ADHD reWired – Episode 544: ADHD at 80 Miles an Hour

Host: Eric Tivers, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
Release Date: December 20, 2024

Episode Overview

In this solo episode, host Eric Tivers records on the road—literally, from his car at 80 miles an hour—sharing a raw, behind-the-scenes look at his recent reflections, struggles with burnout, and strategies for rebuilding sustainability in both business and personal energy. He also recaps the successes of the latest ADHD reWired coaching group and features alumni voices on transformation, resilience, and finding support within the ADHD community.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reflections on Burnout and the Quest for Sustainability

• Eric’s self-imposed retreat: Eric took several days alone at an Airbnb to "introvert and reflect." While he hoped for clarity, he discovered the need for longer restorative breaks and is considering how to better manage his energy over the long haul, not just day-to-day.

  • [02:41] “I did not get everything I was hoping to… probably needed another day… I’m really working hard on trying to learn better strategies for sustainability of my energy.”

• Balancing business needs and personal well-being: He opens up about the financial stressors of running a business and learning from previous burnout.

  • [05:39] “I am trying to balance what the needs of the business are, what my needs are. I’m trying to slow things down and figure out… how do I do that and also have a sustainable business that pays the bills?”

• Reevaluating growth goals: After years of wearing "31 hats," Eric realizes building a larger organization may be more draining than rewarding and is exploring how autism interplays with his work style.

  • [08:47] “I think building a larger organization... may be more energy depleting for me than it was rewarding... Wears too many hats for too long, it hurts my head.”

2. Community and the Power of Group Coaching

• Celebrating recent group achievements: Eric speaks fondly of the fall coaching season and how deep connections make the work fulfilling for both him and participants.

  • [06:38] “When you have ADHD, when you’re neurodivergent, you have to do work that you love. Not doing work that you love just makes everything so much harder.”

• Annual group process and participant transformation: Testimonials from members Jessica, Aaron, and Dima reflect breakthroughs in accountability, self-acceptance, productivity, and mental wellness.

  • [16:44] Jessica: “The freedom within structure and time tracking was really helpful... skills that were particularly good for ADHD brains really took it to the next level.”
  • [18:20] Aaron: “Even yesterday I was down and I... was like, wait. Just because I’m having those thoughts doesn’t mean they’re true... I think seeing how everyone’s ADHD manifested really helped me be kinder to myself.”
  • [19:44] Dima: “I made so many to-do lists... and would burn out... In joining the group, I discovered... just how many others in the group also struggle with these things... I realized just how much more compassion I have for myself... and for ADHD... and just how far I’ve come.”

3. Embracing Neurodiversity Beyond ADHD

• Personal journey toward an autism diagnosis: Eric candidly discusses pursuing an autism evaluation and what this means for his identity and support strategies.

  • [11:30] “Part of this is realizing that I’m also autistic, not just ADHD... as I accept and understand and embrace that more, integrate that into who I am, it’ll help me come up with other strategies.”

• Learning from others: Spending time with “AudiHD-ers” at the CHADD conference solidified a sense of belonging and inspired further self-exploration.

  • [12:12] “Hanging out with a bunch of other AudiHD-ers... these are absolutely my people... it feels amazing, and then it’s just a bit more nuanced.”

4. Navigating Transitions and Letting Go of Rigidity

• Releasing perfectionism around podcast production: Eric discusses stepping back from rigid weekly episodes after a decade, being transparent about uncertainty, and giving himself permission to find a new rhythm.

  • [13:01] “I did that for 10 years... It’s been a month since I put out an episode. You know what, that’s okay. I did 10 years of weekly episodes and I’m in this state of transition.”

• Normalizing ups and downs: Eric reassures listeners that not having all the answers is part of the neurodivergent journey and encourages self-compassion.

  • [13:57] “That happens to all of us in life... It’s okay to have to take some time... I never claimed anyway that I have all my shit figured out.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 02:41 | Eric | “I’m really working hard on trying to learn better strategies for sustainability of my energy.” | | 05:39 | Eric | “I am trying to balance what the needs of the business are, what my needs are.” | | 06:38 | Eric | “When you have ADHD, when you’re neurodivergent, you have to do work that you love.” | | 08:47 | Eric | “It hurts my head. It made me think of that Shel Silverstein poem... Felt like the man with 31 hats.” | | 11:31 | Eric | “I think that is part of what has been hard... realizing that I’m also autistic, not just ADHD.” | | 12:49 | Eric | “These are absolutely my people… it’s just a bit more nuanced.” | | 13:57 | Eric | “I never claimed anyways that I have all my shit figured out... I do a lot of shit, I think, pretty well. And the stuff that I still struggle with really immensely. So I’m not beating myself up over that.” | | 16:44 | Jessica | “The freedom within structure and the time tracking was really helpful... The skills that we learned here that were particularly good for ADHD brains really took it to the next level.” | | 18:20 | Aaron | “Just because I’m having those thoughts doesn’t mean they’re true... Not 'shoulding' all over myself is also a huge takeaway.” | | 19:44 | Dima | “I realized just how much more compassion I have for myself and more acceptance for ADHD. I realized just how far I’ve come.” |

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [01:34] – Eric records in the car, shares retreat experience and burnout reflections
• [06:38] – The realities and rewards of group coaching work
• [11:30] – Embracing autism alongside ADHD; seeking a formal evaluation
• [13:01] – Letting go of weekly podcast schedule perfectionism
• [14:57] – Announcement of the new 8-week coaching group launch
• [16:40 – 21:52] – Alumni testimonials: Jessica, Aaron, and Dima share their stories
• [21:52] – How to join the next coaching group and access community resources

Calls to Action & Additional Resources

• Winter coaching group registration: Now open, with details on early bird pricing and registration events ([14:57] – [21:52]).
• Adult Study Hall: Yearly planning series available on demand, with ongoing access to coworking and body doubling sessions.
• Patreon and Community Events: Monthly coaching calls and Pomodoro Dance Parties resume in January.

Episode Tone & Language

• Authentic and conversational: Eric’s candid self-reflection, humor, and real-time narration (complete with on-the-road commentary) create an accessible, supportive atmosphere.
• Encouraging and motivational: The episode focuses on normalizing setbacks, promoting self-kindness, and celebrating both small and large wins.
• Community-oriented: Emphasis on connection, shared struggles, group transformation, and the value of supportive networks.

Summary

This episode is a mix of vulnerability, practical insight, and celebration: Eric Tivers reflects on his own journey through burnout, ongoing self-discovery, and organizational questions, while also sharing the voices and achievements of recent coaching alumni. The message is clear—ADHD brings challenges, but with the right community, tools, and self-compassion, meaningful growth and change are possible.