Podcast Summary: Overcoming Distractions - Thriving with ADHD, ADD

Episode: Why Vision and Values Matter for The Busy Professional with ADHD
Host: David A. Greenwood
Date: January 2, 2026

Overview

In this energizing solo episode, host David A. Greenwood dives deep into why vision and values are "mission critical" for busy professionals with ADHD. Drawing from decades of entrepreneurial experience and personal ADHD challenges, Dave reveals how clarifying a personal vision and living in alignment with core values can lead to fulfillment—and practical strategies for making this happen amidst the chaos of demanding careers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Vision and Values for Adults with ADHD

• Vision as a Filter: Dave emphasizes that adults with ADHD excel when they have a clear vision for their life and work. This vision helps filter distractions and unnecessary commitments.

  “I think one of the clear positives of the ADHD-ish brain is being able to have that vision of what we’d like to see for ourselves… And sometimes that journey is a little choppy, right?” (05:45)

• Values Drive Fulfillment: Frequent misalignment with personal values leads to stress, burnout, and dissatisfaction.

  “When so many of us are stressed out, pissed off, we’re burned out… many times we can directly associate that with a misalignment of values. I’ve been there, I’ve done that.” (07:08)

2. ADHD, Ambition, and the Struggle for Alignment

• Ambition Isn’t the Issue: Adults with ADHD don't lack ambition; rather, they often struggle with aligning ambition to what matters.

  “I don’t think those of us with ADHD really struggle with ambition, right? I think we struggle with alignment sometimes.” (09:50)

• Decision Fatigue & Overcommitment: A strong filter of vision and values helps reduce, but not eliminate, the tendency toward impulsivity and overcommitment.

  “It acts as a filter… maybe it reduces a bit of that decision fatigue, it reduces maybe the over commitment. And I'll say this—it reduces it, it doesn’t eliminate it because we still have ADHD, right?” (11:15)

3. Identifying Key Personal and Professional Values

• Examples of Core Values:
  • Autonomy: Desire flexibility and independence at work.
  • Creativity: The ADHD brain thrives on creative work.
  • Impact: Need to feel that work makes a meaningful difference.
  • Clarity & Calm: Spaces that nurture focus.
  • Growth: Averseness to stagnation prompts frequent changes if growth is missing.

  “Our brains are creative factories. We must have an impact. I know that is absolutely oxygen for me—I've got to have an impact on what I'm doing.” (13:00)

• Key Questions for Reflection:
  • When have you felt most energized and least drained at work?
  • What strengths do you protect when you’re at your best?

4. Redefining Productivity, Fulfillment, and Control

• Productivity: Not about doing more, but what matters most—without burnout.
• Fulfillment: Ending the day with energy, connection, or satisfaction.
• Control: Fewer “fires,” better priorities—staying out of “response mode.”

  “Productivity doesn’t really mean doing more, right? It’s doing what matters without actually getting stressed or tired or even burned out.” (16:15)

5. Navigating Vision, Values, and Goal Setting

• Short- vs. Long-Term:
  • Long-term goals provide direction (“I want to get to XYZ in two years”).
  • Short-term wins generate momentum, which the ADHD brain craves.

  “Tie your goals, your values, your identity—not just outcomes… For example, I have a value of more freedom in my life.” (25:10)

• Alignment > Discipline:
  • Dave asserts that what’s needed isn’t stricter discipline, but greater alignment with values—which makes follow-through easier.

  “I don’t think we need more discipline. I think we need better alignment—or at the very least, like, discipline comes from being more aligned.” (27:25)

• Saying No and Overcommitment:
  • Vision helps say no to misaligned opportunities and prevents regret over taking on too much.

6. Practical Strategies & Homework

• Weekly Check-In:
  • Review current commitments: drop or delegate those misaligned with your values.
  • Use your vision/values as a “filter” for new decisions.

  “Look at everything you’ve committed to and if at all possible, maybe it’s time to get rid of some of those things that aren’t serving you any longer.” (29:50)

• Self-Reflection:
  • Ask: “What does a good enough day look like?”
  • Review: Was I fulfilled, productive, and in control—or just reacting all day?

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On ADHD Alignment:

  “We chase urgency, we chase expectations, whether that's of us or expectations from other people, we chase the external validation instead of intention.” (08:20)

• On Values in Practice:

  “For me right now, a vision really isn’t a 10-year plan… it’s just the direction I want to take my life live on a daily basis.” (20:05)

• On Avoiding Burnout:

  “Without a strong vision… I think it’s easy for us to feel busy, but unfulfilled.” (10:35)

• On Fulfillment as an ADHD Professional:

  “Fulfilled might look like using your strengths instead of, you know, masking, which I think many of us do have a challenge with.” (17:10)

• Facebook Memories Reflection:

  “One of the things that I will share with you that bugs me is when one of those memories pops up on Facebook… and you’re like, holy shit, I can’t believe that was 10 or 12 years ago. Right? Where's the time gone?” (21:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:45] – The strengths of ADHD minds: vision and values as assets
• [07:08] – Personal experience: How misalignment leads to burnout
• [09:50] – The true challenge: Alignment, not ambition
• [16:15] – Redefining productivity and fulfillment for busy ADHD pros
• [20:05] – Vision as a daily direction, not a 10-year plan
• [25:10] – Goal setting: Momentum from short-term wins
• [27:25] – Discipline vs Alignment: The real solution
• [29:50] – Practical advice: Commitment audit and decision filtering

Final Takeaways

Dave’s message for 2026 is clear:

• Busy professionals with ADHD thrive not just by trying harder, but by getting clear on personal vision and values.
• Regular reflection and commitment to alignment (not just discipline) helps reduce overwhelm and foster fulfillment.
• Ultimately, as Dave says, “When we continue to remind ourselves of our vision and our values, we can focus and follow through, and things do get a little bit easier.” (31:30)

Resource: For more about Dave’s coaching and support resources, visit overcomingdistractions.com.
Contact: Listeners can book a 15-minute Zoom call for personalized ADHD strategy support.