Overcoming Distractions-Thriving with ADHD, ADD – Détails, épisodes et analyse

This week, Dave welcomes back his good friend Jeff Copper of DIG Coaching for a vital discussion tailored for the busy professional navigating life with ADHD.

Many with ADHD excel at problem-solving for others, but often struggle to implement those same solutions for themselves. This episode dives into the concept of executive function impairment and introduces a new approach.

Jeff shares how this model provides a simple, actionable, and universal accommodation to help mitigate the challenges of ADHD and burnout. Tune in to understand why direct communication is the most basic, yet often overlooked, tool for achieving clarity with Adult ADHD.

Key Discussion Points

• ADHD and Problem Solving: Individuals with ADHD are often excellent problem solvers and "connect the dots" better than others, but struggle to apply these skills to their own lives.
• The Role of Executive Functions: ADHD is defined as an executive function impairment, meaning the "mind tools" used for problem-solving (planning, organizing, decision-making) are less efficient, requiring much greater effort in some cases.
• Strategies vs. Execution: Having a plan or strategy isn't enough; the difficulty lies in the execution which requires intensive use of executive functions.
• Cognitive Ergonomics from the Inside Out: Jeff Copper’s model posits that direct communication (talking things through in real-time) is a universal accommodation for ADHD.
• Communication as an Accommodation: Language evolved to solve shared problems, making direct, collaborative conversation the most fundamental form of problem-solving. People with ADHD simply need this accommodation more.
• The Power of Clarity: The majority of procrastination is rooted in ambiguity, which direct communication is designed to resolve.

**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

In this episode, Dave tackles the quiet struggle of adults with ADHD in demanding roles…from entrepreneurs to executives. While students often have built-in support systems, busy professionals are left to navigate their unique challenges alone.

Join Dave as we explore the importance of finding a community of like-minded peers who truly get it. We discuss the need for a confidential space where you can share your wins, challenges, and frustrations without judgment.

Busy professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners people in leadership, senior VP's with ADHD all welcome!

If you've ever felt isolated in your journey with ADHD, this episode is for you.

Tune in to hear about a potential solution for finding the support system you need.

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

If you are an adult with ADHD and feel like you are either heading towards burnout or are already there, Dave has some quick advice and six must haves for starting the process of reducing burnout.

Burnout is complex and even more complicated for busy adults with ADHD. And while burnout can take time to recover from, there are several ways to begin the process of reducing the feelings from burnout.

Dave talks about these short pieces of advice in the beginning of his book Overcoming Burnout. These actions are meant to begin getting rid of burnout in your life.

You can order Dave's book Overcoming Burnout here on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WQ17T22

Many people with ADHD have a difficult relationship with time. And if you're a busy professional and have other commitments such as family, managing time in your life can be a challenge.

Some of the ways being timeline can affect us are being late for appointments or missing them altogether. Other ways include always feeling busy at work and never feeling caught up.

If you often lose track of time, where the day went, or even got to the end of a day and didn't get what you needed to get done, Dave has some simple tips to get started improving your relationship with time.

**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 have listened to Overcoming Distractions for any length of time then you know Dave loves to focus on the basics of thriving with adult ADHD, especially for busy professionals. Managing and thriving with adult ADHD does not have to be complex and that's why Dave discusses 5 mission critical habits busy professionals, business owners, executives and others need to have in place.

Have we talked about these before? Absolutely, but the basics of managing and thriving with adult ADHD need to be reinforced from time to time.

If you need a quick road map on some of the basics to be following for busy professionals with ADHD, this podcast episode is a must listen.

**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

There's a lot more to understanding why adults with ADHD have bad days but Dave gives you 4 simple steps that you can follow if you find yourself having a bad day. Yes, simple!

And one thing is important to remind yourself. Always be kind to yourself when you have a day that didn't go your way. Nothing good comes from beating yourself and making you feel guilty.

Find out what else you can do to unpack a bad day when you are an adult with ADHD.

And keep in mind, adults with ADHD do not have a monopoly on bad days. Everyone has them.

More episodes to follow on how to minimize your bad days when you are an adult with ADHD. But start with these 4 steps. 

**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

One thing that pretty much everyone with ADHD experiences is the concept of “out of sight out of mind.”

That can be everything from your calendar, to-do list, shopping list, backpack or laptop bag to bring to work, car keys and the list goes on.

So in this episode of Overcoming Distractions Dave sits down with Star Hansen, AKA the Clutter Whisperer to talk about how we can reduce out of sight, out of mind in our personal and professional lives.

Star first addresses the idea that for many adults with ADHD there is anxiety with clutter. But she also makes sure to tell listeners that out of sight and out of mind is not a problem exclusively to those of us with ADHD. Everyone experiences this!

Star also discusses some of the common scenarios that many of us with ADHD can relate to in both our work setting and in home. We're sure you can relate to some of these.

Star and Dave discuss the following ideas that can help reduce out-of-sight out of mind in the workplace and at home.

Star says to acknowledge habits that contribute to this.

Start somewhere because better than nothing is progress.

Less is more so reduce items within a particular space.

Establish locations for important items.

Embrace the truth.

Try and fail and try again!

Establish boundaries to mitigate walking into a room and forgetting why you were there. Yes, this can contribute to out of sight, out of mind.

Learn more about everything Star Hansen has to offer on her website; www.StarHansen.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

There's a clear connection between our ability to think and how we plan and when we have ADHD, it helps to understand that connection.

Because many with adult ADHD have challenges thinking effectively when we need it, planning can suffer. But fear not, we have some answers in this episode of overcoming distractions.

Back on the podcast is Jeff Copper from DIG Coaching.

Jeff and Dave discussed the concept of ADHD and thinking and why times arise when we cannot think clearly or think methodically. Because of this, it affects our ability to plan whether in the workplace or at home.

Jeff says that when we have ADHD we need to have a collection of mine tools that help us through these processes. Those need to help remove discomfort when it comes to thinking and planning.

Jeff also discusses why we need to externalize thinking when we are an adult with ADHD.

Dave and Jeff also discussed the importance of mind, body, sleep and eating habits as they are part of the core to thriving with adult ADHD.

Jeff also walks us through some of the core practices adults with ADHD can implement in their daily lives to make thinking clear and as a result planning easier and more productive.

Find ADHD and Attention Coach Jeff Copper at his website. www.digcoaching.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

If you are a busy adult with ADHD and you are overwhelmed by the amount of tasks and projects you have in front of you, this is the podcast episode for you.

Dave talks about the concept of batching tasks for adults with ADHD.

He talks about the benefits of batching tasks and projects, including increased productivity, better time management and reduced overwhelm.

Dave also talks about a number of tips to get started implementing the concept of batching during your week. That includes prioritizing tasks, grouping them into similar categories and blocking out the time to accomplish them.

**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