Overcoming “I Don’t Want To”: Strategies for Motivation and Task Engagement

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the concept of "positionality," or what they call having "a case of the I don’t want," a common experience for people with ADHD where tasks feel overwhelming or unappealing, leading to avoidance and resistance. They discuss how this resistance can manifest in different ways, such as feeling stuck before even starting a task or struggling with opposition even when motivation is present. Both hosts share examples from their personal and coaching experiences, highlighting the importance of recognizing and naming these feelings to better manage them. The conversation delves into practical strategies that help overcome this resistance, including breaking tasks into manageable steps, pairing unpleasant tasks with enjoyable activities, and using techniques like reverse Pomodoro to balance productivity with breaks. They emphasize the value of flexibility, mood management, and intrinsic motivation—encouraging listeners to find what works for them personally. Ultimately, Asher and Dusty stress that while these challenges are ongoing, they are manageable with the right tools and mindset, and that progress, no matter how small, is a meaningful step forward. Episode links + resources: Join the Community | Become a Patron Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate. About Asher and Dusty For more of the Translating ADHD podcast: Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com