I'm Busy Being Awesome - Sustainable Productivity for ADHD

Episode 355: Low Motivation With ADHD? Consider This.

May 18, 2026·23 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

✨ Join the free training here ow motivation and procrastination are some of the most common ADHD challenges, but what's actually driving (or blocking) your motivation goes much deeper than you think. In this episode, ADHD coach Paula Engebretson breaks down the real mechanics of motivation, procrastination, and ADHD, and gives you a practical tool to take back control. Every action we take (or avoid) is driven by one of two directions: moving toward a feeling we want, or moving away from a feeling we don't want. For ADHD brains, the "away from" direction runs the show more often than we realize, and once you can see it, everything starts to shift. In this episode, you'll discover: The two directions of motivation we all navigate, and which one is most likely running your behavior right now How to identify the specific emotion underneath your motivation so you can stop spinning and start moving forward with intention A 4-step check-in tool to shift your thinking, generate the feeling you actually want, and take one small step forward, even on your hardest days Work With Me: Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching) Learn more about private coaching here Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains More ADHD Resources: Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz! Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain Discover my favorite ADHD resources Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here. Leave IBBA A Rating & Review! If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people. Go to Apple Podcasts Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews. Simply tap five stars; that's it! Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend! Chapter Outline: 00:00 Relief And Motivation 01:54 Toward Vs Away Drives 03:14 Same Action Different Fuel 05:50 ADHD And Urgency 08:03 Name The Emotion 08:44 Overwhelm Example 09:57 Thoughts Create Feelings 11:59 Shift Thoughts Gently 14:39 Chasing Relief Trap 18:04 Four Step Check In 20:09 Try It This Week 21:03 Free Training 22:04 Wrap Up And Resources

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