From Stuck to Started: Executive Function & ADHD Coaching to Take Action

Sarah Lovell - Executive Function & ADHD Coach
  • 4.8 (26)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to From Stuck to Started, the podcast for ambitious ADHDers, perfectionists, and over-thinkers who are ready to achieve their goals without burning out. Join your host, Sarah Lovell, an executive function and ADHD coach, as she shares strategies to help you understand your brain, break down big tasks, and build systems that work for you. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and real-life inspiration to help you tackle hard things and make progress that feels good.

  1. 2D AGO

    072: The 2-Minute Strategy That Saves ADHD Brains Hours and Helps You Pick Up Right Where You Left Off

    If you've ever walked away from a task and come back feeling completely lost or avoided starting back up because you couldn't remember where you left off, this episode is for you. If you live with ADHD or executive dysfunction, you know how hard it can be to pick up where you left off. Task initiation, working memory challenges, and the mental load of reorienting yourself mid-project can make even simple tasks feel impossible. Breadcrumbs are a practical ADHD task management strategy designed to bridge that gap — giving your brain a clear, low-effort on-ramp back into your work. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a busy parent, this system meets you where you are and makes getting started on tasks just a little bit easier. In this episode, you'll learn: What breadcrumbs are and why they're different from a regular to-do list (hint: it's all about that next step)Why leaving a note for "future you" is one of the kindest things you can do for your brainHow to know when it's worth leaving yourself a breadcrumbWhat actually makes a good breadcrumb so it makes sense when you come back to itWhere to leave your breadcrumbs depending on the type of task or project you're working on Resources: Stop Doomscrolling & getting interrupted by your phone Use Brick -get 10% off when you purchase with this link! Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Mentioned in this episode: Spots Open: 1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching Ready to finally build systems that fit your brain, your work, and your life? A few one-on-one executive function coaching spots are now open — head to executivefunctioningfirst.com/coaching to learn more and apply for a free discovery call. Coaching

    17 min

  2. APR 15

    071: 3 Simple Steps to Improve your Morning Routine & Set your Day up for Success

    If you've ever tried to build a morning routine and ended up feeling like a failure when it didn't stick, this one's for you. In this episode, I'm breaking down why traditional morning routines often don't work for ADHD brains, and sharing a more flexible, realistic approach to creating mornings that actually feel good. What you'll learn in this episode: Why morning routines for ADHD need to look different and why rigid routines can actually backfire on an ADHD brainHow to create a morning routine you'll actually stick to by starting with one small, sustainable shift instead of overhauling everything at onceA simple reflection exercise to identify what's already working in your morning (and what might need a gentle tweak)How to create routines that work for you by building in flexibility, so skipping a day doesn't feel like starting overDifferent strategies to stop doomscrolling in the morning Resources: Stop Doomscrolling & autopiloting to your phone with Brick -get 10% off when you purchase with this link! Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Mentioned in this episode: Spots Open: 1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching Ready to finally build systems that fit your brain, your work, and your life? A few one-on-one executive function coaching spots are now open — head to executivefunctioningfirst.com/coaching to learn more and apply for a free discovery call. Coaching

    29 min

  3. APR 8

    070: Simple Systems for ADHD Home Organization (How to Declutter Without Overwhelm) with Allison Converse

    If you feel overwhelmed by clutter and don’t know where to start with home organization, this episode is for you. I chat with Allison Converse from Calm Cottage Coaching to talk about simple home organization systems for ADHD brains, why traditional organizing methods don’t work, and how to create realistic, functional routines that actually stick. If you’ve been searching for how to declutter your home, get organized with ADHD, or create simple systems that last – make sure you listen to the end to hear Allison share a realistic step you can take today! What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why ADHD and overwhelm make home organization and decluttering feel so hardHow to get started organizing your home when you don’t know where to beginSimple home organization systems that are realistic to maintainHow to declutter your home without perfectionism or all-or-nothing thinkingPractical strategies to reduce clutter, stay organized, and create a calmer space if you have ADHD and are overwhelmed by thought of organizing About Allison Converse: Allison is an ADHD Home & Systems Coach and the founder of Calm Cottage Coaching. She helps ADHD women create more flow and function at home with simple systems that actually work. In 2021, Allison left her career as an Occupational Therapist while downsizing her family’s home to half the square footage and letting go of half their belongings. Through that experience, she saw the benefits of living with less including decreased anxiety & overstimulation, simplified clean up, and more time for what mattered most. Now, she supports women virtually in creating calmer, more manageable homes without perfection or pressure through decluttering, organizing, and realistic home task rhythms. She is also the host of The Gentle Reset Podcast, where she shares bite-sized mindset shifts and home strategies to help ADHD women feel calmer in their spaces, one small win at a time. Connect with Allison: The Gentle Reset Podcast: https://pod.link/1816231695 Instagram: @calmcottagecoaching Website: https://www.calmcottagecoaching.com/ Freebie: 5 Sneaky Clutter Hot Spots (and ADHD-Friendly Fixes): https://calmcottagecoaching.myflodesk.com/clutterpod Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach Connect with Sarah Lovell: Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background I use affiliate links for my fave products that I use and trust. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mentioned in this episode: Spots Open: 1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching Ready to finally build systems that fit your brain, your work, and your life? A few one-on-one executive function coaching spots are now open — head to executivefunctioningfirst.com/coaching to learn more and apply for a free discovery call. Coaching

    34 min

  4. APR 1

    069: 5 Tips from an Executive Function Coach to Create Simple ADHD Systems That Fit Your Brain & Life

    How do you create simple systems to make life less overwhelming? I’m breaking down 5 simple, realistic ways to create systems that actually fit your brain, your life, and your current season without forcing yourself into something that was never designed for you in the first place. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why your systems need to feel enjoyable (or at least not painful) to actually stickHow to treat systems like experiments so you can stop blaming yourself when they don’t workThe importance of building systems that fit your brain—not someone else’sHow to reuse and adapt systems that are already working in other areas of your lifeWhy giving yourself credit for trying is the key to creating systems Resources: Stop Doomscrolling & autopiloting to your phone with Brick -get 10% off when you purchase with this link! Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Connect with Sarah Lovell: Get on my email list! Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background I use affiliate links for my fave products that I use and trust. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mentioned in this episode: Spots Open: 1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching Ready to finally build systems that fit your brain, your work, and your life? A few one-on-one executive function coaching spots are now open — head to executivefunctioningfirst.com/coaching to learn more and apply for a free discovery call. Coaching

    25 min

  5. MAR 25

    068: Overwhelmed by Digital Clutter? Simple Digital Organizing Systems with Professional Organizer JoAnn Krall

    Feeling buried under emails, endless files, and a million tabs? In this episode, I chat with Professional Organizer JoAnn Krall about digital clutter, why it feels so overwhelming, and how to create simple systems that actually work for your brain. If you’ve been stuck wondering where to even start, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to take inventory of your digital life without getting stuck in overwhelm.Simple ways to reduce incoming digital clutter and prevent it from piling up.Why letting go of unnecessary files is the first step before creating a system.How to design a digital organization system that fits your brain, not someone else’s.Tips for keeping your system sustainable as your life and technology evolve. About JoAnn Krall: JoAnn Krall is a Professional Organizer who helps business owners move through overwhelm and create organization that supports their real life at home and at work. She founded The Sensible Organizer in 2006 and has a gift for seeing what’s underneath the clutter. With a background in accounting and entrepreneurship, JoAnn helps people create clarity, reduce stress, and build systems that truly fit their lives. Connect with JoAnn Krall: Everything from free to VIP: https://joannkrall.com/learn-with-me Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach Connect with Sarah Lovell: Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background I use affiliate links for my fave products that I use and trust. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mentioned in this episode: Spots Open: 1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching Ready to finally build systems that fit your brain, your work, and your life? A few one-on-one executive function coaching spots are now open — head to executivefunctioningfirst.com/coaching to learn more and apply for a free discovery call. Coaching

    41 min

  6. MAR 18

    064: Why Executive Function Strategies Don’t Work as Well When You’re Overwhelmed: Nervous System Regulation for ADHD Brains

    If you’ve ever sat down to work and suddenly felt the urge to do literally anything else, you’re not lazy, your nervous system might be trying to protect you. In this episode, I’m sharing why nervous system regulation is one of the most overlooked systems in executive functioning. Because even the best ADHD productivity tools, planners, or time management strategies won’t work if your brain doesn’t feel safe enough to use them. We’ll talk about the connection between ADHD, executive functioning, and the nervous system, why emails and to-do lists can trigger fight, flight, or freeze, and simple nervous system regulation strategies you can use to get out of overwhelm and take action. If you’ve ever experienced ADHD task paralysis, avoidance, or shutdown, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in your brain and what you can do about it. What you’ll learn in this episodeWhy nervous system regulation is a foundational system for executive functioningHow fight, flight, and freeze responses show up in everyday ADHD situations like emails, to-do lists, and work tasksSimple nervous system regulation strategies to help you move out of anxiety or shutdownWhy practicing ADHD coping tools before you need them makes it easier to use them when you’re overwhelmed Resources: Stop Doomscrolling & autopiloting to your phone with Brick -get 10% off when you purchase with this link! Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background I use affiliate links for my fave products that I use and trust. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mentioned in this episode: Spots Open: 1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching Ready to finally build systems that fit your brain, your work, and your life? A few one-on-one executive function coaching spots are now open — head to executivefunctioningfirst.com/coaching to learn more and apply for a free discovery call. Coaching

    26 min

  7. MAR 11

    066: Simple Systems for ADHD: Reduce Overwhelm and Create Systems That Actually Work

    I’m kicking off a new series all about creating simple systems for ADHD brains. If you’ve ever tried to start a new routine, productivity tool, or planning system and it didn’t work for you - it probably wasn’t the right system for you (and that’s okay!). I’ll walk you through how to rethink systems, why the wrong systems create frustration for ADHD and neurodivergent brains, and how to start experimenting with simple, flexible systems that support your executive functioning. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why you already have systems in your life—even if you feel like you don’tHow the wrong systems (not your brain) often cause ADHD overwhelm and frustrationA simple way to think about executive function systems in everyday lifeWhy ADHD brains need a balance of structure and flexibility to make systems sustainableReflection questions to help you identify systems that are working—and where you might want to experiment with something new Resources: Stop Doomscrolling & autopiloting to your phone with Brick -get 10% off when you purchase with this link! Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background I use affiliate links for my fave products that I use and trust. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mentioned in this episode: Spots Open: 1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching Ready to finally build systems that fit your brain, your work, and your life? A few one-on-one executive function coaching spots are now open — head to executivefunctioningfirst.com/coaching to learn more and apply for a free discovery call. Coaching

    24 min

  8. MAR 4

    065: What to do when you feel like you’re “wasting time:” When overwhelm, analysis paralysis, decision fatigue keep you stuck

    Do you ever feel stuck in that in-between where you’re not getting anything done—but you’re not actually resting either? I call this limbo, and it’s often driven by overthinking, decision fatigue, and overwhelm. In this episode, I walk you through why this happens and how to gently get yourself out of that stuck state without adding more pressure. What you’ll learn in this episode: What “limbo” actually is (and how to recognize it in your daily life)How overthinking, decision fatigue, and overwhelm keep you stuck and feeling like you’re “wasting time”The most common reasons you end up in limbo (including lack of structure and unclear plans)A simple check-in question to help you decide between rest vs. actionHow to take the smallest, most realistic step forward to build momentum without burnout Resources: Stop Doomscrolling & autopiloting to your phone with Brick -get 10% off when you purchase with this link! Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background I use affiliate links for my fave products that I use and trust. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Mentioned in this episode: Spots Open: 1-on-1 Executive Function Coaching Ready to finally build systems that fit your brain, your work, and your life? A few one-on-one executive function coaching spots are now open — head to executivefunctioningfirst.com/coaching to learn more and apply for a free discovery call. Coaching

    25 min
See All (78)

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Welcome to From Stuck to Started, the podcast for ambitious ADHDers, perfectionists, and over-thinkers who are ready to achieve their goals without burning out. Join your host, Sarah Lovell, an executive function and ADHD coach, as she shares strategies to help you understand your brain, break down big tasks, and build systems that work for you. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and real-life inspiration to help you tackle hard things and make progress that feels good.

Information

You Might Also Like