This is Part 2 of a special three-part series on ADHD-friendly strategies for improving productivity—or, more specifically, task initiation, continuation, and completion.
(Missed Part 1? This episode builds on Episode 85: Touching the Task: An ADHD Strategy for Overcoming Task Avoidance, featuring the work of Dr. Russell Ramsay, a leading expert on Adult ADHD. If you haven’t listened yet, I highly recommend starting there.)
If you’ve ever felt paralyzed before even starting a task—questioning whether you have enough time, energy, focus, ability, or capacity—you’re not alone. ADHD often tricks the brain into defaulting to insufficiency thinking, reinforcing the cycle of avoidance.
Dr. Russell Ramsay, a leading expert in adult ADHD, explains that starting with a mindset of sufficiency—even for the smallest touch-the-task step—helps you build the evidence that you do have the capacity to move forward. This approach shifts the focus from overwhelming end goals to what you can do right now.
Each time you affirm that you have enough to engage with a task, you experience a small win. This creates a rewarding feedback loop that builds self-trust, making it easier to continue the task and, ultimately, complete it.
Resources & Links
- Rethinking Adult ADHD: Helping Clients Turn Intentions Into Actions by Dr. Russell Ramsay (Book)
- Thinking through adult ADHD: Change your outlook and cope better with ADHD. Psychology Today. Ramsay, R. (2020, October 24). (Article)
- Procrastivity (a.k.a. sneaky avoidance) and adult ADHD coping: Part 1: Lessons learned that can help you turn procrastination against itself. Psychology Today. Ramsay, R. (2020, July 16). (Article)
- Procrastivity (or sneaky avoidance) and adult ADHD coping: Part 2: Coping tips for turning intentions into actions. Psychology Today. Ramsay, R. (2020, July 26). (Article)
- Why the ADHD Brain Chooses the Less Important Task -- and How CBT Improves Prioritization Skills. ADDitude Online. (Updated 2025, February 3) (Article)
- The Weekend University Podcast | Rethinking ADHD with Dr. Russell Ramsay (August 2022)
- The ADHD Experts Podcast by ADDitude | Ep. 501 - ADHD & Procrastivity - How to Outsmart Procrastination and Improve Productivity with Dr. Russell Ramsay (May 2024)
If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to share it with someone who might find it helpful.
Life can be so much more than we think. And that's where we start - with your thinking. See how your thoughts have been holding you back, and learn how to cut through the noise and move powerfully forward. $39 coaching calls.
To book a call, visit KariWatterson.com.
Popular Podcasts
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.