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Ep 102: The 3 Stages of ADHD Productivity: Guesswork, Hard Work, Framework

Author
Mande John
Published
Thu 28 Aug 2025
Episode Link
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In this game-changing episode, I reveal the hidden reason why most ADHD adults stay trapped in endless cycles of productivity frustration—and share the three-stage framework that will finally set you free from guesswork and burnout.

📌 Key Topics:

  • Why trying every productivity hack online keeps you feeling broken (spoiler: you're not)
  • The exhausting cycle of white-knuckling through to-do lists until you crash
  • How decision fatigue is secretly draining your ADHD brain's energy reserves
  • The difference between experimenting without structure vs. building sustainable systems
  • Why motivation and willpower alone will always lead to burnout
  • The scaffolding approach that supports your executive functions naturally

🗣️ Featured Quote: "Guesswork keeps you stuck. Hard work burns you out. Framework sets you free."

💡 The Three-Stage Breakdown:

  • Stage 1 - Guesswork: Random productivity hacks, constant app-switching, goals without systems
  • Stage 2 - Hard Work: White-knuckling through willpower, pushing to exhaustion, crash-and-recover cycles
  • Stage 3 - Framework: Predictable systems, reduced decision fatigue, repeatable routines that feel lighter

🎯 Framework Benefits:

  1. Fewer Decisions: Conserve mental energy instead of depleting it daily
  2. Predictable Routines: Create consistency without constant willpower struggles
  3. Executive Function Support: Build structures that anchor planning, prioritizing, and follow-through
  4. Energy Protection: Stop the exhausting cycle of pushing until burnout

🔑 Key Takeaway: Your productivity struggles aren't a character flaw—your ADHD brain just needs the right framework. Like scaffolding around a building renovation, frameworks hold things steady while real change happens inside. Once established, they produce results over and over again.

Special Announcement: For a limited time through October, I'm offering traditional one-on-one coaching before transitioning to my new High-Touch Accountability model. Plus, I share the personal story behind this shift and exactly what I look for in my own accountability coach.

Connect with Mande: 

Book Your Strategic Action Session: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/services/ 

Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/ 

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

#adhdproductivity #executivefunction #adhdframework #productivityhacks #adhdburnout #adhdcoaching #adhdstrategies #neurodivergent #adhdadults #decisionfatigue #adhdcommunity #productivitysystems

Click here for full show notes.

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