Overcoming Distractions-Thriving with ADHD, ADD

Epizode

• Healing Stress Illness for Busy Adults with ADHD 02.07.2026 37min

  True physical recovery begins only when we stop ignoring the brain's response to chronic pressure and prioritize our own joy. This is a must listen podcast episode for anyone with adult ADHD experiencing physical symptoms and stress! Dave sits down with Dr. David Clarke, author of They Can't Find Anything Wrong and president of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms. Together, they explore the profound connection between high-achieving professionals, ADHD-ish tendencies, and "stress illness." Real, debilitating physical symptoms generated entirely by altered nerve pathways in the brain rather than structural disease. Dr. Clarke sheds light on the medical blind spot surrounding neuroplastic conditions and reveals how a childhood spent in high-stress "minefields" frequently shapes the overachieving, people-pleasing adult personalities susceptible to burnout. Ultimately, this insightful conversation highlights how listening to your body's distress signals and intentionally relearning how to pause and play can heal decades of unexplained pain. Key Discussion Points Defining Stress Illness: Dr. Clarke clarifies that ailments like migraines, chronic back pain, and GI issues are 100% real, physical conditions triggered by neuroplastic brain pathways rather than localized injury or organ disease. The Childhood Connection: Many high-achieving adults and individuals with ADHD traits grew up in unpredictable environments where they developed hyper-vigilance and people-pleasing tendencies as survival mechanisms. The Medical Blind Spot: Standard Western medical training primarily addresses structural issues, leaving both primary care and mental health professionals under-equipped to diagnose brain-generated physical symptoms. The Necessity of "Finger Paint" Play: High-performers often lose the essential human skill of purposeless play, trapping them on a treadmill of constant achievement until the body protests. Shifting the Mindset: Healing requires self-respect, acknowledging early life stressors, and taking actionable steps toward recovery through specialized self-assessments and neuroplastic recovery therapies.
• Emotional intelligence can be your greatest entrepreneurial strength as an adult with ADHD 12.06.2026 42min

  In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave sits down with Mark Steiner, founder of the powerhouse event marketplace GigSalad. After receiving a life-changing ADHD diagnosis at age 57, Mark looked back on his journey from a New Jersey theater actor to a highly successful CEO. They dive deep into the unique mechanics of the ADHD brain in business, exploring how unconventional paths can breed massive professional success.  Entrepreneurship and ADHD: The Reality of Late Diagnosis: Mark shares his personal journey of discovering his ADHD later in life after his daughter was diagnosed, highlighting how common it is for adults to finally make sense of their lives decades into their careers. EQ Over IQ: Mark emphasizes that high emotional intelligence (EQ) and "street smarts" are critical for building a flourishing company culture, far outweighing traditional MBA or textbook knowledge. Non-Negotiable Systems for Success: To sustain a thriving, bootstrap company for over 20 years, Mark relies on hiring people who complement his weaknesses, delegating autonomy completely, and protecting his calendar for essential solitary decompression time. ·         Build a Culture of Autonomy: Avoid micromanaging your team. Plant the overarching vision, give your employees a "long leash" with plenty of freedom, and act as their ultimate cheerleader while they execute. ·         Acknowledge and Map Your Social Window: Recognize that even if you are an extrovert who thrives at conferences or in boardrooms, you likely have a "four-to-six-week window" before you need dedicated, solitary decompression time to reset. ·         Practice Extreme Self-Mercy: Forgive yourself for the tangents, the oversharing, and the inevitable administrative blemishes. Mark attributes true professional freedom to showing up as your authentic self without "shape-shifting" or masking. You can find GigSalad here: https://www.gigsalad.com/
• What Your Adult ADHD Was Trying to Tell You This Week 09.06.2026 21min

  Success can make it easy to overlook what's really happening beneath the surface. In this episode, Dave steps away from productivity hacks, planners, and optimization strategies to focus on something even more important. ADHD awareness. If you're a busy professional, entrepreneur, executive, or high performer with ADHD, these weekly questions will help you uncover patterns, recognize strengths, and better understand what your brain may be trying to communicate. In this episode Dave talks about: Why ADHD can be both a professional advantage and a source of friction at the same time. How to identify moments when you felt most energized, engaged, and aligned with your strengths. What it means when you're constantly "fighting your brain" and how to recognize when a system simply isn't working. The hidden effort and invisible work many successful adults with ADHD carry every day. Why unexpected wins, struggles, and surprises contain valuable clues about how you work best. How to recognize ADHD-related strengths that deserve more attention and appreciation. The importance of spotting recurring patterns instead of focusing on isolated setbacks. A simple reflection question that may completely change how you view your ADHD. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Managing Adult ADHD is Less About Short-Term Hacks and More About Embracing a Regulated Way of Life 26.05.2026 38min

  Dave connects with Jenna Free, author of A Simple Guide to ADHD Regulation, to dismantle the misconception that thriving with neurodivergence requires endless lifestyle hacks. Instead, they dive deep into the power of nervous system regulation and why busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and CEOs frequently find themselves trapped in a frantic cycle of high performance followed by complete shutdown. Jenna highlights how prolonged states of fight-or-flight mimic and intensify ADHD symptoms. She offers a sustainable path to step out of survival mode and provides actionable advice on thriving with adult ADHD. How adults with ADHD can embrace emotional regulation: The Vicious Cycle: Operating in a frantic, rushing state can feel highly productive but inevitably leads to stress, overwhelming burnout and in some cases physical shutdown. The Mechanics of Dysregulation: When stress tricks the nervous system into perceiving routine business challenges as life-threatening, blood physically leaves the brain for the limbs, crippling executive dysfunction and creative focus. The "In-the-Moment" Regulation Strategy: True regulation isn't about avoiding stress or taking constant breaks. It involves interrupting dysregulation in real-time by slowing your physical pace and breathing without abandoning the task at hand. Unpacking Core Beliefs: Common narrative traps, such as feeling constantly "behind" or believing rest must be earned, keep the nervous system stuck in a permanent, defensive tug-of-war. You can find Jenna's book about ADHD and regulation here. https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Guide-ADHD-Regulation-Enjoying/dp/1400254698 **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• From Attention Deficit to Flourishing with Adult ADHD 15.05.2026 38min

  The most impactful way to navigate life with ADHD is to shift your identity from a "disability deficit" mindset to a neuroaffirming, strength-based perspective. In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave chats with Liz Ahmann and Micah Saviet, authors of the new book Flourishing with Adult ADHD (released April 2026). The discussion dives deep into practical, evidence-based strategies for high-performing professionals and entrepreneurs who are tired of temporary "hacks" and ready for long-term growth. They explore how understanding your unique brain wiring is the first step toward moving past the shame of a late diagnosis and toward true well-being. Key Discussion Points Hacks vs. Habits: Why temporary ADHD "hacks" often fail and how a deeper understanding of your specific "flavor" of ADHD leads to sustainable lifestyle changes. The Power of the Pause: Introducing the STOP practice (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed mindfully) to move from a reactive limbic state to a thoughtful executive state. Neuroplasticity in Action: How mindfulness and nature walks physically clear neural pathways and lower cortisol levels. Identity Re-calibration: Moving away from the "square peg in a round hole" mentality by embracing neurodivergence rather than trying to fix perceived weaknesses. Combating Shame: A look at the research-backed need for self-compassion and how it serves as a foundation for emotional regulation and resilience. Practical Growth Tools: Simple shifts like gratitude journaling, "micro-wins," and using the VIA (Values in Action) assessment to identify natural strengths. Find Flourishing with Adult ADHD: The Evidence-based Guide to Client Well-being for Therapists and Coaches here: https://amzn.to/4uX9Bd0 And learn more about the work Liz Ahmann and Micah Saviet are doing here: https://www.adulttraumaandadhdsolutions.com/ https://www.pathways-ahead.com/ **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Transformative Approaches to Healing and Wellness For Adults with ADHD 24.04.2026 39min

  Dave is joined by Dana Hargus, founder of Restore Ada and an expert in trauma-informed wellness. Together, they explore how the body "keeps the score" of stress and trauma, the physiological signs of a dysregulated nervous system, and practical modalities like biofeedback and neurofeedback to help busy individuals with ADHD regain their sense of self. Key Discussion Points The Reality of Burnout: Burnout is often more than just being "tired" It is a complex state of chronic stress that can be rooted in unresolved trauma. The ADHD Connection: High-performers with ADHD often operate in a state of constant mental racing, which can mask the subtle physical signs of systemic overload. The Body Keeps the Score: Even if a person does not have a verbal memory of a traumatic event, the body can retain the physiological impact, often manifesting as chronic pain, migraines, or digestive issues. Nervous System Dysregulation: Dana explains "fight, flight, or freeze" modes and how a dysregulated system perceives minor stressors as major threats. Practical Self-Regulation: * Morning Routine: Using the first five minutes of the day for gratitude and positive framing. The "Sleep is King" Rule: Establishing strict routines, avoiding screens, and aiming for rest by 11:00 PM. Grounding: The physical benefits of letting sunlight hit your face and placing bare feet on the earth to lower inflammation. Introduction to Biofeedback for ADHD: An overview of how neurofeedback uses electrodes to monitor brain waves and "exercise" the brain to improve focus, sleep, and stress management. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Transforming ADHD Obstacles into Action 17.04.2026 31min

  Externalizing accountability is the "beating heart" of productivity for the ADHD brain. Dave sits down with Russ Jones, founder of  "ADHD Big Brother" to dismantle the stigma surrounding accountability. They explore why "internalized" accountability often fails those with ADHD and how shifting to external structures can turn "not now" into "done." Russ explains the mechanics of "felt accountability" and introduces the game-changing concept of body doubling for busy professionals with ADHD. Dave and Russ talk about: Felt Accountability: Moving from internal promises which ADHD brains can struggle with, to external visibility that creates healthy pressure. The Power of Body Doubling: How working in the presence of others, even virtually, adds a "teaspoon of extra focus" to boring or daunting tasks. Nagging vs. Support: Understanding that true accountability is an opt-in partnership, whereas nagging is unsolicited and often ineffective. The "Car Pulls Left" Analogy: Why consistent check-ins are necessary to keep the ADHD brain from drifting off course. Externalizing the Day: Using "true" calendars and physical notifications to prevent tasks from becoming "part of the furniture." The Task Audit: Identifying "leaks" in your process, from capturing ideas to handling the "inner tantrum" when it's time to start. Learn more about Russ Jones and ADHD Big Brother here: https://www.adhdbigbrother.com/leaks  **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Breathwork for the Busy ADHD Brain 11.04.2026 40min

  Have you ever tried breath work to manage your adult ADHD? In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave sits down with Kurtis Lee Thomas, a corporate mindfulness trainer and founder of Breathwork Detox. They explore the critical importance of "hitting the pause button" in a world that demands constant digital engagement. Kurtis shares his personal journey from suffering a mysterious, debilitating stomach condition to discovering a powerful somatic breathing technique that provided a miracle cure when Western medicine could not. The conversation dives deep into why high-achieving entrepreneurs and professionals, especially those with ADHD, often struggle with chronic stress and how breathwork can provide immediate relief. Managing adult ADHD through breath work. The Power of the Pause: Why professionals and those with ADHD must incorporate intentional breaks to maintain mental clarity and performance. Breathwork vs. Meditation: Understanding the "umbrella term" of breathwork and why active breathing can be more accessible for chaotic minds than traditional silent meditation. Stress and the Body: How the body acts as a "living library" for trauma and stress, often manifesting in physical ailments like digestive issues or burnout. The Digital Defocus: How smartphone habits act as a form of "de-meditation," training our brains to constantly switch channels and lose focus. The Breathwork Detox Method: A look into this somatic, mouth-breathing technique designed to clear the sympathetic nervous system and release built-up emotional baggage. Interrupting Rumination: Strategies for breaking the "hamster wheel" of repetitive negative thoughts common in busy leaders. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• The ADHD Minute-The 10-Minute Reset Ritual for Busy Adults with ADHD 08.04.2026 10min

  We're doing something new here at Overcoming Distractions. It's called the ADHD minute and it's a quick shorter episode for you the person with the demanding career that just happens to have ADHD. Ever feel busy but not productive? For busy professionals and executives with ADHD, it's not a time problem, it's a pause and reset problem. This episode introduces a simple 10-minute reset ritual to help you regain focus fast. When your brain is overloaded, it seeks relief, not priorities and that leads to more distractions and task-switching. Instead of pushing harder let's learn to reset. The ritual includes five steps: • Stop and interrupt the noise • Breathe to calm your system • Brain dump everything on your mind • Decide on ONE high-impact task • Start small with a 10-minute version Use this anytime you feel stuck or scattered. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• How Busy Adults with ADHD Can Find Clarity in Chaos-Advice from a NASA Operations Expert 03.04.2026 36min

  Dave sits down with John Mollura, a former test operations expert for NASA and the U.S. Military. John shares his journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and how he transitioned from viewing his "brain wiring" as a deficit to a high-performance superpower. From mission-critical field testing in the Mojave Desert to creative problem-solving on spacecraft hardware, John explains how the ADHD brain is uniquely equipped for pattern recognition and decisive action in high-pressure environments. Our Adult ADHD Discussion: ADHD and Pattern Recognition: Not everyone agrees that ADHD is a superpower, but many often excel in high-pressure scenarios where others might freeze, thanks to rapid pattern recognition. The Adult Diagnosis: John discusses how a song by Penn Holderness led him to realize his "focus-based" ADHD was never a lack of effort, but a difference in wiring. Mission-Critical Problem Solving: A look at "MacGyver-style" solutions John used at NASA, including using ratchet straps and 4x4s to save a spacecraft's launch schedule. Building Confidence Through Micro-Habits: How keeping small promises to yourself, like flossing or emptying the dishwasher, can train the brain for larger professional successes. Managing Cognitive Load: The importance of "clearing the decks" of small tasks to pave the way for "flow state" and deep work. Explanation vs. Excuse: Shifting the mindset from apologizing for ADHD traits to using them as an explanation to implement better guardrails.
• The ADHD Edge is Working With Your Energy, Not Against It 27.03.2026 19min

  If you are trying to manage a packed calendar, constant demands, pulled in 1000 directions, and still feeling behind, it's time to have a talk about your energy and productivity. Managing your time isn't the real challenge, understanding your energy is. For busy professionals with ADHD, especially those balancing demanding careers and family responsibilities, productivity often comes in unpredictable waves. In this short episode, Dave explores how to stop forcing focus and instead align your work with your natural energy cycles. In this episode, we discuss: Why you need to identify your natural energy highs and lows throughout the day Aligning high-focus tasks with peak energy windows for better results Using low-energy periods for admin and routine work instead of forcing productivity The importance of movement, breaks, and "reset moments" to recharge your brain How high achievers with ADHD fall into the overworking trap, and how to recognize it The difference between true rest and low-quality recharge (like scrolling) **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Start Strong, Finish Calm: Daily Routines for ADHD Professionals 20.03.2026 24min

  Busy professionals with ADHD often don't struggle with effort. They struggle with starting the day and shutting it down. Without clear transitions, mornings feel chaotic and evenings feel unfinished. Dave explores how simple, repeatable routines can act as anchors to create stability, reduce decision fatigue, and help you move through your day with more clarity and control. Without adding pressure or complexity! These are must haves for ADHD individuals in demanding careers and businesses. Key Takeaways: Build a simple morning routine focused on momentum, not perfection Start your day by identifying your top 3 priorities Create a consistent workday start-up ritual to eliminate decision paralysis Avoid jumping straight into reactive tasks like email first thing Use an evening shut-down routine to signal the end of your workday Capture unfinished tasks and set priorities for tomorrow Establish a weekly planning routine to reduce overwhelm and stay proactive Keep routines short, realistic, and repeatable Stack new routines onto habits you already do daily Focus on consistency over complexity. Simple routines done regularly create lasting results **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Rebuilding a Business with an ADHD Brain 13.03.2026 35min

  In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave talks with Scott Proposki, a high-level photographer who has shot for the White House and National Geographic. Scott shares his journey of scaling a seven-figure studio, losing it during the 2020 pandemic, and the psychological toll of that transition. The conversation focuses on how entrepreneurs with ADHD can pivot from seeing their condition as a liability to leveraging it as a professional asset. Even when it seems impossible. Key Discussion Topics The Power of Hyper-Focus: Scott discusses how his camera acted as a "superpower," allowing him to achieve elite professional success through intense focus. The Dangers of "The Stop": Why high-energy entrepreneurs with ADHD often thrive in chaos but can struggle with depression when professional momentum suddenly halts. The Myth of Academic Success: Both David and Scott reflect on their poor academic histories (the "C- student" experience) and how it didn't prevent them from both becoming best-selling authors. The Importance of Body Doubling: Scott identifies how his previous success relied on having assistants or office managers to act as "accountability partners" and why isolation during the pandemic was so damaging. Building Repeatable Systems: A look at the Mark Cuban philosophy: why entrepreneurs must create repeatable systems to turn a "chaotic job" into a real business. Recovering from Zero: Insights into the mindset shifts required to rebuild a business and professional identity after a total loss. Find Scott Proposki here: www.scottproposki.com **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Reducing Time Blindness for High-Performing ADHD Professionals 20.02.2026 28min

  Why does the day disappear, even when you start with a clear plan? For busy professionals with ADHD, time blindness isn't a character flaw. Research points to neurobiological differences in executive function and time perception, dopamine dysregulation affecting motivation and internal timing. The result? Reactive weeks. Strategic thinking is squeezed out by "urgent." Constant context switching. Strained relationships. In this episode, Dave reframes time blocking as visual decision-making and not rigid scheduling. Why high achievers with ADHD struggle with estimating time The leadership cost of operating without visual structure Using themed blocks (Deep Work, Meetings, Admin, Strategic Thinking, Recovery) Planning by energy, not just the clock Matching high-focus windows to complex work Building buffers and overflow blocks (plan for reality, not perfection) Transition rituals to reduce friction (5-minute resets, defining the next tiny step, clearing tabs) The "Land and Launch" method for smoother task switching **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Prioritization for the Real World When You Have Adult ADHD 16.02.2026 18min

  In this episode, Dave breaks down how prioritization really works for busy professionals with adult ADHD. When everything feels urgent and your to-do list never ends, it's easy to confuse motion with progress. This episode of Overcoming Distractions focuses on sorting tasks by importance, urgency, and, most critically, energy. We explore an ADHD-friendly version of the framework Must / Should / Could system to reduce overwhelm and force clarity around what actually needs to get done today. Key discussion points include: Why everything feels urgent when you have ADHD How to identify high-impact vs. low-impact tasks The danger of reactive work and inbox-driven days How to triage your current to-do list in minutes Why managing energy matters more than managing time You'll walk away with practical steps to choose 1–3 meaningful priorities, align tasks with your peak focus windows, and stop letting busywork hijack your week. If you're tired of spinning your wheels, this episode will help you focus on what truly moves the needle. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• People-Pleasing & Adult ADHD — The Hidden Cost for High-Achieving Professionals 09.02.2026 26min

  People pleasing is often seen as being helpful, reliable, or easy to work with. But for busy professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners with ADHD, it can quietly become one of the biggest drivers of burnout, overcommitment, and frustration. In this episode, Dave talks about how people pleasing shows up in leadership and the workplace, why it's so common in high-achieving adults with ADHD, and what it actually costs you over time. More importantly, Dave will explore practical ways to recognize these patterns and how to begin shifting toward healthier boundaries that support sustainable success. In this episode: Why people pleasing in ADHD is less about being "nice" and more about emotional regulation How people pleasing shows up in leadership, business ownership, and professional roles The link between rejection sensitivity, conflict avoidance, and overcommitment Subtle signs of hidden people pleasing in high performers The professional, financial, and personal costs of chronic people pleasing Why saying yes often feels easier than tolerating discomfort Simple mindset shifts to move from automatic yes to intentional choice Practical strategies to reduce people pleasing without damaging relationships If you've ever felt overwhelmed, resentful, or stretched too thin while trying to be everything to everyone, this episode is for you. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Uncovering Emotional Dysregulation in Women with ADHD with Dr. Gilly Kahn 01.02.2026 36min

  In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave welcomes Dr. Gilly Kahn, a clinical psychologist, ADHD specialist, and author of the new book, Allow Me to Interrupt. While ADHD is often associated with external disruptions in boys, Dr. Kahn highlights how it frequently manifests internally as emotional dysregulation in women. The conversation dives deep into why women are often diagnosed later in life and how biological factors, specifically hormonal shifts, play a critical role in how ADHD symptoms fluctuate. Key Discussion Points The Gender Bias in Diagnosis: Dr. Kahn discusses how current ADHD diagnostic criteria are historically rooted in observations of male children, often leading to women provided with an accurate diagnosis. The Estrogen-Dopamine Connection: A fascinating look at how fluctuating estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause directly impact dopamine availability, often exacerbating ADHD symptoms during the luteal phase. Late-Life Diagnosis: Why many professional women aren't diagnosed until their 40s or 50s, often triggered by the increased cognitive load of demanding careers, parenting, or perimenopause. Co-occurring Physical Challenges: The link between ADHD and chronic health issues like migraines, which further complicate emotional and physical regulation. Strategic Management: Practical advice on "capitalizing" on high-energy weeks and practicing self-compassion during more difficult hormonal shifts. You can find Dr. Kahn at her website: https://www.drgillykahn.com/ **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Stop storing everything in your ADHD brain 23.01.2026 20min

  Managing the Noise: Why Your Brain Feels So Loud If your brain feels like 37 open tabs that won't load, this short episode of Overcoming Distractions is for you. Designed for entrepreneurs and executives living with ADHD, we explore why your working memory is constantly overloaded and why "externalizing everything" is a biological necessity, not just a productivity tip. Dave shares lived experience on how to move from chronic mental noise to clarity by simply getting information out of your head and into a trusted system. Key Discussion Points: The ADHD Mental Strainer: Why trying to store ideas in your head leads to decision fatigue, stress, forgetting and more. Externalize Everything: Understanding Russell Barkley's core principle, and our brain is for having ideas, not holding them. The 5-Minute Brain Dump: How a judgment-free download of tasks, worries, and anniversaries (guys, this one's for you…)creates immediate psychological relief. The Power of One System: Avoiding the ADHD trap of using six different apps; find one capture tool that works, from a napkin to a notes app. Weekly Maintenance: Using a 20-minute weekly review to clean up the noise and reduce last-minute scrambling. Reframing Resistance: Why externalizing isn't "more work"….it's less work than carrying the mental load. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Stop "Performing" and Live with Intention as an Adult ADHD 16.01.2026 34min

  In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave welcomes mindset coach and former therapist Cindi Frechette to discuss a non-traditional approach to thriving with ADHD. Moving beyond surface-level productivity hacks like to-do lists and timers…, Cindi introduces the Unknow Method, a framework designed for high achievers to manage mental chaos and mitigate burnout. Cindi shares her "lived experience" with ADHD, offering a unique perspective on how internal narratives drive behavior. Together, they explore how busy professionals can stop "performing" and start living authentically by aligning their daily actions with their deepest values. Key Discussion Topics: The Unknow Method: A three-step framework consisting of Unravel (identifying automated thoughts), Rebuild (strengthening self-identity), and Reclaim (mastering time and energy). The "Thought Dump" Exercise: A practical tool to separate objective facts from ruminating opinions. The Neuroscience of Overthinking: Understanding how the ADHD brain interprets survival signals and conserves energy. Value-Based Decision Making: Why re-evaluating your personal values every 3–6 months is essential for long-term alignment. Masking and Burnout: How "performing success" leads to internal exhaustion and how to reverse-engineer your feelings to change your actions. Freebie to offer: "You can grab Cindi's free Thought Reset Tool at https://stan.store/Unknowwithcindi . It's designed to help you pause the chaos and rebuild clarity ADHD brain approved." **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min  
• Navigating the Adult ADHD Survival Mode Trap 08.01.2026 23min

  In this episode, Dave takes a "street-smart" look at a cycle many high achievers with ADHD know all too well. Survival mode and ADHD! It's that grueling state where you're constantly reacting to fires, clawing your way to Friday, and feeling emotionally depleted at home. Dave will explore why survival mode is a nervous system response rather than a personal failure, and how to shift from chaotic reaction to intentional action. Key Highlights: Defining the Struggle: Identifying signs like constant urgency, mental exhaustion, and the "reaction vs. planning" loop. The High-Achiever Trap: Why being reliable and saying "yes" often rewards survival mode early on but leads to unsustainable burnout. Stabilize, Don't Optimize: Forget perfect routines; focus on "predictability" and small "home base" stabilizers to lower stress. Reclaiming Agency: Moving from "I have no control" to "I can influence this" through strategic delays and better boundaries. Redefining Success: Shifting your goals to match your current season of life, prioritizing sustainable energy over constant output. **Do you want to work with Dave one-on-one? Go to www.overcomingdistractions.com and book an introductory Zoom chat. Or go directly to Dave's calendar; https://calendly.com/davidgreenwood1/15min