I'm Busy Being Awesome
Paula Engebretson
How do I increase my productivity and decrease distractions? Is it possible to reclaim my time? How can I get more organized? And can I do it all with ADHD?
Welcome to the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast, where we dive into each of these questions and so much more.
Every week, life coach and ADHDer Paula Engebretson brings you her best strategies to boost your productivity, manage your time, get organized, and follow through on your goals.
Whether you're a fellow ADHDer, you identify with ADHD tendencies, or you simply want to take your productivity to the next level, this podcast is for you.
Are you busy being awesome?
Welcome to the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast, where we dive into each of these questions and so much more.
Every week, life coach and ADHDer Paula Engebretson brings you her best strategies to boost your productivity, manage your time, get organized, and follow through on your goals.
Whether you're a fellow ADHDer, you identify with ADHD tendencies, or you simply want to take your productivity to the next level, this podcast is for you.
Are you busy being awesome?
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 27min
Episode 326: ADHD Activation and the Yerkes–Dodson Law
Explore how ADHD brains can swing between under-activation and overdrive, influenced by dopamine differences. Discover the Yerkes–Dodson Law, illustrating optimal performance at moderate activation. Learn how urgent behaviors can push you past your limits and why hyperfocus might signal burnout rather than productivity. Paula shares strategies for balancing activation, from energizing music to calming exercises. Track your moments on the curve to find steady, sustainable effort and avoid the pitfalls of constant overdrive.
9 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 23min
Episode 325: ADHD Object Permanence & 3 Tips to Support Your Brain
Explore how working memory affects daily life for those with ADHD. Discover the concept of object permanence and its impact on daily tasks like managing bills and medications. Learn three effective strategies to boost working memory, including visual cues and habit pairing. Gain insights into using reminders effectively and the benefits of keeping items visible. Paula also shares personal anecdotes and encourages choosing one small support to implement this week for a lighter cognitive load.
11 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 23min
Episode 324: ADHD Overwhelm Types - 4 Patterns and How to Manage Them
Explore the four overwhelm types that can affect those with ADHD: the driven Lion, the fast-moving Gazelle, the planning Turtle, and the empathetic Chameleon. Each type has unique triggers and coping patterns that can lead to burnout or avoidance. Discover how these patterns form over time and why they're not flaws but natural responses. Listeners can take a quiz to identify their type and learn strategies tailored to their needs, promoting personal growth and effective action.
10 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 16min
Episode 323: ADHD Habit Formation - 3 Powerful Ways to Build Habits That Last
Discover how a sneaky thought—'Let's see how long this lasts'—undermines habit formation. Explore the power of identity-based habits to lessen pressure and enhance consistency. Learn three practical strategies: use identity language, redefine consistency, and embrace judgement-free returns to strengthen your routines. Insights on overcoming doubt and building lasting habits will inspire anyone navigating life's challenges.
12 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 21min
Episode 322: 4 Ways To Manage Competing Priorities at Work
Explore how to identify high-interest projects that demand your attention and why managing them like credit cards can boost your productivity. Discover the concept of making 'minimum payments' on tasks to maintain mental clarity. Learn two effective strategies for tackling projects: the avalanche method for urgent tasks and the snowball method for a smoother approach. With a simple four-step plan, you can prioritize effectively and conquer overwhelm while maximizing your focus and energy.
Sep 22, 2025 • 25min
Episode 321: ADHD Chronic Overwhelm + 4 Steps To Deal With It
Explore the unique challenges of ADHD and the heavy toll of chronic overwhelm. Discover how to recognize overwhelm and its emotional, physical, and practical costs. Learn practical strategies to shift your mindset, turning overwhelm into a signal for action. Self-compassion and a growth mindset play key roles in regaining momentum. Plus, find helpful resources and quizzes to better understand your overwhelm type!
Sep 15, 2025 • 36min
Episode 320: 5 Best Productivity Books for ADHD Brains (That Actually Work)
Explore five transformative productivity books tailored for ADHD minds. Discover why these reads stand out and how they can revolutionize your approach to time management. Learn to identify which book can provide the most significant benefits for your unique needs. This conversation shifts the focus from traditional work hustle to embracing self-awareness and flexibility in productivity. Get ready to rethink your productivity strategies!
Sep 8, 2025 • 20min
Episode 319: 5 Ways to Stay Motivated After A Dopamine Drop
Dive into the intriguing concept of dopamine drops and their impact on motivation, especially for those with ADHD. Learn five powerful strategies to stay engaged even when enthusiasm fades. Discover actionable tips to adapt your plans instead of giving up. This discussion uncovers how to recognize personal patterns and leverage them for sustained motivation.
15 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 24min
Episode 318: ADHD Productivity: Before You Switch Planners Again, Do This
Discover why those with ADHD often crave new planners and tools, driven by the brain’s love for novelty. The discussion highlights the hidden costs of frequently switching systems and presents a powerful question to consider before making a change. Dive into strategies for intentional decision-making to enhance productivity while embracing the unique traits of an ADHD mindset. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their approach and find the right fit for their needs!
Aug 25, 2025 • 22min
Episode 317: How To Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan: Tips for ADHD Brains
Explore the challenges faced by ADHD brains when it comes to traditional planning methods. The discussion reveals how common productivity mantras may inadvertently lead to failure. Through the unique metaphor of farming, learn to adapt your plans to align with real-life circumstances. Flexibility is key, emphasizing creative approaches to overcome barriers like time blindness and motivation fluctuations. Discover practical strategies to redefine productivity in a way that truly supports individuals with ADHD.
