Ever find yourself 95% done with a task… and somehow still not finishing it?

In this episode, we're talking about what I call the infinite 5% — that last little stretch of a project that somehow takes forever. We'll break down why this pattern shows up (especially for ADHD brains), what's actually going on when it feels impossible to cross the finish line, and two powerful mindset shifts that can help you finally finish — or give yourself permission to pause — without guilt or burnout.

You'll learn:

• Why the last 5% of a task feels so hard to finish — and how ADHD brains get stuck in the "almost done" loop
• The five hidden challenges that make completing projects feel overwhelming (even when you're this close)
• Two ADHD-friendly ways to redefine what "done" really means — without relying on perfection or burnout

Work With Me:

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz!

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction: The Infinite 5%

01:40 Understanding the Infinite 5%

02:19 Real-Life Examples of the Infinite 5%

04:34 Why the Last 5% is So Challenging

09:24 Perfectionism and the Expanding 5%

12:18 Redefining 'Done'

17:32 Practical Steps to Define 'Done'

19:22 Final Thoughts

In Episode 337 You Will Discover:

• Why traditional due dates don't work for ADHD due to our time blindness.
• How to bridge the gap between "Now" and "Not Now" by creating "Doing Dates"
• Actionable steps to implement what you learn and take action today

Work With Me:

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz!

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Deadlines

01:41 Why Traditional Due Dates Fail ADHD Brains

05:29 Introducing 'Doing Dates'

07:54 Building Momentum with Doing Dates

12:03 Flexible Structures for Doing Dates

17:22 Breaking Down Projects into Manageable Steps

20:06 Buffer Time and Sustainable Systems

21:42 Applying Doing Dates to Your One Thing

25:07 Conclusion and Next Steps

In Episode 336 You Will Discover:

• The iteration mindset that replaces perfectionism with progress when planning with ADHD
• How to build in flexibility without losing structure entirely
• The one reframe that makes scheduling feel like support instead of suffocation

Work With Me:

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz!

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

Resources From This Episode:

• Discover your Overwhelm Type (Free Quiz!)

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction: The Planner Struggle

01:48 Understanding ADHD and Traditional Scheduling

05:08 A New Approach: Iteration Mindset

11:20 The Iterative Cycle: Practical Steps

15:04 Embracing Flexibility and Overcoming Obstacles

25:35 Conclusion and Next Steps

In Episode 335 You Will Discover:

• Why ADHD brains crave fresh starts (and why January turns that up to 100)
• What makes choosing one focus so hard when you have ADHD & big ambitions
• How narrowing to one clear focus can reduce overwhelm and increase follow-through
• A simple, practical process to clarify your "one thing" without ignoring other parts of your life
• How to work with your ADHD decision fatigue, fear of missing out, and "all-or-nothing" thinking
• Gentle, realistic ways to build momentum toward your goals without burning out

This episode is for you if…

• You have ADHD (or ADHD-ish tendencies) and feel pulled toward 27 goals at once
• New Year's feels like a giant, glittery to-do list you're already "behind" on
• You're tired of all-or-nothing New Year's resolutions and want something more sustainable

If this episode helps you feel a little more calm and clear about the year ahead, I'd be so grateful if you'd subscribe to the podcast or share it with a friend whois feeling the New Year pressure too. Your support helps this work reach more ADHD brains who need it. 💜

Work With Me:

👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz!

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

Resources From This Episode:

• Gary Keller's The One Thing
• Episode 138: Too Many Ideas? Stay Focused with ADHD Brilliant Ideas List
• Free Brilliant Ideas List Template

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction: The ADHD New Year Overwhelm

01:08 Exploring the ADHD Brain's Fresh Start Craving

02:02 Welcome and Personal Reflections

03:12 The Chaos of Trying to Do Everything

04:58 Understanding the ADHD Time Perception

06:52 The Power of Choosing One Focus

09:27 Practical Steps to Identify Your One Thing

13:30 The Emotional Challenges of Narrowing Focus

18:00 Key Reminders for Choosing Your One Thing

23:14 Examples and Practical Applications

27:04 Four Questions to Choose Your One Thing

31:02 Final Takeaways and Encouragement

33:37 Conclusion and Call to Action

In Episode 334 You Will Discover:

• Why ADHD brains process rest differently
• The concept of Contrast Avoidance Theory and why rest can feel unsafe
• How parallel tasking helps ADHD adults finally relax
• 5 practical steps to ADHD relaxation that support your unique brain

Work With Me:

👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz!

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

Resources From This Episode:

• Episode 281: How to take time to rest as an ADHD adult
• Episode 245: 7 types of rest to recover from ADHD burnout
• Episode 309: 8 types of real self-care for adults with ADHD
• Episode 278: How to create an ADHD dopamine menu + free template
• Episode 199: Parallel tasking and ADHD: how to reduce distractions
• The Relaxed Woman by Nicola Jane Hobbs

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction: Struggling to Relax with ADHD 00:28 Understanding ADHD and Rest 00:42 Podcast Episode Overview 02:47 Personal Experiences with Relaxation 04:46 The Concept of Parallel Tasking 06:05 Challenges with Traditional Relaxation Advice 09:35 Contrast Avoidance Theory 17:14 Steps to Effective Rest for ADHD Brains 30:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Episode 333 You Will Discover:

• How changes in routine can impact sleep overall
• 10 actionable ADHD sleep tips that can make a big difference
• Simple structural supports to make sleep easier for those of us with ADHD today

Work With Me:

👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz!

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

Resources From This Episode:

• Paula's weighted blanket
• Paula's blue light blocking glasses
• Paula's red light night lights
• Philips hue bulbs
• Paula's favorite lavender face cream
• Paula's favorite eucalyptus spearmint lotion
• Episode 251 Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
• Episode 252: Revenge Bedtime Procrastination
• Episode 313: 10 Real-Life ADHD Tips to Wake Up & Get Out of Bed Easier
• Episode 308: Social Jet Lag & ADHD
• Episode 182: How to Slow Your Brain Down & Pause with ADHD

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Navigating ADHD and Sleep Challenges 01:48 Sleep with an ADHD Brain 03:40 Sensory and Environmental Supports 11:06 Technology and Tools for Better Sleep 20:47 Habits and Accountability 26:10 Conclusion and Recap

In Episode 332 You Will Discover:

• Why working memory struggles make information retention harder with ADHD
• 5 proven strategies to enhance memory retention when learning new things
• Personalized approaches for each overwhelm type (Lion, Gazelle, Turtle, Chameleon) so you can adapt these strategies to YOUR brain.

Work With Me:

👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz!

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

Resources From This Episode:

• Episode 150 - How To Get Started With Something: Use This Time Management Technique
• Episode 266: Mind Mapping for the ADHD Brain
• Mike Schmidt PKM Note Taking Approach
• Tiago Forte Para Method and Note taking

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:57 Understanding ADHD and Working Memory 04:31 Five Core Learning Strategies 06:24 Strategy 1: Teach It Back 10:15 Strategy 2: Adding Anchors 15:14 Strategy 3: Using Multiple Senses 16:41 Strategy 4: Active Recall Breaks 19:59 Strategy 5: Distributed Practice 25:32 Applying Strategies Based on Overwhelm Types 34:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Episode You Will Discover:

• Why ADHD impatience happens in the brain and body
• How "trying harder" actually makes impatience worse
• The mindset shift that helps everything
• Four ADHD-friendly strategies to build real-world patience

Work With Me:

👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz!

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

Resources From This Episode:

• Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Neff
• Fierce Self-Compassion: How to Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Your Power, and Thrive by Dr. Neff

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction: The Struggle with Patience 01:03 Understanding ADHD and Impatience 04:05 The Impatience Trap 10:04 The Radical Mindset Shift 21:20 Strategies for Building Patience 28:50 Conclusion and Recap

In Episode 330 You Will Discover:

• How to run a quick "pre-holiday audit" to spot energy drainers before the season starts
• Practical scripts to help you pause before saying yes
• The "Good Enough Manifesto" that quiets perfectionism
• How to build a personal recharge plan for social or sensory overload
• Simple, kind ways to say no—or a balanced "yes-if"—that honor your capacity

Work With Me:

👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

Resources From This Episode:

• Discover your Overwhelm Type (Free Quiz!)
• Holiday Season Blueprint

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction: People Pleasing, ADHD, and the Holidays

01:37 Reflecting on People Pleasing Patterns

03:14 Step 1: Pre-Holiday Audit and Intention Setting 07:15

Step 2: Practicing the Pause 11:24

Step 3: The Good Enough Manifesto

13:36 Step 4: Recharge Strategies for Sensory Overload

17:03 Step 5: The Kind No and Yes If Compromise

21:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Episode 329 You Will Discover:

• Core reasons why ADHD brains are more prone to people-pleasing
• How to start a People-Pleasing Inventory to notice your patterns without judgment
• Simple reflection questions to help you recognize who, when, and why you overcommit

Work With Me:

👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching)

👉 Learn more about private coaching here

👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here

👉 Take the Overwhelm Type Quiz here!

Resources From This Episode:

• Episode 139 - What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: What Does RSD Look Like in ADHD?
• Episode 140 - How to Deal with ADHD & Imposter Syndrome + Five Competence Types
• Episode 167 - What is ADHD Masking? Plus, Examples & Solutions
• Episode 247 - 8 Discreet ADHD Emotional Regulation Strategies for Adults

More ADHD Resources:

• Discover my favorite ADHD resources
• Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain
• Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System
• Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap
• Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here.

Leave IBBA A Rating & Review!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people.

1. Go to Apple Podcasts
2. Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews.
4. Simply tap five stars; that's it!
5. Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend!

Chapter Outline

00:00 Introduction: The Holiday Dilemma

01:14 Understanding the People Pleasing Cycle

02:54 Podcast Overview and Holiday Challenges

04:10 The Drive to Please: Coping Mechanisms

07:05 Rejection Sensitivity and ADHD

10:35 Impulsivity and the Automatic Yes

14:32 Emotional Regulation and Guilt

19:01 Masking, Self-Worth, and People Pleasing

24:31 Conducting a People Pleasing Inventory

28:07 Conclusion and Next Steps