Pause Purpose Play

Join me as I dive into a topic close to my heart - how you can be a perfectionist, even if you’re what some might call a "hot mess." I'll explore the tension between striving for perfection and managing the beautiful chaos that comes with ADHD and I share my personal journey from unmasking my ADHD to recovering from perfectionism. This episode is unscripted, which I think beautifully embodies today’s theme: that done is better than perfect.   00:21 Understanding Perfectionism and Chaos 01:44 Navigating Perfectionism with ADHD 03:04 The Reality of Perfectionism 04:17 Self-Criticism and Perfectionism 05:56 Perfectionism in High Achievers 07:19 Perception vs. Reality of Accomplishments 08:12 Verbal Processing and ADHD 08:55 Revealing My Hot Mess Moments 09:37 Embracing Imperfections 10:46 Inspiring Despite the Chaos 13:42 Finding Your Tribe Through Vulnerability 15:25 Join the ADHD Club   If you want to dive deeper into embracing both your chaos and your accomplishments, come join me in the ADHD Club, where a group of inspiring women lets it all hang out - imperfections and all. You can sign up at www.thethomasconnection/adhd-club and be part of this empowering space.

In this episode, I welcome guest Michelle Minnikin and we delve into the multifaceted realities of societal conditioning, gender expectations, and the unique challenges of living with ADHD. Listen in to hear Michelle discuss her new book, and the impact of 'Good Girl' conditioning and ADHD on women's lives.   01:41 Embracing ADHD and Personal Growth 03:46 Discovering Good Girl Conditioning 05:25 Coercive Control and Societal Expectations 06:41 Strategic Exhaustion and Daily Struggles 10:19 Imposter Syndrome and Workplace Challenges 20:46 Rebelling Against Good Girl Conditioning 28:21 Hope for the Next Generation 29:03 Navigating Personal Relationships 30:29 Household Dynamics and Gender Norms 32:34 ADHD and Neurodiversity 34:23 Self-Compassion and Personal Growth 39:39 Male Allies and Shared Responsibilities 39:47 Practical Advice for Women 42:11 The Power of Asking   Michelle Minnikin is a North East-based Chartered Organisational Psychologist, coach and author of Good Girl Deprogramming, available now from all good bookstores in paperback, e-book and on audible.       https://www.linkedin.com/in/mminnikin/ https://www.instagram.com/goodgirldeprogramming https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleminnikin https://www.michelleminnikin.com/

In this episode of Pause Purpose Play I dive into the joy of bringing playfulness into our lives and businesses, especially for those of us navigating ADHD. I share how embracing a playful mindset can lead to creativity and success, and why soothing our minds is key to achieving our goals. Plus, learn about my group coaching program, Burn Bright, and how it could be your next step. Tune in for all the details and let's have some fun together! 01:04 The Importance of Deep, Sustainable Change 02:29 Embracing Playfulness in Business and Life 06:34 The Power of the Soothing System 08:51 Unlocking the Power of Play 09:47 Burn Bright Program   Burn Bright is my transformational 6-month group coaching programme that helps you continuously calibrate what you need for your brain and your body, to balance your business with your busy ADHD brain.   https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

In this episode I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery as we explore the essence of purpose in our lives. I share personal reflections and insights from the 'Sustainable Success Challenge,' where we delve into understanding our 'why' and celebrate the unique perks and challenges of entrepreneurship for those of us with ADHD. 01:20 Understanding Purpose and Pain 03:02 The Entrepreneurial Why 04:28 Setting Boundaries and Protecting Energy 05:24 Flexibility in Business for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs 06:50 Insights and Actions for Sustainable Success 08:03 Personal Reflections and Podcast Direction 10:45 Burn Bright doors are open!   Burn Bright is my transformational 6-month group coaching programme that helps you continuously calibrate what you need for your brain and your body, to balance your business with your busy ADHD brain.   https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright

In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, I'm diving into the wild world of ADHD and entrepreneurship and sharing some golden nuggets from my Sustainable Success Challenge. We'll chat about why pausing is crucial to avoid burnout and how those quirky ADHD traits can be both your superpower and your kryptonite in business. Plus, I'm inviting you to join me for some amazing upcoming events - whether you're more of an online binge-watcher or a face-to-face lunch enthusiast. Let's explore this together and find the balance we all crave! 00:26 Sustainable Success Challenge Insights 02:35 Invitation to In-Person Meetup 04:14 Challenges of ADHD in Entrepreneurship 09:05 Balancing Passion and Practicality 10:57 The Importance of Pausing and Self-Compassion 11:44 Upcoming Events

In this episode I'm joined by Ross White, fresh off the release of his fantastic new book, 'The Tree That Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive.'   We dive headfirst into the pool of psychological flexibility, discussing its unique edge over concepts like grit, toughness, and resilience. Ross unpacks the importance of balancing our 'get,' 'threat,' and 'reset' modes to keep burnout at bay.   With practical tips, playful metaphors, and Ross's authentic vulnerability, this episode offers a refreshing approach to thriving in both work and life.   Grab your headphones and get ready to bend without breaking!   00:48 Exploring Psychological Flexibility 03:15 Defining Resilience, Toughness, and Grit 09:04 The Metaphor of the Tree 10:15 Modes of Operation: Get, Threat, and Reset 14:24 Momentary and Bold Moves 18:16 Personal Experiences and Vulnerability 23:49 The Comfort Zone vs. The Transforming Zone 28:06 Navigating Career Breaks and Sabbaticals 35:58 Balancing Productivity and Longevity 41:32 The Role of Attention and Mindfulness 46:01 Anchoring Statements and Staying Present

In this special episode of the 'Pause Purpose Play' podcast I decided to step out of my comfort zone and record live on Instagram!   Join me as I chat about the scary but oh-so-important idea of feeling safe to slow down while still aiming high. With my trusty 'I'm not perfect' jumper and my ADHD quirks in full swing, I dive into how pushing through nonstop isn't the answer, how to avoid burnout and share practical tips for regulating our frazzled nervous systems.   Plus, I'm inviting you to join my upcoming 4-day 'Sustainable Success Challenge' for female business owners starting September 24th.    01:48 The Importance of Slowing Down 03:10 Sustainability and Success 04:08 September Reset 05:14 Embracing Imperfection 06:58 Interactive Q&A 09:33 Practical Tips for Nervous System Regulation 11:11 Upcoming Sustainable Success Challenge

In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, I dive into the vibrant world of creativity for those with ADHD. I chat about how our brilliant, busy brains are naturally wired for imaginative thinking and how we can harness that spark.   I share my own quirks and experiences to remind us that done is better than perfect and why it's more fun to create than to endlessly scroll through raccoon videos. Plus, I'll sprinkle in some tips on how to allow yourself the joy of being a little more imperfect!   Join me, and maybe even sign up for my free Sustainable Success challenge if you're ready for more creativity and less comparison in your life.    00:31 The Role of Creativity in ADHD 01:42 Perfectionism vs. Creativity 04:35 The Impact of Consumption on Creativity 08:59 Commitment to Creativity 15:43 Upcoming Sustainable Success Challenge!

Dive into the whimsical world of curiosity and discover how it can transform your personal and professional life! Int his episode I take you on an adventure through the curiosity mindset, the beginner's mindset, and compassionate curiosity.    00:00 Unlocking the Power of Curiosity 00:57 The Beginner's Mindset 01:19 Compassionate Curiosity 01:54 Applying Curiosity in Life 02:19 Access to Work Grant Challenges 03:15 Personal Experience with Access to Work 04:08 Upcoming Events and Workshops

This week I'm joined by the brilliant Dr Claire Plumbly, who shares her exciting journey of writing her first book on burnout, diving into how chronic stress can really take a toll on our minds and bodies. With practical tips on managing burnout, recognising internal pressures, and practicing self-care, this episode is packed with useful advice!      01:28 The Concept of Burnout 01:44 Writing the Book: Inspiration and Challenges 02:26 Understanding Burnout as Trauma 06:15 Recognising Burnout Symptoms 08:04 The Three C's for Nervous System Health 12:27 High-Functioning Burnout 13:29 Practical Tips for Managing Burnout 32:13 Entrepreneurship and Burnout 38:31 Connecting with Others and Finding Support   Do you feel overwhelmed? Too busy to stop? Resisting slowing down? Then you need a break, before you break! Download my free guide to help you spot the signs of overwhelm, learn simple ways of slowing down, and understanding what’s getting in the way of you giving yourself the permission to rest and recover.  https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm/   About Dr Claire Plumbly:   Claire is a Clinical Psychologist & Director of Good Therapy Ltd, a psychological therapy centre based online and in Taunton, Somerset. Her private practice specialises in trauma-related issues and Claire herself has a specialism in sexual assault; early life traumas, and of course burnout. Her debut book ‘Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You’ is out in the UK this summer. It will show you how to harness the power of your nervous system, despite the persistent demands of modern life.