Learn to Thrive with ADHD Podcast

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In this transformative episode of our ADHD Summer School series, I reveal the secret to getting things done when motivation is nowhere to be found—and why waiting for the "right mood" is keeping you stuck in endless procrastination cycles.

📌 Key Topics:

• The motivation myth: why it comes AFTER you start, not before
• Three major thought problems sabotaging your progress (and how to overcome them)
• How to welcome negative emotions and take them along for the ride
• The power of reframing: shifting from "I have to" to "I get to" and "I want to"
• Breaking the cycle of letting yourself down and rebuilding self-trust
• Body doubling strategies and accountability systems that actually work

🗣️ Featured Quote: "You can't wait for motivation. She's always late and you just have to start without her. Motivation comes after we get started—you have to get going and then you'll get motivated."

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

• Use the 10-minute rule to overcome resistance and build momentum
• Break projects down into the smallest possible next steps
• Apply the "when exactly" principle (70% completion rate vs. 40-50% for vague plans)
• Create "enough" boundaries to prevent endless work cycles
• Practice keeping small commitments to build the muscle of following through
• Shut down brain negotiation with pre-planned responses

🎯 Coming Up Next: More ADHD Summer School courses on Overcoming Overwhelm, Time Management, and building sustainable systems that work with your brain.

🔑 Key Takeaway: You don't need to earn fun or wait until everything's perfect to take action. Your ADHD brain isn't broken—it just needs tools that work WITH its wiring, not against it. Start small, celebrate everything, and build momentum one action at a time.

Connect with Mande: 

Free Get Things Done Workbook: http://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/workbook2025 

Learn more about private coaching with Mande: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/ 

Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/ 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

#getthingsdone #adhd #motivation #procrastination #adhdsupport #adhdstrategies #adhdcommunity #productivity #executivefunction #adhdworkbook

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In this game-changing episode of our executive function series, I share how to master planning and prioritization—and why the beautiful, color-coded plans you spend hours creating but never follow aren't serving your ADHD brain.

📌 Key Topics:

• My Anime Expo breakthrough: going from post-trip chaos to calm confidence
• Why the planning itself became my dopamine hit (and how to break that cycle)
• The difference between executive function that's broken vs. inconsistent
• How to zoom out and ask "what really matters this week?" when everything feels urgent
• Building unshakeable self-trust through consistent small wins
• Time awareness challenges and the game-changing power of tracking task times

🗣️ Featured Quote: "I used to make these beautiful color-coded plans that took hours to build, and then I wouldn't follow them. The planning itself was the dopamine hit. I wasn't being lazy—it was just executive function dysregulation."

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

• Focus on just ONE thing per day (not always the "most important"—just one you'd be proud to complete)
• Use "Main Intentions" vs. to-dos with built-in flexibility for unexpected things
• Master the "Would be nice if" section with intentional language that prevents overwhelm
• Break tasks down so small it's easier to do them than deal with how you'll feel if you don't
• Apply the "when-where-what" commitment strategy (91% success rate vs. 35% for good intentions alone)

🎯 Coming Up Next: This concludes our Executive Function Series—but it's just the beginning! Summer courses on Overcoming Overwhelm, Getting Things Done, and more are coming.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Your executive function skills aren't broken—they're just inconsistent. With the right system that works WITH your brain instead of against it, you can build planning and prioritization like a muscle. It takes practice, not perfection.

Connect with Mande: 

Free ADHD-Friendly Planner: http://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/planner 

Learn more about private coaching with Mande: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/ 

Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/ 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

#executivefunctions #adhd #planning #prioritization #adhdsupport #adhdstrategies #adhdcommunity #timemanagement #productivity #adhdplanner

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In this inspiring conversation with entrepreneur Maria Islas, we dive deep into her incredible transformation from depression and staying in bed until 1 PM to successfully managing the multiple businesses she already owned as a mom of four. Maria openly shares how ADHD coaching helped her move from feeling "good for nothing" to confidently managing her existing trucking companies and real estate investments while handling family life and rheumatoid arthritis.

📌 Key Topics:

• Moving from depression and bed-bound days to productive morning routines
• Why breaking down "simple" tasks like brushing teeth into calendar reminders actually works
• Using color-coding systems to manage comfort zone vs. challenging activities
• The power of Post-it note reminders (and handling kids' teasing about them)
• Building accountability systems that motivate rather than shame
• Creating sustainable routines that support both mental health and business management
• The importance of faith and community in maintaining motivation

🗣️ Featured Quote: "It's those simple things that people think that everybody else is just doing it. Not everybody. There's people like me, there's people like Maria, there's people like lots of my clients... and they're struggling with just simple things."

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

• Put everything on your calendar, including basic self-care tasks
• Use the "Yay Me" celebration practice to acknowledge daily wins
• Create morning and evening routines that become automatic
• Implement twice-weekly coaching calls for consistent accountability
• Practice "review, revise, and recommit" when setbacks occur
• Color-code calendar items: red for out-of-comfort-zone activities, green for familiar tasks

🎯 Coming Up Next: Join us for more ADHD-friendly business and life management strategies to help you thrive as an entrepreneur.

🔑 Key Takeaway: With ADHD, you can successfully manage multiple businesses and family responsibilities when you have the right systems, accountability, and support. Small, consistent actions build into life-changing transformations.

Connect with Mandy: Learn more about private coaching: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/ Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/ Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

#adhd #adhdentrepreneur #adhdmom #depression #routine #timemanagement #adhdsuccess #accountability #businessowner #adhdstrategies #executivefunction #mompreneur #adhdsupport #mentalhealth

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In this deep-dive episode of our executive function series, I share how to develop metacognition—your ability to think about your thinking—and the practical tools that helped me go from feeling mentally dragged around to becoming the conscious director of my own mind.

📌 Key Topics:

• My personal journey from feeling thoughts just "happened to me" to gaining control
• The untrained dog analogy and what it reveals about unmanaged minds
• Why so many ADHDers reach adulthood without realizing they can direct their thoughts
• The connection between metacognition and breaking autopilot patterns
• How awareness creates choice and stops emotional hijacking
• Building the skill that most ADHD books don't teach

🗣️ Featured Quote: "Your thoughts are not facts. They're stories your brain tells you, and it's okay to question them. Metacognition is simply your ability to notice and name what's going on in your brain. That awareness is what gives you choice."

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

• Master the brain dump technique to see what's actually happening in your head
• Use the C-T-F-A-R model to understand how thoughts create your feelings and actions
• Practice self-coaching to make conscious choices instead of reacting automatically
• Learn to get curious about your thoughts without judgment
• Develop emotional vocabulary using tools like the feelings wheel

🎯 Coming Up Next: Join us next week as we continue our executive function series with the final skill in this comprehensive journey.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Metacognition works like training a puppy—with practice and patience, you can teach your mind to work with you instead of against you. The goal isn't to control every thought, but to become aware enough to choose your response.

Connect with Mande: 

Free Self-Coaching Workbook: http://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/selfcoaching 

Learn more about private coaching with Mande: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/ 

Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/ 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

#executivefunctions #adhd #metacognition #adhdthinking #adhdsupport #adhdstrategies #adhdcommunity #selfcoaching #mindmanagement

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In this practical episode, Mande reveals her carefully curated collection of ADHD-friendly gadgets that go far beyond the typical fidget spinners found on Amazon. Discover real tools that address the everyday challenges of adult ADHD and can transform how you manage your symptoms.

📌 What You'll Learn:

• Why typical "ADHD gadgets" miss the mark for adult needs
• 14 practical tools that address time blindness, organization, and focus
• How color-changing smart bulbs can create seamless transitions in your day
• The desk bike solution for hyperactive energy
• Simple laundry hacks that eliminate decision fatigue
• Key organization systems that ensure you'll never lose your keys again

🗣️ Featured Quote: "There's nothing. There is basically fidget spinners, and so I put together this list of items that I actually use that I think would be super helpful for people with ADHD."

🔗 Useful Links Mentioned: 

Free ADHD Tools Guide: http://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/gadgets-and-tools 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

💡 Remember: The right tools can make all the difference in managing ADHD symptoms. These aren't random gadgets—they're carefully selected solutions that address real challenges like time awareness, organization, and focus.

#ADHDGadgets #ADHDTools #TimeManagement #ADHDHacks #ProductivityTools #OrganizationTips #ThrivingWithADHD

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In this deep-dive episode with digital organization expert Shawn Lemon, we explore how to tame your digital chaos with brain-friendly systems that work especially well for those with ADHD and executive function challenges.

📌 Key Topics:

• Why digital organization is a modern problem requiring new solutions
• The four pillars of digital organization: email, files, passwords, and project management
• How scattered digital storage creates mental overwhelm and inefficiency
• Breaking the "perfect system" trap that leads to burnout
• Implementing the "one thing at a time" approach for digital tasks
• Building trust that important ideas will resurface when needed

🗣️ Featured Quote: "If we were to take your digital workspace and make it a physical space... what would that look like? So often we're using Dropbox, iCloud, Google Drive... we have all these trailers in one park, but there's no path between them."

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

• Create a single digital home for all your files instead of using multiple platforms
• Use the "snooze" feature to manage email without constant monitoring
• Implement a "back burner list" to capture ideas without cluttering your task manager
• Break digital organization projects into manageable chunks to avoid burnout
• Use simple tools like Text Expander to reduce repetitive typing tasks
• Maintain a "deep freeze" archive for old files you're not ready to delete

🎯 Coming Up Next: Join us for an upcoming episode where we'll continue exploring brain-friendly productivity strategies that work with your unique thinking style.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Digital organization isn't about creating the perfect system—it's about simplifying your digital experience so you can find what you need in seconds and focus on what truly matters.

Connect with Mande: 

Learn more about private coaching: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/

 Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/ 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

Connect with Shaun: 

Website: https://thedigitalorganizer.com/thrive 

Email Guide: https://thedigitalorganizer.com/thrive 

Social Media: @thedigitalorganizer

#digitalorganization #emailmanagement #adhd #digitalclutter #brainfriendly #fileorganization #projectmanagement #executivefunctions #digitalpeace #onething

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In this deep-dive episode of our executive function series, I share how to organize your life in a brain-friendly way and the practical strategies that helped me go from chaotic clutter to sustainable systems, even with executive function challenges.

📌 Key Topics:

• The complex executive function skills involved in organization
• Why traditional organizing methods often lead to burnout
• My personal journey with digital, physical, and mental clutter
• How to break the exhausting organize-crash-repeat cycle
• Energy management strategies for sustainable organization
• Finding homes for everything to reduce decision fatigue

🗣️ Featured Quote: "Organization isn't about perfection—it's about being able to pull things back to a calm, peaceful state without overwhelm."

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

• Start small and limit yourself to avoid the hyperfocus-crash cycle
• Use the trash/donate/elsewhere system to streamline decision-making
• Create homes for everything to reduce constant decision fatigue
• Build simple 30-minute daily maintenance routines
• Implement the Now/Not Now method to organize your thoughts
• Simplify categories to reduce decision overload

🎯 Coming Up Next: Join us next week as we continue our executive function series with strategies for another critical executive function skill.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Organization works differently for unique brains—it's about creating systems that work with your brain, not against it. With the right approach, you can maintain organization without exhaustion.

Connect with Mande:

Learn more about Strategic Action Plan Sessions: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/

Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

#executivefunctions #organization #organizationtips #adhd #brainfriendly #declutter #organizationstrategies #executivefunctionskills #organizingsystems

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🌟 Feeling stuck with untapped potential? In this powerful episode, Mande challenges you to stop stalling and finally take action on that project, dream, or talent you've been holding back. Learn how to overcome fear, disorganization, and the dreaded "waiting for the perfect time" syndrome that keeps so many ADHD minds from sharing their gifts with the world.

📌 What You'll Learn:

• Why fear of judgment is holding you back (and why you'll be judged anyway!)
• How disorganization becomes a barrier to pursuing your passions
• The real cost of waiting and delaying your dreams
• A 5-step practical breakdown to get unstuck and moving forward
• The importance of asking for help and creating accountability

🗣️ Featured Quote: "Your people are waiting for you - the people your talents will touch, the people you will help or inspire."

🔗 Useful Links Mentioned: 

Learn more about private coaching: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/

Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/ 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

💡 Remember: Time is passing anyway and you can't get it back. Even the smallest progress is a win, and it will add up more than you can believe. Do it scared - take all those emotions with you and do it anyway!

#ADHDPotential #TakeAction #OvercomeFear #CreateToday #ADHDCreatives #StartNow #ThrivingWithADHD

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In this insightful conversation with Coach Kari Bates, we explore the unique challenges of maintaining relationships when you have ADHD, particularly with adult children. Kari shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her own adult child and offers practical strategies for overcoming the "out of sight, out of mind" phenomenon that affects so many with ADHD.

📌 Key Topics:

• The struggle of maintaining connections with people who aren't physically present
• Why ADHD brains often forget to reach out to loved ones despite deeply caring
• How to handle the guilt and shame that comes with forgotten texts and calls
• Building consistent routines to stay connected with adult children
• Accepting your ADHD brain while continuously working to improve
• The importance of dropping defensiveness when adult children express hurt

🗣️ Featured Quote: "It's never going to be a thing that you solve and done and it's never a problem for you forever. It's one of those things that you keep working at, you keep coming back to it when you need to come back to it."

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

• Respond to thoughts of connection immediately rather than putting them off
• Create a dedicated list of important people to reach out to regularly
• Establish regular connection points like weekly family Zoom calls
• Use simple, low-pressure ways to connect (GIFs, photos, quick texts)
• Let go of perfectionism and focus on consistent effort

🎯 Coming Up Next: Join us for more ADHD-friendly relationship insights and practical strategies to help you thrive in all areas of life.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Your relationships matter deeply, even when your ADHD brain makes consistent connection challenging. With acceptance, tools, and continued effort, you can maintain meaningful relationships with the people who matter most.

Connect with Mande:  

Learn more about private coaching: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/

Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/ 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

#adhd #adhdrelationships #adhdparenting #adultchildren #adhdcommunity #adhdstrategies #outofmindoutofheart #parentingadults #relationships #adhdsupport

Click here for full show notes.

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In this deep-dive episode of our executive function series, I share how to build stress tolerance for ADHD brains and the practical strategies that helped me go from overwhelmed to calm, even when life gets chaotic.

📌 Key Topics:

• My personal journey with stress overwhelm when hosting gatherings
• The critical connection between stress tolerance and other executive functions
• Why the right amount of stress can actually be helpful for motivation
• How reframing stress as a challenge changes your physical response
• Building your stress "muscle" through consistent small exposures
• The power of ADHD-friendly prioritization to prevent overwhelm

🗣️ Featured Quote: "Stress tolerance isn't about avoiding stress altogether—it's about building the capacity to handle it in a healthy way, especially when you live with ADHD."

💡 Strategy Breakdown:

• Reframe stress as a challenge rather than a threat to reduce intensity
• Develop specific stress relief habits that don't create negative consequences
• Create an ADHD-friendly prioritization system with the "Today List" method
• Learn to recognize when stress is becoming too much and have tools ready

🎯 Coming Up Next: Join us next week as we continue our executive function series with organization strategies for your mind, things, and work/home life.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Stress tolerance works like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. With practice, your ability to stay calm, focused and resilient under pressure grows.

Connect with Mande: 

Free Today List Prioritization Sheet: http://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/prioritylist

Learn more about private coaching with Mande: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/

Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/ 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

#executivefunctions #adhd #stresstolerance #adhdstress #adhdsupport #adhdstrategies #adhdcommunity #stressmanagement #prioritization

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