ADHD reWired Ep. 545 – "ADHD Growth Journeys: An Alumna Coaching Experience and My Path Toward Sustainable Energy Management"

Main Theme & Episode Overview

This episode focuses on growth and transformation in adults with ADHD, highlighting the power of community, accountability, and self-compassion. Host Eric Tivers introduces the theme of sustainable energy management—moving away from burnout and embracing boundaries. The centerpiece is an in-depth audio reflection by Jessica, a recent alumna of the ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Group, who shares her personal experiences and actionable takeaways from the program. The episode aims to inspire ADHD listeners to consider new strategies for productivity and self-care, while providing a candid look at the realities of living—and thriving—with ADHD.

Host’s Reflections on Burnout and Sustainability

Key Points:

• Eric opens up about his own experience with ADHD, entrepreneurship, and burnout.
• He emphasizes the challenge of sustaining productivity by “juggling balls on fire”—and the need for healthier rhythms.
• This year, Eric’s focus is “sustainability”: setting better boundaries, honoring his energy, and prioritizing longevity in both his work and self-care.

Notable Quotes:

“Some of those balls, they were on fire. And when you juggle balls on fire for too long, you get burned. I know that feeling all too well. And I’m guessing you might too.” (Eric, 02:05)

• The episode acknowledges listeners’ struggles and encourages hope, inviting them to take small, realistic steps.
• Information about the upcoming coaching group, including registration dates and new 8-week program format (down from 10 weeks for better focus).

Important Segment:

• Personal burnout & new group structure ([00:45–05:40])

Jessica’s Journey: Audio Journal from a Coaching Group Alumna

Struggles Before Finding the Program

Key Points:

• Jessica was deeply stuck in her PhD journey: experiencing burnout, avoidance, and lack of progress on her dissertation.
• She felt isolated, unable to seek help from family or academic support systems due to shame/judgment.
• Her daily routines were dominated by numbing activities (Netflix, audiobooks, podcasts), leading to a negative cycle of avoidance, anxiety, and further procrastination.
• She lacked consistent self-care: “I was getting plenty of sleep, [but] I wasn’t getting any regular exercise. I didn’t have any consistent routines, and I noticed that I was really starting to isolate myself socially.” (Jessica, 07:29)

Impact of the ADHD reWired Coaching Group

Accountability & Community:

• The group provided a structure and accountability system she never had before.
• Weekly one-thing check-ins and daily top-three priorities reinforced healthy planning and follow-through.
• The nonjudgmental accountability team was key: “There’s always been that fear of judgment…so being part of an accountability team where their only stake in your performance is wanting to see you do well has been just invaluable.” (Jessica, 10:37)
• Frequent, gentle check-ins from teammates made a real difference on tough days.

Safe Space for Curiosity:

• The program fostered curiosity and mutual support, rather than self-criticism.
• It became a “safe space where we could get curious together about the issues we ourselves and our group members were facing.” (Jessica, 11:30)

Most Valuable Skills and Takeaways

• Realistic Weekly Planning:
  • Learned the value of planning based on real personal data (how long things actually take) instead of wishful thinking or “shoulds.”
  • Incorporated energy and willpower management into task planning, e.g., reserving tough tasks for high-energy days.
  • Time blocking allowed her to reach flow states and reasonable expectations: “Being realistic instead of judgmental or often overly optimistic about my time.” (Jessica, 13:40)
• Self-care Habits:
  • Established near-daily walks, scheduled regular friend time.
  • Replaced numbing habits with healthier, more engaging activities (e.g., relevant podcasts).
  • Discovered the benefits of meditation for emotional regulation.
• Leadership and Community Building:
  • Took pride in facilitating her accountability team and launching a “book club for The One Thing.”
  • Gained confidence and leadership skills she previously didn’t see in herself.

Most Meaningful Moments

• Dear ADHD Letters & Bucket List Conversations:
  • Deep vulnerability and bonding: “Reading of the Dear ADHD letters, the bonding over shared challenges, and also just the outpouring of support from all of the other members just meant so much.” (Jessica, 16:00)
  • Imagining the group’s ongoing future together—“going on a cruise to Iceland”—gave her hope and excitement about community.

Redefining Success

Key Points:

• Shifted from a narrow, traditional view of academic success to a more holistic version: “I’m really trying to think about it in terms of thriving and finding ways to work with instead of fighting against my neurodivergence.” (Jessica, 16:53)
• Now values environments that foster her well-being and personal fulfillment, rather than arbitrary external standards.

Advice for Prospective Participants

• Acknowledge the program’s intensity—treat it like a part-time job.
• Embrace a curious, learner’s mindset: “Instead of asking yourself, what’s wrong with me? Ask, what do I need right now? What’s getting in my way? What would help me get beyond this? Who can I reach out to for help?” (Jessica, 17:25)
• Strong recommendation for anyone with ADHD who wants meaningful support and real growth.

Full Testimonial Segment: Jessica’s Audio Journal ([06:18–17:00])

Registration and Community Next Steps

Eric’s Enrollment Process (17:00–19:30):

• Structured, multi-step pre-registration including video orientation, a short quiz, and a personal introduction video.
• Emphasis on vulnerability and growth-mindedness as key qualities for entering the program.
• Reminders of upcoming registration deadlines and flexible payment options.
• Importance of finding community and challenging internalized ableism: “Your value isn’t measured by how much you check off your to-do list. Together, let’s challenge the internalized ableism that tells us we have to fit into a world that wasn’t built with us in mind.” (Eric, 19:48)

Notable Quotes

• Eric: “We take on more thinking that if we can just go faster, harder, or better, we can keep it all in the air. And for a while, it worked. Until it didn’t.” (02:00)
• Jessica: “It felt honestly like a jumpstart for my life. Or a re-jumpstart.” (12:03)
• Jessica: “I learned a lot more about self-care and the importance of that and working on replacing some of my old numbing habits.” (15:05)
• Eric: “We are wired for connection and you are not alone.” (00:23)
• Jessica: “Instead of asking yourself, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ ask, ‘What do I need right now? What’s getting in my way? What would help me get beyond this?’” (17:25)
• Eric: “Let’s start creating lives and systems that truly work for us.” (19:59)

Episode Takeaways

• ADHDers often strive for productivity by pushing harder, risking burnout and isolation. Sustainable change requires honoring boundaries and energy.
• Accountability, peer support, and community make a profound difference in managing ADHD.
• Realistic planning—based on self-awareness and self-compassion—is more productive than willpower alone.
• Success can and should be redefined on one’s own terms, especially for those who are neurodivergent.
• Vulnerability and a growth mindset are powerful tools for change.

For More Information / Next Steps:

• Visit coachingrewired.com to learn about upcoming groups, register, and access resources.
• Listen for details about payment plans, group structure, and additional events.

Key Segments & Timestamps

• Eric’s burnout & energy management reflections: 00:45–05:40
• Jessica’s audio journal (main testimonial): 06:18–17:00
• How to join/group updates: 17:00–end

Final Note:
This episode is a heartfelt endorsement of sustainable, community-driven ADHD growth, providing listeners with concrete hope, strategies, and inspiration for the New Year.