March 9th 2025
Happy Momentum Monday (on a Sunday)!
Before we dive in I wanted to quickly remind you that my 6 week small group coaching program, ADHD Academy is starting again March 26th. It’s a beautiful place for self discovery, support and community, all of which are SO important for ADHDers. Reach out with any questions and/or get more info here.
Ok, on to our regularly scheduled momentum…
I’ve recently had a recurring conversation around people feeling like shit and like they’re a bad person, because of their ADHD. I get it and I’ve been there, but I am NOT HERE FOR IT.
So if you’ve ever felt like your ADHD symptoms make you lazy, incompetent, or a mess—I need you to stop right there. ADHD is not a moral failing. It’s not about being “bad” at life or “not trying hard enough.” It’s a brain-based condition, not a character flaw.
Yet, so many of us carry deep guilt for struggling with things that seem “easy” for others. We internalize the frustration of missed deadlines, messy spaces, forgotten birthdays, or half-finished projects as personal failures rather than executive function struggles. And that self-blame? It’s freaking exhausting.
Want to dive deeper into your specific “brand” of ADHD?
Why ADHD Can Feel Like a Personal Failing (But It’s Not)
ADHD affects executive function—things like planning, organization, impulse control, and memory. It’s like trying to navigate life with 30 browser tabs open at all times, some blasting music, others buffering endlessly, and one of them is playing a TikTok on repeat, but you can’t figure out which.
But here’s the thing:
✔️ You wouldn’t blame someone with bad eyesight for not reading small print.
✔️ You wouldn’t call someone with a broken leg lazy for needing crutches.
✔️ So why do we think ADHD struggles mean we’re failing as people?
Spoiler: They don’t.
Reframing ADHD Struggles
Instead of thinking, “I should be able to do this,” try asking:
✅ What kind of support does my brain actually need?
✅ How can I make this task easier instead of forcing myself to do it “the hard way”?
✅ What’s one small, doable step I can take instead of getting overwhelmed by the big picture?
3 Small But Mighty ADHD-Friendly Habits
1️⃣ Externalize Everything – Your brain is a creative powerhouse, but it’s NOT a reliable storage unit. Write things down, use alarms, set reminders, leave sticky notes on your forehead if you have to. The goal is offloading mental clutter, not proving you can remember everything.
2️⃣ The 5-Minute Start Rule – Overwhelm is real. Instead of forcing yourself to “just do it,” commit to just 5 minutes. Whether it’s answering an email, tidying up, or starting a project—momentum beats motivation every time.
HOT TIP: Do a brain dump of no more than 5 things you want to get done. Giving your brain some options can help with the overwhelm and ADHD paralysis of not knowing where to start.
3️⃣ Give Yourself Permission to Work With Your Brain – Need music to focus? Use it. Need to fidget? Do it. Need a body double to stay on task? Call a friend. Productivity isn’t about doing things the “normal” way”—it’s about finding your way.
BONUS: BE NICE TO YOURSELF, DAMNIT! If beating ourselves up worked, it would have worked by now. You can’t hate yourself into loving yourself. Give yourself grace and compassion as often as possible. Both of those acts can go a long way in getting the life you want for yourself. ♥️
This Week’s Momentum Task:
Pick one area where you’ve been judging yourself unfairly and reframe it. Instead of saying “I’m so disorganized,” try “My brain needs external structure—how can I create that?” Small shift, big impact.
Final Reminder:
You are not lazy. You are not broken. You are not a failure. ADHD is just a different operating system—one that thrives with the right tools, strategies, and a whole lot of self-compassion.
I’d love to hear: What’s one ADHD struggle you’re working on reframing? Hit reply and let me know!
Until next time—remember who the F you are!
Leah 🌶️
P.S. If you’re looking for some more support AND a community to boot, check out my 6 week small group coaching program, ADHD Academy relaunching March 26th. The investment is $600. The outcome is priceless! ✨