Overcoming Distractions-Thriving with ADHD, ADD

Honoring How Your ADHD Brain Works

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  

Prioritizing When Everything Feels Urgent for the Busy Adult with ADHD

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  

Thriving with Adult ADHD-Defining Success and Understanding “Enough”

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  

Why Every Adult with ADHD Needs a “Home Base at Home”

In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, we explore the powerful impact of creating a physical “home base” which is a designated spot in your house where essential daily items live. For busy professionals with ADHD, staying organized can feel overwhelming. A home base helps by reducing the chaos of misplacing things like keys, medications, to-do lists, and chargers. It also supports executive function by making important items visible and accessible, which boosts follow-through and lowers stress. This isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about designing a reliable system that works with your brain, not against it. If you’re tired of mornings filled with frustration and forgetfulness, this episode offers a small change with big impact. **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  

From doubt to do-navigating your possibilities

This episode of Overcoming Distractions features a conversation with Kat O'Sullivan, author of From Doubt to Do: Navigating Your Path to Possibility. Dave and Kat explore how individuals, especially those with ADHD, can overcome self-doubt and embrace significant life changes. Kat shares her personal journey of moving to Mexico during the pandemic, highlighting the critical steps and mindset shifts needed to transform seemingly impossible goals into tangible realities. This discussion will resonate with anyone looking to make bold moves and leverage their adult ADHD. Here's some important advice from the episode: Embrace Your "Positives": For individuals with ADHD, what might be labeled as "negative traits" like hyperactivity or hyperfocus can actually be powerful assets in the right environment. Reframe these characteristics as strengths that offer unique advantages, such as excelling in sales or problem-solving. Challenge Doubt with Questions: When faced with a big decision or feeling stuck, ask yourself, "What if it is possible?" and "What am I not seeing yet?" The word "yet" is particularly powerful, as it acknowledges current limitations while opening the door to future possibilities and solutions. The Four C's: Kat introduces a framework of four critical "C's" to navigate change: Courage: Have the courage to confront your situation and your mindset head-on. Clarity: Get clear on what you truly want and, more importantly, why it matters to you. This "why" provides the conviction needed to push through challenges. Commitment: Make a "hell yes" commitment to your decision. This unwavering resolve is what propels you forward when obstacles arise. Capacity: Build your capacity by learning what you need to get things done, and practice self-compassion. This involves understanding your personal working style and identifying the support you need. Be Methodical, Not Just Impulsive: While embracing opportunity is key, especially for those prone to impulsivity, major life changes require a methodical approach. Conduct thorough research, create detailed checklists, and break down large goals into manageable, step-by-step processes. Address External Doubts: Be prepared for skepticism from others, and don't let their fears derail your plans. Re-ground yourself by focusing on "what's at stake if I don't do it," rather than solely on the risks of taking action. Expect and Adapt to Hiccups: It's normal to encounter unforeseen challenges, especially when embarking on something new. Don't beat yourself up when things don't go as planned. Instead, return to your "what" and "why," and figure out the next step. **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