Overcoming Distractions-Thriving with ADHD, ADD

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.

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

When you're driven, capable, and juggling a demanding career or business with Adult ADHD, it's easy to stay in constant motion, but still feel off, overwhelmed, or stuck in ADHD survival mode. And it may just be because you're not operating with your values and vision in mind. In this episode, Dave explores how clarifying your personal values and creating a values-driven vision of success can help you feel more fulfilled, productive, and in control, without relying on rigid systems and flirting with burnout. This episode is especially for ADHD brains that crave meaning, flexibility, and momentum, when it may be lacking. Why vision and values matter more for professionals and entrepreneurs with ADHD How chasing urgency and external expectations leads to busyness without fulfillment How to clarify personal and professional values in a way that actually feels usable Redefining what "fulfilled," "productive," and "in control" really mean for an ADHD brain Why productivity isn't about doing more, but doing what matters with less friction. Aligning short- and long-term goals with your values instead of constant pressure Simple reflections to help you evaluate whether your goals support the life you want, or just keep you busy. **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

In this episode, Dave sits down with Theresa Lear Levine, an EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Master Practitioner and hypnotherapist, to explore the deep connection between the nervous system and ADHD. For high-achieving entrepreneurs and professionals, ADHD is often managed through "mechanics" Which are mission critical. However, Theresa explains why the nervous system is in a state of high-functioning anxiety or chronic stress for many busy professionals with ADHD. And how we can mitigate that stress. Key Discussion Points: Reframing ADHD: Moving away from the "disorder" mindset to view ADHD as a mismatch between one's brain and their environment or expectations. The Power of the Nervous System: Why emotional regulation is the foundation that allows executive functioning strategies to actually work. Understanding EFT (Tapping): How combining ancient meridian points with modern psychology can disrupt "fight or flight" responses in the amygdala. The "Body Keeps the Score": Discussing how chronic stress and trauma are stored physiologically and how releasing that tension improves focus and health. Overcoming the Resistance to Slowing Down: Why high achievers fear "pausing" and how to reintroduce pleasure and joy to prevent burnout. Breaking the Procrastination Loop: Using nervous system tools to lower the perceived "threat" of a daunting task so it becomes doable. Find her at: https://theresalearlevine.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

Navigating life with Adult ADHD often feels like operating in constant "survival mode." In this episode, Dave talks about why awareness is the non-negotiable starting point for meaningful change, acting as a powerful doorway to separating your ADHD wiring from perceived personal flaws. Instead of focusing solely on deficits, we explore how to leverage your unique strengths—like high energy, creativity, and resilience, while creating personalized strategies to manage common challenges like time blindness and task initiation. Most importantly, learn why self-compassion is a crucial performance enhancer and how setting realistic expectations through "micro-adjustments" is the key to rebuilding self-trust and finding lasting clarity. Awareness as the Doorway to Thriving: Learn why you "can't fix what you can't see" and how working with a coach, mentor, or trusted friend can help you build awareness to reduce shame and increase agency. Leveraging ADHD Strengths: Identify your unique assets, including high energy, creativity, and hyperfocus, and consider how to intentionally do more of what you're naturally good at. Pinpointing Pain Points: Strategically look for daily "friction points" where things consistently fall apart to create a roadmap for change, whether the stress comes from work, family, or unclear priorities. Reviewing Systems vs. Memory: Discuss the common trap of relying on memory, adrenaline, and urgency. Assess whether you have (or have abandoned) task capture systems, effective calendars, and a way to manage energy. The Power of Self-Compassion: Understand why harsh self-talk is a major roadblock and how introducing self-compassion can become a powerful performance enhancer, improving clarity and progress. Building Trust With Yourself: Learn how awareness leads to action, and action builds self-trust. **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

Juggling a demanding career and the unique challenges of adult ADHD can be tough enough. But what happens when you add significant life commitments, like caregiving, into the mix? In this episode of Overcoming Distractions, Dave welcomes Lisa Candera, a mom, attorney, ADHD-er, and autism mom coach. They dive deep into the real-world strategies for managing a full, complex life while respecting and even leveraging your ADHD wiring. Lisa shares her personal journey of late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and the radical compassion it unlocked. This episode is packed with essential insights on managing burnout, mastering self-regulation, and finding grace amidst the chaos. For Busy Professionals with ADHD: Customized Support is Key: For adults with demanding careers, support (from a coach or mentor) should meet you where you are! There is no one-size-fits-all "playbook" for ADHD. Embrace Individual Needs: Recognize and respect your unique sensory environment. Some thrive in dead silence (like David), while others need background stimulation (like Lisa, who studied for the bar in coffee shops). Unexpected Coping Tools: Simple items can be life-savers. Lisa's AirPods/earphones help with focus, enjoyment (listening to true crime), and self-regulating her sound sensitivity and quick startle response. The Adult ADHD "Click": Many adults with ADHD are diagnosed later in life, often after a child's diagnosis. What seemed like stress, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation often turns out to be a manifestation of their neurotype. The Caregiving Challenge: When you have caregiving or high-level family responsibilities, you often experience a next level of exhaustion. Bringing home complexities into the workplace is a reality that contributes to burnout. Practice Radical Compassion: Apply the same love, grace, and understanding you afford a struggling child or friend to yourself. This helps reframe struggles that you previously saw as character flaws as part of your wiring. Find Lisa Candera on her Website: theautismmomcoach.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 Buy Dave a cup of coffee and support the show here! https://buymeacoffee.com/overcomingd

In high-pressure careers, stress is constant, and for adults with ADHD, that pressure can quickly turn into frustration, overwhelm, and chronic complaining. In this short episode, Dave digs into one of the most important personal upgrades you can make: shifting from reacting to your problems to actively solving them. This isn't about ignoring stress or pretending things are easy…It's about learning how to reclaim control, build momentum, and become someone who figures things out instead of staying stuck in the same mental loop. Remember, those of us with Adult ADHD are great problem solvers! Key Discussion Points: Why the "complaint loop" feels productive, but quietly drains your energy and power The critical difference between venting for relief and problem-solving for change How ADHD magnifies overwhelm, and why shrinking problems restores momentum The one question that instantly shifts you from reaction mode into solution mode How language shapes your outcomes: replacing emotional drama with usable data Why problem solvers don't wait for perfect clarity, they take imperfect action fast The identity shift that changes everything: becoming "the person who figures it out" If you feel stuck in the same frustrations at work or at home, this episode will give you a practical, actionable roadmap to move forward, one small decision at a time. **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 Buy Dave a cup of coffee and support the show here! https://buymeacoffee.com/overcomingd