Welcome to the fortieth episode of Harness Your ADHD Power, and the eighteenth "Ask Dr B" Show.  

I’m so glad you could join me today!

So, are any of today’s topics a challenge for you?  If you’re like most of the adults I know and love, then I already know that the answer is yes.  And I’m curious, if you’ve ever wondered “why” these are so challenging for you?  I used to wonder and don’t anymore, so let me share a bit about what I’ve figured out about “why” they can be so challenging

First a key piece about neuroplasticity; the brain that continually changes itself.  Your brain rapidly prunes disused circuits and strengthens most-used circuits, which means that what you don’t use you do lose to a greater or lesser degree.  This is important to keep in mind. 

Next, I want to speak to your self-esteem for a moment.  YOU are not a failure!  Rather, the systems have failed you.  The systems have failed to teach you everything you needed to know (meaning skills), in the ways you needed to learn, so that you could have a happy, productive and successful adult life.  AND…it’s never too late to learn the skills that will make that possible for you NOW…no matter what your age is!  I really need you to pause for a moment and take this in.  YOU are not a failure.  Rather, the systems have failed you.  AND, it is your responsibility to learn the skills, mostly executive function skills you are missing, if you want to have a happier, more productive and successful adult life. 

After so many conversations with adults like you, I know that you want to be on time, and I know that you haven’t been able to be on time for a variety of reasons; and none of them are because you lack the desire to be on time.  I know that you want to be able to see which tasks need to be done first, second and so, and then be able to start them when they need to be started and finish them, yet you haven’t been able to do that either.  And again, it’s not for lack of desire on your part.  I know that when you think about the day ahead, you want to be productive and feel proud at the end of the day for all you have accomplished.  Instead, you look at how you spent your time and see that much of it was “busy work” and not productive work on the essential things that you really wanted to be working on.  I’ve seen the beat-down look on so many of your faces when you share these “failures” with me and it breaks my heart, because I know these failed attempts only add to the negative feelings you already have about yourself; feelings that may have been growing for years now.

And remember to pay attention to your WINS!!  Please don't short-change yourself by thinking that it’s pointless or stupid to reward yourself for things you’re “supposed to do.”  That couldn’t be further from the truth.  And if you feel that these are the “thankless little tasks of life,” they probably feel that way because that’s how you think of them and have given them that “less than” meaning.  Please don’t.  These are the very things that deserve to be celebrated so they become easier to do consistently, and you find them more enjoyable each and every time.

Today’s episode is all about answering the questions you have about issues or challenges you experience as an adult living with ADHD, and offering you hope. How much time do we have? Not much. So let’s get to it.

If this all seems overwhelming and you feel you’re going to need some help developing these skills, to give you that happier and more productive life, I suggest you put your name on the Waitlist for my online program, ADDventures in Achievement. Enrollment just closed the end of August and I’m not planning on opening up again until later this year, however that could change. So, be sure to get on the Waitlist now if you’d like to learn more about this program. I plan on recording some informative videos for those of you on the Waitlist so you can benefit while you’re waiting for enrollment to open up again. I’m adding some exciting new content to the current program that is well worth the wait! ADDventures in Achievement is definitely the place to be if you want help understanding what’s been holding you back and want to learn the skills to break free of your stuckness.

Developing your Executive Function Skills and shifting your limiting beliefs is the fastest and most effective way to overcome ADHD limitations, find focus, gain confidence, and newfound freedom in your life!

My mission is to put an end to the worldwide needless suffering of adults with ADHD and those with under-developed Executive Function Skills - whether from ADHD, chronic depression or anxiety, trauma, addictions, or chronic illnesses.  And, you don't need a formal diagnosis to know you need help developing these executive function skills in order to greatly reduce your suffering.

Episode Resources:

• Put yourself on the informational Waitlist for the ADDventures In Achievement Foundational Skills Program, so that you receive all the amazing emails we’ve written to both educate you about Executive Function skills as well as the details of the program; there is absolutely no obligation by being on the Waitlist.  You’ll thank yourself for getting informed.

 

• Learn more about our newest program, Living Beyond ADHD 2.0 Training and Coaching Mini-Series.

 

• Free Video and e-Book - Many Mental Health Providers & ADHD
• 13 EF Skills
• Join the amazing Living Beyond ADHD Facebook Group & hang out with your peeps
• Follow me on Dr B Facebook Page and enjoy live videos and more
• Follow me on Instagram and enjoy relevant resources
• Download the transcript for this episode.

To Help The Show:

Subscribe at your favorite listening spot and my podcast player has social media links (icons) in the episode player so you can share episodes you love with others! 

Please rate the show and leave a thoughtful review on iTunes so I know you're benefiting from the episodes.  The greater the number of reviews, the higher the ranking, and the easier it will be for others to find the show; people who also need this information.  

Let's put an end to the worldwide needless suffering together! We can do this!