Have you ever had one of those days where you’re doing everything you’re “supposed” to do to get motivated… and you still end up frozen, spiraling, or pushing yourself so hard you’re exhausted before you even begin?

If you’re an ADHD woman, that isn’t a character flaw. It’s conditioning. It’s survival mode.

And honestly? It’s one of the biggest reasons so many of us stay stuck in overwhelm and burnout.

In this episode, we’ll unpack why traditional motivation strategies — willpower, urgency, shame, fear, or trying to be “consistent” — backfire for ADHD brains. These approaches don’t support our wiring; they fight against it.

Then I walk you through four ADHD-friendly ways to actually get motivated without relying on panic, pressure, or self-judgment. You’ll learn how to work with your natural tendencies, match tasks to your energy, make things interesting, and regulate your nervous system so you can start from a place of safety instead of stress.

By the end, you’ll understand the real science behind ADHD motivation and have simple, doable tools to support yourself with more compassion and far fewer consequences.

Mentioned in the episode:

📺  Are You Living… or Just Functioning? ADHD’s Quiet Disconnection

https://youtu.be/nZGb-Hl-Xac

—CHAPTERS—

00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Motivation

00:29 Why Traditional Motivation Fails for ADHD

01:37 Welcome to the Podcast

02:18 Personal Anecdotes and Realizations

05:16 Common ADHD Motivation Pitfalls

22:54 Effective ADHD-Friendly Motivation Strategies

29:53 Conclusion and Resources

✨ If you found this episode helpful…

💛 Connect with me on social media!

Youtube: @Jenbarnes

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenbarneslicsw/

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal health or medical advice.  We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice or psychotherapy.

If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency please contact emergency services in your area.  If you are in the USA, dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis line or 911 for a medical emergency.