Why My ADHD Brain Took Three days to write a Quick Email

ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator

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Welcome to the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast. Host Steve August, Founder of ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator and August & Wonder, shares a personal story about why writing a simple email took him three days. He explains how tasks that seem quick can take much longer for ADHD brains because of hidden, deep work like decision-making. Steve breaks down the difference between surface work and the harder thinking behind it. He offers helpful advice, like creating a “to decide” list to avoid frustration and make progress. This episode helps ADHD entrepreneurs understand their process and work with their brain, not against it.

Steve shares how a task that seemed simple, like writing an email, turned into days of work because of hidden decisions. He explains that for ADHD brains, the real challenge is not the task itself but the deep thinking that happens behind the scenes. Making choices, setting priorities, and narrowing options take time and energy. Steve suggests tracking decisions, not just tasks, and creating a “to decide” list to help move forward. This shift in focus can ease frustration, bring clarity, and make work feel more manageable.

Key Takeaways:

• Hidden Work Matters: Tasks can take longer because of deep thinking, not just distraction.
• Decisions Take Time: ADHD brains often get stuck on choices, not actions.
• Track Decisions: Use a “to decide” list alongside your to-do list for better clarity.

Additional Insights:

• Decisions Hide in Tasks: What looks simple may involve big choices under the surface.
• Deep Work Counts: Decision-making is real work that needs focus and time.
• Name the Work: Noticing the mental steps behind tasks can ease stress and build progress.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

• “Sometimes we really need a to decide list, not just a to-do list.” - Steve August
• “Deep work is the real work. The output is just communicating what you decided.” - Steve August
• “If you're stuck, there may be hidden decisions you haven't noticed yet.” - Steve August

Join Steve August as he unpacks why simple tasks can take longer for ADHD brains. Learn how hidden decisions can slow you down and how tools like a “to decide” list can help. This episode will help you feel less stuck and more in control of your work.

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Grab Your Free ADHD Dashboard to Master Your Week!

[00:28] - Why That “Quick Email” Took Three Days

[01:33] - Hidden Decisions Behind Simple Tasks

[02:52] - ADHD Brains and the Struggle to Prioritize

[05:15] - The Power of a “To Decide” List

FOLLOW THE HOST:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/
• Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/
• August & Wonder: https://www.linkedin.com/company/augustandwonder/
• Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• X: https://x.com/steveaugust
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/

FOLLOW THE PODCAST:

• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035