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

Sarah Lovell - Executive Function & ADHD Coach
  • 4.8 (20)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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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. 1D AGO

    Replay: How to Take Action When You’re Overwhelmed & Don’t Know Where to Start

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly playing catch-up or struggling to keep the plates spinning, this episode is packed with realistic, practical strategies to help you navigate overwhelm and move forward with more clarity and ease.I break down what overwhelm actually is, why it happens, and how it impacts ADHD and executive function.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How to identify different types of overwhelm (emotional, sensory, time-related, decision fatigue, etc.) ✔️ Why overwhelm impacts executive function and makes task-switching harder ✔️ The role of self-talk in managing stress and avoiding burnout ✔️ How to prioritize and decide what will have the most impact right now ✔️ A step-by-step process to check in with yourself and create a realistic plan ✔️ Why adjusting expectations and self-compassion are key to navigating overwhelm Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach Resources Mentioned: Read the blog version of this episode: https://www.executivefunctioningfirst.com/podcast/019 Connect with Sarah Lovell:  Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

    28 min

  2. AUG 27

    044: 3 questions to help overachievers avoid burnout

    This episode is for my overachievers—the ones who feel the pressure to do more, be more, and never slow down. If you’ve ever felt torn between “hustle harder” and “slow down for self-care,” you’re not alone. Today, I’m unpacking the all-or-nothing thinking that keeps so many stuck in ADHD overwhelm and showing you how to create space for both “productivity” and rest without burning out. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why overachievers with ADHD often feel caught between “do more” and “do less” messagingHow all-or-nothing thinking fuels ADHD overwhelm and leads to burnout3 Simple reflection questions to help you notice what’s going well (and give yourself credit)A fresh way to think about balancing productivity and rest without the guiltPractical ways to avoid burnout while still getting things done If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing too much and not enough at the same time, this conversation will help you find a gentler, more sustainable middle ground. Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach Resources Mentioned: Brick: Get 10% off and use your phone more intentionally Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedRead the Blog here  Connect with Sarah Lovell:  Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

    28 min

  3. AUG 20

    043: My #1 Strategy to navigate overwhelm as an executive function & ADHD Coach

    If you’ve ever been so overwhelmed that your brain either spins out at 10,000 miles an hour or completely shuts down, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing practical, compassionate ways to navigate overwhelm with ADHD—whether it’s caused by stress, anxiety, or even excitement—and how to use connection and conversation to find your way forward. We’ll talk about the link between ADHD and executive dysfunction, why overwhelm can feel so paralyzing, and how to manage ADHD overwhelm without burning yourself out. What you’ll learn in this episode: How ADHD overwhelm can show up as either mental overdrive or complete shutdown.Why talking and processing out loud is one of my favorite tools for working through overwhelm.Simple reflection questions to help you break paralysis and regain a sense of control.How to decide who to talk to—and what kind of support you actually want—in moments of executive functioning and overwhelm.Gentle, realistic strategies for how to manage ADHD overwhelm in daily life. Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach Resources Mentioned: Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedRead the Blog here  Connect with Sarah Lovell:  Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

    25 min

  4. AUG 13

    Replay: How to Find the Right Community & Support for Your Gifted or Neurodivergent Child - Empowering Twice-Exceptional Students Beyond Traditional Classrooms with Sam Young

    Is your clever, quirky teen ready for advanced academics that actually ENGAGE rather than overwhelm? This episode is a re-released interview with Sam Young, Head of School at Young Scholar’s Academy. Our conversation dives into what it means to be “twice-exceptional,” the different challenges neurodivergent students face, and how community and leaning into strengths builds confidence and sets students up for success.  My friends over at Young Scholars Academy offer WASC-accredited AP/Adulting 101/Leadership courses specifically designed for gifted and twice-exceptional learners. Their approach combines rigorous content with a supportive, strength-based environment where neurodivergent students can truly thrive and make like-minded friends. One mom said, “You changed my son’s life. He’s in college now, thanks to the skills and confidence YSA gave him.”  Courses begin August 25th! Don’t miss out on your chance to enroll today!  ⭐BONUS: Promo code for Young Scholars Academy - Save 10% with code: YSALOVELL10   https://youngscholarsacademy.org/courses/fall-college-prep-2025-2026  Connect with Sam Young & Learn more about Young Scholars Academy Website: https://youngscholarsacademy.org/  Facebook: Young Scholars Academy Instagram: @youngscholarsacademy BONUS: Podcast Listeners Save 10% when you use my code YSALOVELL10 Connect with Sarah Lovell:  Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

    52 min

  5. AUG 6

    042: When a 5-Minute Task Feels Impossible: What’s Really Going On with Amy Voros

    Have you ever told yourself, “I just need to send that email”—and then… not done it for days (or weeks)? In this conversation with fellow coach Amy Voros, we unpack the phrase “I just need to”—why it feels so small but can actually signal something much bigger going on beneath the surface. From emotional overwhelm to unclear next steps, we talk about how getting stuck happens and what to do about it. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why “I just need to…” can be a red flag for hidden barriersHow lack of clarity (even when you think you're clear) leads to inactionThe emotional weight of putting things off and how it builds over timeWhat it means to be “consistently inconsistent” with ADHDMicro-steps and mindset shifts that can help you get unstuck About Amy Voros:  Amy Voros is a PCC-level Certified Professional Coach who specializes in supporting divergent thinkers, especially those who are Gifted or have ADHD. As someone with ADHD herself, she understands the challenges of unfinished projects, procrastination, and the overwhelm of managing everyday life. Amy is a member of the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) and CHADD, a certified Tiny Habits® coach, and a Sanity School® trainer through Impact ADHD. She holds a BA in Business Administration and brings warmth, insight, and real-life experience to every coaching session. Connect with Amy: Website: https://www.creativecatapultcoach.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativecatapultcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeCatapultCoaching/ Podcast: Ctl + Alt + Think: Conversations with Neurodivergent Minds Podcast Connect with Sarah Lovell:  Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Resources Mentioned: Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

    23 min

  6. JUL 30

    041: How to Manage ADHD Overwhelm When Your To-Do List Feels Impossible

    When you're staring down a mile-long to-do list and feeling frozen, you're not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into what happens when ADHD overwhelm, executive dysfunction, and unrealistic expectations collide and what to do about it. You’ll learn how to break free from the spiral of paralysis, avoidance, and guilt, and start making progress in a way that feels doable. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why finishing your entire to-do list isn’t the goal (and what to focus on instead)How to shift your self-talk to stop blaming yourself for ADHD and executive dysfunctionPractical tools to manage ADHD overwhelm and ADHD paralysisHow to break big tasks down into realistic, actionable steps Resources Mentioned: Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedRead the Blog here  Connect with Sarah Lovell:  Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach

    25 min

  7. JUL 23

    040: 3 Mindset Shifts to Stop Getting Overwhelmed When Everything Feels Like Too Much

    Life is joyful, stressful, chaotic, and never seems to slow down. Between the laundry, emails, deadlines, and all the things you want to make time for (like rest, hobbies, or time with your people), it’s no wonder your brain feels maxed out. In this episode, I’m diving into the messy reality of overwhelm, why it shows up, how it snowballs, and what you can do when it feels like too much. I’ll share gentle mindset shifts, questions to reflect on, and real-life examples (including my own) to help you process your overwhelm with a little more self-compassion. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why overwhelm hits differently when you have ADHD or executive functioning challengesThe “something goes up, something has to go down” mindset shiftHow to spot (and stop) the habit of comparing yourself to a past version of youQuestions to ask when you're in survival mode and need to re-centerReframes and reminders to support yourself when overwhelm takes over Resources Mentioned: Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedRead the Blog here  Connect with Sarah Lovell:  Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach

    28 min

  8. JUL 16

    039: How to Be More Efficient When You Feel Overwhelmed

    Have you ever tried to take the most efficient route… only to end up creating more work for yourself? In this episode, I’m sharing a very real (and very soggy) story about how my attempt to save time ended with me falling into a lake. We’ll talk about why your brain chases efficiency, how it can actually drain your executive functioning, and how to create systems that help both current and future you. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why chasing efficiency can backfire (especially with ADHD)The difference between actual efficiency and avoiding discomfort5  reflection questions to ask before taking a “shortcut”How to be more efficient with time without overwhelming yourself Whether you're folding laundry, writing emails, or building a business, this episode will help you work more efficiently with ADHD by prioritizing sustainability over speed. Resources Mentioned: Free Private Podcast: The ADHD Action Plan Join the ADHD Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedRead the blog version here  Connect with Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach:  Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

    24 min
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4.8
out of 5
20 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.

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