Overcoming Distractions

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.

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/

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.

Find Kat here at her website:

www.katosullivan.com

Welcome to another episode of Overcoming Distractions! In this episode, Dave sits down with Christopher Richards, a leadership consultant and founder of Atomic Growth. They dig into the unique challenges and surprising strengths of busy professionals with ADHD, exploring how to navigate demanding careers and personal lives.

Christopher shares insights from his own journey with ADHD, the philosophy behind Atomic Growth, and practical advice for ADHD’ers with demanding careers and business owners looking to find success and fulfillment without relying on unsustainable pressure.

Key discussion points:

• Atomic Growth’s Philosophy: Christopher talks about his holistic approach, called “RISE” (Rituals, Identity, Somatics, Environment), which emphasizes making a meaningful difference beyond just financial gain.
• The Problem with Pressure: Both David and Christopher highlight how many business owners and professionals rely on immense pressure to achieve goals, often leading to burnout and a lack of real accomplishment despite long hours. They emphasize that effective work doesn’t have to be stressful.
• ADHD and Work Styles: Christopher, who was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD later in life, discusses his unique ability to focus better when engaged in multiple tasks simultaneously, contrasting with David’s preference for single-task, undisturbed focus. This highlights the diverse ways ADHD brains can operate and the importance of understanding one’s own optimal working environment.
• The Value of an ADHD Diagnosis: For Christopher, his diagnosis wasn’t about a label but about gaining a clearer understanding of how his brain functions to leverage its strengths effectively.
• Overcoming Self-Imposed Limitations (Demand Avoidance): The discussion touches on “demand avoidance,” where individuals with ADHD, even when self-imposing demands, can find their brains resisting. This underscores the need for self-awareness and strategies that align with how an ADHD brain naturally operates.
• Identifying and Leveraging Strengths: Instead of solely focusing on challenges, David and Christopher emphasize the importance of identifying and utilizing strengths.

Connect with Christopher Richards here: https://atomicgrowth.co.uk/

In this episode of “Overcoming Distractions,” host Dave welcomes Rand Selig, author of “Thriving: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life.”

Rand shares his insights on what it truly means to thrive, especially for busy professionals and those with ADHD.

He emphasizes that thriving is more than just getting by, it’s about fulfillment, purpose, and living a life that matters. This discussion offers valuable perspectives on personal growth, community involvement, and the science behind a flourishing life, applicable whether you have ADHD or simply seek to enhance your well-being.

Discussion Points:

• Defining Thriving: Rand introduces his high bar for thriving, which transcends merely “getting by” and focuses on a profound sense of fulfillment, purpose, and overall well-being.
• The Four Dimensions of Thriving:
  • Thriving Personally: The foundation of all other dimensions, focusing on character building, gratitude, purpose, managing emotions, and understanding one’s spirituality. The importance of the relationship with oneself.
  • Thriving with Others: Building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community.
  • Thriving Out in the World: Engaging in service to others, conservation, and volunteering, highlighting how helping others can shift one’s perspective and lead to happiness.
  • Thriving by Moving Ever Forward: The continuous process of evolution and becoming a better version of oneself, rather than comparing oneself to others.
• The Science of Thriving: Rand touches upon scientific frameworks that support his ideas, including:
• Self-Care and Recharge: The critical need for individuals, especially those with demanding careers and ADHD, to recognize signs of fatigue and burnout, and to implement self-care practices.
• Being Present: The significance of being fully present in interactions and in moments of reflection, as a source of joy and clarity, and how this contrasts with the ADHD brain’s tendency to wander.
• Intentional Decisions and Habits: The power of making conscious choices about how we spend our time, who we spend it with, and the habits we cultivate. The importance of fostering positive habits and self-awareness in guiding one’s “bus” (life’s direction).

Find rand at his website: https://www.randselig.com/

Are you a busy professional with ADHD feeling overwhelmed and burned out? You’re not alone. This week, David welcomes Brittany Piper, author of Body-First Healing: Get Unstuck and Recover from Trauma with Somatic Healing, and an expert in trauma-informed care, to dig into the profound impact of our modern world on our nervous systems.

They discuss how the constant demands of technology, work, and life contribute to chronic stress and burnout, especially for those already navigating the challenges of ADHD.

Britt highlights that our nervous system fundamentally seeks safety and connection. Modern life often undermines both, leading to feelings of unsafety within our bodies and relationships, and a sense of “connected but disconnected” through technology. They explore the difference between stress and the cumulative “allostatic load” of chronic stress, emphasizing that simply resting isn’t always enough to release built-up tension.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Impact of Modern Life: How 24/7 connectivity and societal pressures overload our nervous systems.
• Beyond Surface-Level Advice: Why typical burnout advice like “take breaks” often misses the deeper physiological roots of chronic stress.
• The Body’s Silent Signals: Britt explains how stress and trauma are stored in the body, manifesting in physical symptoms like digestive issues, chronic pain, and even changes in facial muscles and hearing.
• The Role of Early Experiences: The crucial impact of secure attachment in early childhood on developing a resilient nervous system and the potential for “developmental trauma.”
• Unpacking the Past: Recognizing how past experiences, even without overt abuse, can prime our nervous system for survival mode and impact our stress response in adulthood.
• The Autonomic Loop: Understanding how some high-achievers unknowingly use the energy of unprocessed stress (adrenaline and cortisol) to fuel their careers, leading to eventual crashes.
• The Meaning of Presence: A glimpse into how to truly become present by engaging the sensory-motor system.

Advice from Britt Piper:

• Focus on Internal Safety: Pay attention to physical sensations in your body as indicators of your nervous system state.
• Recognize the Need for Real Connection: Acknowledge the limitations of digital connection and prioritize genuine, in-person interactions.
• Understand the Body-Mind Connection: Be aware that physical symptoms can often be linked to underlying stress and past experiences.
• Consider Early Life Influences: Reflect on your childhood experiences and attachment style, as they can significantly impact your resilience to stress.

Learn more about Brittany Piper on her website: https://www.bodyfirsthealing.com/

Busy adults with ADHD often face the challenges of burnout. And sometimes, adults with ADHD can burn out harder and faster than others.

On this episode of Overcoming Distractions, we discuss why we may see more burnout in the adult ADHD community.

At the basic level, those of us with ADHD have challenges with executive functions, managing the emotional aspect of ADHD, time management and other factors that are major contributors to burnout.

Paula Liub is a burnout expert for ADHD, autistic, and highly sensitive people.

Combining her own burnout experience with a degree in psychology, yoga, and 20 years of mindfulness practices, Paula has developed an effective system that beats and prevents burnout by using a combination of science backed and mindfulness tools.

Our main discussion points about ADHD and burnout include:

• Why ADHD Brains are More Prone to Burnout
• Recognizing Early Burnout Signals (Especially in ADHD)
• Biggest pitfalls in ADHD burnout
• Practical Tips to Regulate Your Nervous System & Energy
• Best approaches beyond tips and tricks

Paula’s Website: https://paula-mindfulness.com/

Many adults with ADHD struggle with perfectionism. And that’s the topic of this week’s podcast.

How do we thrive as adults with ADHD without letting perfectionism get in our way?

Let’s discuss the dilemma of perfectionism and adult ADHD.

Dr. Tara Cousineau is the guest on this episode of Overcoming Distractions and is the author of the book The Perfectionist’s Dilemma.  She is also the author of the “Kindness Cure” and has joined us on the podcast several times.

Trained at Harvard Medical School, she’s a part-time staff psychologist at Harvard University’s Counseling and Mental Health Service.

Dr. Cousineau describes herself as a recovering perfectionist and because of that, she talks about why she decided to write The Perfectionist’s Dilemma.

Dr. Cousineau gives us a basic definition of what she feels perfectionism is.

Dave and Dr. Cousineau discuss how tackling perfectionism can help us find more balance, peace, and joy and cultivate a better relationship with ourselves.

Dr. Cousineau also discusses the following with Dave.

Where is perfectionism rooted? Is it a fear of judgment, etc…? People pleasing?

Are we born as perfectionists, or is this learned behavior?

Perfectionism is more than just work. We also see this in social interactions and in other areas of our life.

Can perfectionism cause anxiety and stress? Can it even lead to burnout?

Dr. Cousineau walks listeners through a beginning strategy to help minimize the challenges of perfectionism.

Find out more about the Perfectionist Dilemma including valuable resources here. And don’t forget to purchase the book!

https://perfectionistsdilemma.com/

The Peaceful Perfectionist (Substack)

https://taracousphd.substack.com/

Happiness is a big topic, right?

But so many of us have to navigate the ups and downs of ADHD. Demanding careers, habits we wish we could adjust, understanding our own ADHD and for some having to go through burnout.

One thing is clear: there is no template for overcoming burnout. Everyone’s experience with burnout or major stress requires different strategies.

Our goal? we just want to be happy. And we want fulfillment in our lives so we can thrive as an adult with ADHD.

Today’s guest is Cat Duvall.

Cat Duval is the founder of Nine Lives Yoga and Morning Ritual Club, where she’s guided over 25,000 clients across 11 countries. Through her 4 Pillars of Happiness framework—Peace, Purpose, Power, and Play—Cat helps people transform burnout into balanced, joyful living. Her own journey with burnout inspired her mission to create accessible, ADHD-friendly routines that prioritize well-being and personal growth.

Cat discusses her four pillars of happiness with Dave. They include.

Peace

Power

Purpose

Play

Cat also gives actionable advice for adults with ADHD that are struggling to navigate the ups and downs of burnout.

Find Cat’s resources here.

https://yes.catduval.co.uk/ to download free Future You meditation

https://www.catduval.co.uk/burnout/ to read action steps to overcome the 12 stages of burnout.

If you are currently surrounded by Post-Its or sticky notes, you’re going to want to hang out through this whole episode because this one is for you.

We are talking about some of the best practices for planning, especially in the workplace and how to select a planner that works with you and for you.

There are many working parts to productivity and one of them is planning.

Some of us are good at planning but do not execute.

Some of us execute without planning.

If we slow down and plan out several aspects of our career and home life, it will make our lives much easier.

As is common in the ADHD world, what works for you may not work for others, such as the type of planner you use.

Grace Koelma is the author of ADHD Focus Friend, the future ADHD digital planner, and the host of the podcast Your ADHD Besties.

Grace and Dave start with one of the biggest challenges for adults with ADHD and that is our struggle with planning. That is planning simple tasks or planning more long term projects.

***Other questions that Grace and Dave discuss during the podcast:

When it comes to effective planners, journals and even task management systems, is there some resistance to structure?

Does the interesting thing… take control over the important thing?

Why do we abandon planners and journals? Are we impatient, get frustrated easily? Do many just not work with our brain?

How do we get ourselves to slow down to plan appropriately?

Learn more about Grace’s planners, podcast and more at her website. https://futureadhd.com/