Overcoming Distractions-Thriving with ADHD, ADD

You’re a busy professional with ADHD, and you feel like you’re constantly fighting an uphill battle. But what if the problem isn’t you….it's that you’re using your brain's "operating manual" incorrectly? This episode is about moving past the idea that you need to be "fixed" and instead learning to honor how your ADHD brain actually works. By understanding its wiring, you can stop fighting yourself and start creating a system that allows you to thrive. Dave is an entrepreneur with ADHD, not a doctor. His advice comes from decades of executive and entrepreneurial experience as an adult with ADHD. Actionable Advice for Honoring Your ADHD Brain Acknowledge Your Wiring: Accept that your brain is wired for interest, novelty, and urgency, not routine. Don't compare yourself to neurotypical standards. Optimize for Energy, Not Just Time: Ditch the idea of "I'll just stay late" and start scheduling around your energy levels. Use External Structures: Your brain isn’t lazy; it’s overloaded. Use external cues like visual boards, phone reminders, and a “home base” for important items. Don’t complicate it…just get things out of your head every day. Build Momentum Over Perfection: Motivation comes from starting, not from waiting to "get it right." Design for Dopamine: Your ADHD brain craves dopamine. Build rewards into your workflow, like a coffee break after a difficult task, and rotate your environments to boost stimulation and engagement. Practice Self-Compassion: High-achievers with ADHD often carry hidden shame. When you find yourself being self-critical, stop and say, "Not today." Acknowledge your wins, no matter how small, and ask yourself what worked this week so you can do more of it. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave’s calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  

If you’re a busy professional with ADHD, chances are you’ve stared at a long to-do list and thought, “Where do I even start?” In this episode, Dave will tackle one of the most overwhelming challenges for ADHD brains:  How to prioritize tasks and projects when everything feels equally important. Dave gives tips on using visual tools, scheduling thinking time, And why a good old fashioned brain dump may be your first priority. Whether you're drowning in work tasks, personal responsibilities, or both, Dave will help you regain control and move forward with clarity. Key takeaways: – Why ADHD brains struggle with prioritization – Simple, flexible systems that actually stick – How to re-prioritize based on energy and urgency – Tools and routines to stay on track Tune in and give your brain the structure it craves! **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave’s calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  

On this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave welcomes back Rand Selig, author of Thriving: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life. They dive deep into what it truly means to define personal success and the often-elusive concept of "enough." This conversation is especially relevant for busy professionals, particularly those with ADHD or who identify as neurodivergent, who often push themselves to the brink of burnout. Rand shares insights on shifting away from external markers of achievement to cultivate a more integrated and fulfilling life. Episode Highlights: Defining Your Own Success: The discussion emphasizes that success is deeply personal and should be defined internally, not by societal expectations, parental influence, or external markers like money, status, or titles. Beyond Work-Life Balance: Rand suggests moving past the idea of "work-life balance" as a teeter-totter, instead advocating for the integration of various life components. This helps combat the guilt many feel when dedicating time to one area over another. The "Being" vs. "Doing" Paradigm: Success isn't just about accomplishments (doing); it also involves feelings and internal states (being). A healthy, successful life combines both in a proportion that works for you and can evolve with different life stages. Discovering "Enough": The journey to understanding what "enough" means for you requires courage and honesty. It involves regularly checking in with yourself about choices and whether they align with your values and desired life. Rebuilding After Burnout: For those feeling burnt out or at a turning point, the initial step is self-care and self-compassion, including adequate rest. Seeking support is crucial, and it's important to articulate the specific kind of support you need from others. Rand's 14 Elements of Success: Rand shares his personal framework for success. You’ll have to listen to get them! Find Rand Selig at his website: https://www.randselig.com/ **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave’s calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  

Discover how establishing a designated 'home base' at home can transform the daily lives of adults with ADHD. This simple system reduces chaos by ensuring essentials like keys and medications are always at hand. It enhances organization, boosts productivity, and helps in managing forgetfulness. Learn how creating a reliable routine can support your brain's unique needs and make mornings stress-free. Small changes can lead to a big impact!

In this enlightening discussion, Kat O'Sullivan, author and transformation advocate, shares her inspiring journey, including a leap from Los Angeles to Mexico. She emphasizes reframing ADHD traits as strengths rather than limitations. Listeners will gain insights on the power of asking transformative questions and the importance of courage and clarity in navigating change. Kat introduces her 'Four C's' framework, helping individuals find fulfillment and embrace the chaos of life transitions, especially during uncertain times.

The discussion dives into task avoidance, shedding light on its true roots in emotional processing, not laziness. It emphasizes how overwhelm and stress play significant roles. Practical strategies are shared, like setting achievable goals and using gamification to make tasks feel more engaging. These insights aim to empower listeners in managing their daily challenges effectively.

Navigating mornings can be a challenge for adults with ADHD, often leading to stressful starts. Discover why establishing a solid morning routine is essential for clarity and focus. Learn practical strategies to combat executive function hurdles and build habits that enhance productivity. Embrace small, manageable steps to transform chaotic mornings into a structured and successful day.

Christopher Richards, a leadership consultant and founder of Atomic Growth, shares his insights on navigating ADHD in demanding careers. He discusses his holistic 'RISE' philosophy, which reinforces that success doesn’t have to come from stress. Christopher highlights unique work styles for ADHD individuals, emphasizing the value of multitasking versus single-focused tasks. They also explore the pressure to conform to societal success metrics and the importance of aligning work with personal values for true fulfillment.

Discover how building strong habits can transform the lives of busy adults with ADHD. Learn why establishing routines is essential to combat overwhelm and procrastination. Dive into the role of dopamine in motivation and how consistent habits create rewarding cycles. Explore the emotional impact of disorganization and the confidence that good habits can restore. Plus, hear practical examples of ADHD-friendly habits that can bring calm and clarity to your daily life!

Rand Selig, author and Stanford MBA, shares transformative insights on thriving, especially for those with ADHD. He introduces his high bar for thriving, emphasizing fulfillment, purpose, and meaningful relationships. Selig discusses the four dimensions of thriving: personal growth, community involvement, self-care, and continuous evolution. He encourages listeners to live in the present, make intentional choices, and practice the art of saying no. With a focus on ownership and self-awareness, he highlights the journey to a more prosperous and happier life.