Podcast
From Stuck to Started: Executive Function & ADHD Coaching to Take Action
Hosted by Sarah Lovell - Executive Function & ADHD Coach · EN
Welcome to From Stuck to Started, the podcast for ambitious ADHDers, perfectionists, and over-thinkers who are ready to achieve their goals without burning out.
Join your host, Sarah Lovell, an executive function and ADHD coach, as she shares strategies to help you understand your brain, break down big tasks, and build systems that work for you.
Each episode is packed with actionable tips and real-life inspiration to help you tackle hard things and make progress that feels good.
41episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
056: Why Reflection Matters More Than Resolutions: Simple Ways to Practice Self-Reflection (Even When You’re Overwhelmed)
Dec 1700:27:43Tap to summarizeEvery December, I feel pulled in two very different directions. Part of me wants to cozy up with a notebook and plan out my entire life. And the other part of me is like, absolutely not. If you've ever felt the same, excited about a fresh start, and overwhelmed at the thought of doing anything about it, you're in the right place.This isn’t about goal setting, it’s about giving yourself credit and noticing what matters most to you.I’m also sharing an exciting announcement for women business owners who are looking for executive function coaching & community in 2026 - "Ideas to Action" What you’ll learn in this episode:How to create a simple reflection practice that fits your energy, mood, and brainReflection questions to help you celebrate wins, notice unexpected joys, and learn from challengesHow to identify habits or activities that no longer serve you and make space for what energizes youWhy reflection doesn’t have to be tied to the calendar or to “doing more”—it’s about giving yourself credit and staying curious.How I used reflection to navigate challenges in my business and make aligned decisions for the year aheadResources Mentioned:Stop Doomscrolling: Get Brick 10% off when you purchase with this link! Get your Free ADHD Action Plan Learn about my new 12-week small group coaching program for neurodivergent women business owners - "Ideas to Action" Other episodes you might enjoy: 009: Why Your Goals Don’t Stick (And How to Set Goals and Achieve Them)010: Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions: A Gentler Approach for Setting Goals & Identity Based Goals for ADHDHost: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD CoachConnect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational BackgroundI use affiliate links for my fave products that I use and trust. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.Mentioned in this episode:Turn Your Ideas Into Action - Join Us March 2nd!Have a million incredible ideas but struggle to follow through? You're not alone. Ideas to Action is a small group executive function coaching program designed specifically for women business owners with ADHD. Imagine running your business feeling clear, proactive, and in control—instead of constantly reacting and catching up. Together, we'll help you prioritize what moves your business forward, structure your days with the right balance of flexibility, and build systems that actually work with your brain. Only 3 spots left! Ready to make this the moment everything shifts? Apply at executivefunctioningfirst.com/ideastoaction for a free discovery call.Idea to Action
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019: How to Take Action When You’re Overwhelmed & Don’t Know Where to Start
Feb 26, 202500:25:39Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly playing catch-up or struggling to keep the plates spinning, this episode is packed with realistic, practical strategies to help you navigate overwhelm and move forward with more clarity and ease.I break down what overwhelm actually is, why it happens, and how it impacts ADHD and executive function. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to identify different types of overwhelm (emotional, sensory, time-related, decision fatigue, etc.)✔️ Why overwhelm impacts executive function and makes task-switching harder✔️ The role of self-talk in managing stress and avoiding burnout✔️ How to prioritize and decide what will have the most impact right now✔️ A step-by-step process to check in with yourself and create a realistic plan✔️ Why adjusting expectations and self-compassion are key to navigating overwhelmHost: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD CoachResources Mentioned:Free training: Creating a Formula to Overcome Procrastination and Get Unstuck Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedConnect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstEmail: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.comInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background
Transcribe →018: How to Break Free from ADHD Waiting Mode: 6 Practical Strategies
Feb 19, 202500:23:49Tap to summarizeAre you the kind of person who has a 2 p.m appointment and you can't do anything until that appointment happens? That’s waiting mode. In this episode, I dive into why it happens (hello, executive functioning!) and how it impacts your ability to stay productive. I share 6 practical strategies to help you break free from this frustrating pattern. Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD CoachResources Mentioned:Free training: Creating a Formula to Overcome Procrastination and Get Unstuck Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedConnect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstEmail: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.comInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background
Transcribe →017: “I wish I started sooner:” 5 Strategies to Get Unstuck
Feb 12, 202500:31:50Tap to summarizeHave you ever really wanted to start something but been paralyzed and overwhelmed? In this episode, I explore what it means to feel stuck and how it differs from procrastination. I walk you through a simple framework to help you take action, even when starting feels overwhelming. Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function and ADHD Coach Resources Mentioned:Free Training to Overcome Procrastination Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedConnect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstEmail: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.comInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational BackgroundPodcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual
Transcribe →016: Endless Laundry & Constant Clutter?! ADHD Cleaning Tips That Won’t Burn You Out
Feb 5, 202500:32:20Tap to summarizeGot piles of laundry, mountains of dishes, and miles of mess? You’re not alone. Cleaning is a never-ending cycle. If you’ve ever felt guilt or frustration about keeping up with your home, this episode is for you. You’ll leave with a new way to think about chores, feel validated about the struggle, and have tools to help you take action in a way that feels good. Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function and ADHD Coach Episode Highlights: 00:00 Understanding the Overwhelm of House Chores05:33 Reframing Cleaning Expectations10:48 Identity and Cleaning: Changing the Narrative16:43 Strategies for Managing Cleaning Overwhelm23:09 Tools and Techniques for Effective Cleaning27:24 Community Support and Resources for Cleaning Challenges31:01 Outro Resources Mentioned:Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedStuck to Started Episode 9: The Secret to Goals That Stick Goblin Tools: An AI tool recommended for breaking down tasks into manageable steps.ChatGPT: resource for brainstorming and breaking down cleaning tasks, particularly helpful for ADHD-friendly approaches.Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstEmail: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.comInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational BackgroundPodcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual
Transcribe →015: How Strength-Based Education & Community Transforms the Lives of Neurodivergent and 2E Students with Sam Young
Jan 29, 202500:50:39Tap to summarizeI chatted with Sam Young, M.Ed, the Head of School at Young Scholars Academy, about what it means to be “twice-exceptional,” the challenges neurodivergent students face, and how community and leaning into strengths builds confidence and sets students up for success. This is a great conversation for educators, parents, neurodivergent adults, and anyone who’s passionate about supporting unique learners. Connect with Sam Young & Learn more about Young Scholars AcademyWebsite: https://youngscholarsacademy.org/ Facebook: Young Scholars Academy Instagram: @youngscholarsacademy BONUS: Podcast Listeners Save 10% on all classes when you use my code YSALOVELL10Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background
Transcribe →014: Are you a Procrastiplanner? Here’s how to Actually Start the Thing
Jan 22, 202500:26:58Tap to summarizeThis one is for overplanners who spend a ton of time and energy planning, but then don’t take action. Learn how to find the “Goldilocks effect” with planning—just the right amount to keep you moving forward. Whether you’re an over-planner or someone who consistently wings it, you’ll find actionable takeaways to strike a better balance and avoid getting stuck.Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function and ADHD Coach Episode Highlights: (time stamps) 00:00 The Dilemma of Over-Planning vs. Action09:45 Finding Balance: The Goldilocks Effect in Planning18:50 Recognizing When to Stop Planning22:22 Embracing Flexibility in Planning and Action26:22 Outro Resources Mentioned:Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedFree Training to Overcome Procrastination Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstEmail: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.comInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational BackgroundPodcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual
Transcribe →013: Why Goals Feel Hard: Embracing Discomfort to Get Started
Jan 15, 202500:26:21Tap to summarizeWorking on your goals often comes down to embracing discomfort. I’m sharing a non-traditional way to think about goals. I’ll share practical tips to help you identify and reframe the roadblocks that are keeping you stuck, how to navigate perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking, and why consistency doesn’t mean what you think it does.Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function and ADHD Coach Resources Mentioned:Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedFree training: Creating a Formula to Overcome Procrastination and Get Unstuck Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstEmail: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.comInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational BackgroundPodcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual
Transcribe →012: For Overwhelmed People Pleasers: How to Set Boundaries, Advocate for Yourself, and Reclaim Your Time
Jan 9, 202500:27:08Tap to summarizeThis one is for my people-pleasers! Do you find it easier to advocate for others—your partner, your kids, or even your pets—than for yourself? You’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into the art of boundary setting, self-advocacy, and asking for help without guilt, especially for my fellow recovering people pleasers. I’ll share simple strategies to pause, prioritize, and protect your time and energy so you can show up for yourself and others in a healthier way.Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function and ADHD Coach Resources Mentioned:Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedFree Training to Overcome Procrastination Connect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstEmail: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.comInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirstMusic by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational BackgroundPodcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual
Transcribe →011: Why Motivation Feels So Hard & What to do About It
Jan 1, 202500:30:25Tap to summarizeOne of the most common struggles my clients face is motivation: how to find it, how to sustain it, and what to do when it’s just not there. In this episode, I talk about why motivation ebbs and flows and how to take action even when motivation feels miles away. I’ll share five concrete strategies you can start using today. Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function and ADHD Coach Resources Mentioned:Coaching Membership: Stuck to StartedFree On Demand Workshop- How to Overcome ProcrastinationConnect with Sarah Lovell: Website: Executive Functioning FirstEmail: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.comInstagram: @executivefunctioningfirst Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational BackgroundPodcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual
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