00 - Daily views vs. weekly spreads — find what works08:00 - Example: Planning a chaotic day with ADHD09:00 - Part 3: Monitoring (aka Boomerang Tasks)10:00 - Wrap-Up + Tools to go deeper📌 Want more support? Learn about my group coaching program: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/eyb-group-programFind Other Coaching Videos on my You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theadhdclaritycoach

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