May 11th 2025
Hi friend!
Ok so you know those people who have their ducks in a row?
Yeah… I’m not one of those people. And chances are, if you’re here, you’re not either.
I don’t have ducks.
I have squirrels.
And they’re at a rave.
On acid.
That’s exactly what my brain feels like on those days when I’ve started 8 different tasks, gotten about 37% through 6 of them, and then just… freeze.
Like someone unplugged the whole damn system.
And then there are days where I’m convinced the squirrels are hibernating and I can’t even start one thing, much less eight.
Sound familiar?
Let’s talk about how to actually salvage the day when ADHD paralysis, overwhelm, and task initiation all gang up on you.
Want to dive deeper into your specific “brand” of ADHD?
Step 1: Normalize It
You’re not broken or incapable or useless or lazy. You’re overloaded. Your brain hit a wall, slammed the brakes, and dropped all the mental tabs.
“This isn’t a me-problem. It’s my brain being overwhelmed. Let’s meet it where it’s at.”
Step 2: Name the Chaos
Before you do anything — get the mental mess out of your head.
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Brain dump it
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Say it out loud
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Scribble a list on the back of a receipt
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Voice note yourself like you’re spilling the tea
Try asking:
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What’s taking up the most brain space right now?
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What are the “shoulds” floating around that feel heavy?
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What feels undone, even if it’s not urgent?
You don’t have to solve anything yet — just give it a name and a place outside your brain.
Step 3: Reclaim your control — anytime
Here’s your mindset reset:
Just because the day started went off the rails doesn’t mean it has to stay that way.
We love a clean slate moment — “I’ll start Monday,” “after my birthday,” “next month when I’m feeling more motivated.”
But guess what? That’s just ADHD’s avoidance strategy in a sparkly disguise.
You don’t need a reason or “excuse” to reboot.
You don’t need permission.
You can restart at 2pm. On a Tuesday. In the middle of May.
Because there. are. no. rules.
Step 4: Shift the Energy (Not the Task List)
Now that we’ve got our mindset back on team “Let’s Try Again,” let’s get some actual energy moving — inertia, in a way that has nothing to do with productivity.
Try:
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Opening the windows
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Washing your hands
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Lighting a candle
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Changing your shirt
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Putting on music
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Eating a snack that didn’t come from a crumpled bag
This isn’t about getting back on the grind. It’s about telling your nervous system:
“We’re not stuck. We’re safe. Let’s shift.”
Step 5: Zoom Out (If You’re Ready)
Once you’re back on solid ground, take a peek at the bigger picture.
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Did I overcommit today?
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Did I underestimate how long stuff would take?
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Was there a sneaky emotional or demand-based trigger?
Ask with curiosity, not judgment:
“What might this moment be showing me about what my brain needs next time?”
This Week’s Momentum Action Item:
Make a “Shift List.”
Jot down 3–5 little things that help move the energy when your brain’s in molasses mode.
Stick it somewhere visible for next time the squirrels take over (or go into hibernation).
Final Pep Talk
And remember that today doesn’t need to be impressive.
It just needs to be gentle, kind, enjoyable —
to your brain,
to your nervous system,
to your capacity.
And that starts with a pause followed by one small act of momentum.
You’ve got this.
For real.
Talk soon,
Leah 