BREAK THE PROCRASTINATION CYCLE AND BOOST SELF-TRUST

Welcome to Newsletter #2: February 2024

This newsletter contains easy to implement practical tools and insights for anyone looking to understand how to effectively manage their brains, and ADHD in the workplace.

What’s procrastination and self-trust have to do with each other? ?

We have all wrestled with procrastination, and when we do, ?it can leave us feeling overwhelmed, and doubting our abilities. ?If we keep it up, over time we’ll be flirting with fatigue and burnout. ?UMMMM no thanks.

Our ADHD brains are marvellously complex, wired for impulsivity, memory quirks, and a relentless quest for dopamine. And when we procrastinate too much, our dear friend perfectionism shows up too often, leaving us with shaky self-confidence.

So why do we procrastinate?

Avoidance. Perfectionism. Decision Fatigue. Lack of interest. ?So many reasons.

Procrastination often starts innocently, with a simple delay. But as we continue to postpone, perfectionism creeps in, and we yearn for that elusive "perfect" moment, a trap that keeps us stuck in decision fatigue.

The truth is, perfection is an illusion. Waiting for everything to align perfectly is a recipe for paralysis.

It will make us question our capability or whether in-fact we are doing the right things. ?This cycle gradually erodes our self-trust. Many professionals with ADHD can relate; self-trust can be elusive, yet it's vital for self-esteem.

Side NOTE: ?Understanding the Roots of Self-Trust Issues

ADHD symptoms sometimes make us question our reliability. It's a battle within, a fear of being exposed as an imposter—a classic case of imposter syndrome.

PS - this is not just an ADHD thing.

The Trusty Strategies You Need to Overcome Procrastination

Let's explore some trusty strategies to break free:

• Routine: Creating daily habits is like having a superhero by your side. It provides structure to counter the chaos ADHD can bring.
• Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as kindly as you would a dear friend. Everything is a learning opportunity.
• Progress Over Perfection: Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Start small and embrace imperfection; it's okay not to have all the answers right away.
• Celebrate Your Strengths: ADHD comes with unique strengths—creativity, empathy, and out-of-the-box thinking. Discover and leverage your other strengths too.
• Love Your Brain and Body: Regular exercise, sleep, hydration, and nutrition fuel your mind and sharpen your thinking.
• Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into manageable chunks, celebrate your wins, and build layers of self-trust.
• Support Squad: Colleagues and mentors who understand ADHD can be invaluable. When you are stuck - try body doubling or brainstorming to get started.
• Tech Tools: Use apps for focus, time management, and task organisation to boost productivity and, in turn, your self-belief.

A Final Word

• Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Procrastination is not bad. ?It’s a human challenge in a really busy world. ?So don’t beat yourself up.
• Just try one strategy and see how it works for you. ?
• And just quietly - embrace imperfection and self-compassion because it’s not all going to be sunshine and lollypops and the better able we are to handle these challenges daily - the more confidence and self-trust we will have.

Book a strategy call, if you are struggling with your ADHD, procrastination and self-trust.

Hi I'm Julie, I'm an Executive Leadership Coach and I help leaders and professionals with or without ADHD, learn to work with their brain better to beat burnout, have higher levels of wellbeing and thrive at work.