Unstuck and Unstoppable
Overcoming ADHD Paralysis
ADHD Paralysis is one of the more common hallmarks of ADHD.
Sometimes it’s called Task Paralysis or Analysis Paralysis or something similar.
But what is it, why do we struggle with it, and what do we do about it?
Let’s chat about it.
What Is ADHD Paralysis?
Analysis Paralysis has been defined as “that overwhelming feeling when your brain refuses to engage, leaving you stuck despite knowing what needs to be done.”
The reasons why lies within our executive function challenges.
Struggling with prioritizing, initiating tasks, managine emotions, and time blindess all together can overwhelm us, leaving us feeling “stuck”, “frozen”, and in some cases, shut down.
It can be incredibly frustrating, but the good news is that it IS possible to get unstuck and become unstoppable.
How It Can Show Up?
Have you ever had a mountain of tasks to do, but instead of climbing the mountain, you are frozen and unable to determine where to start?
Do you sometimes spend so much time trying to decide what movie to watch that you are too tired to watch a movie?
How about spending hours scrolling social media while telling yourself you should be doing something else?
Does the question “what do you want for dinner” fill you with exhaustion?
Have you ever stared at a menu and been overwhelmed with options?
When you have a big job to do, doyou struggle to break it down and get started?
Those are all examples of Analysis Paralysis.
Start To Become Unstuck and Unstoppable
ADHD Paralysis comes with a price.
- Emotional Exhaustion
- Burnout
- Missed Opportunities
- Missed Experiences
- Did I mention the emotional exhaustion?
Here are a few quick tips to help you start getting unstuck.
- Ask yourself “what one tiny step can I take right now that will make me feel productive?”
- Focus small – instead of “I need to clean the kitchen” try “I need to wash the dishes.” If that’s still too much, try “I need to wash just the plates.” Often once you take one small step, others naturally follow.
- Get Help – a coach, an accountability buddy, a coworking group. We find it easier to do stuff we dislike doing if there’s someone else there (even oh the phone).
- Manage Your Expectations – Instead of making a long to-do list; put TWO things on it only. Make those two the important things. More than likely, you’ll get the two things done at least, and often more.
- Be Kind To Your Mind: This is your brain’s wiring, this is not a reflection of your worth or abilities.”
- Attend my FREE Webinar!
Overcome Overwhelm: Simplifying Goal Setting For ADHD Success
A Free Webinar
Tuesday, January 7th @ 12 pm Eastern
In this webinar we will first understand where ADHD overwhelm is most impacting our daily lives and why.
We will talk abouty ADHD friendly strategies to set goals that work FOR our brains instead of against it.
And why setting SMART goals doesn’t usually work for us.
We will talk about a few different alternatives to SMART goals, and how to walk away with actionable steps that you can start using immediately.
This webinar is free but you must register!
Don’t Delay Joy
Kat Sweeney, MCLC