If you find yourself overthinking, overdoing, or avoiding things because of perfectionism - this episode is for you. I dive into what’s really hiding underneath perfectionism, how it leads to overthinking, avoidance, and burnout, and most importantly—how to shift your thinking. I also share a story about a circus unit in my middle school gym class that has stuck with me to this day.

✔️ The hidden fears underneath perfectionism (and why they hold you back)

✔️ Why perfectionism and executive dysfunction create a cycle of overwhelm

✔️ The difference between striving for excellence vs. being trapped by perfectionism

✔️ How to adjust expectations without feeling like you’re "lowering your standards"

✔️ A simple mindset shift to stop overthinking and take action

Resources Mentioned:

• Free training: Creating a Formula to Overcome Procrastination and Get Unstuck
• Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Email: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.com
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

If 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 overwhelm

Host: Sarah Lovell, Executive Function & ADHD Coach

Resources Mentioned:

• Free training: Creating a Formula to Overcome Procrastination and Get Unstuck
• Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Email: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.com
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Are 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 Coach

Resources Mentioned:

• Free training: Creating a Formula to Overcome Procrastination and Get Unstuck
• Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Email: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.com
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Have 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 Started

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Email: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.com
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Podcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual

Got 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 Chores
• 05:33 Reframing Cleaning Expectations
• 10:48 Identity and Cleaning: Changing the Narrative
• 16:43 Strategies for Managing Cleaning Overwhelm
• 23:09 Tools and Techniques for Effective Cleaning
• 27:24 Community Support and Resources for Cleaning Challenges
• 31:01 Outro

Resources Mentioned:

• Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started
• Stuck 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 First
• Email: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.com
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Podcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual

I 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 Academy

• Website: https://youngscholarsacademy.org/
• Facebook: Young Scholars Academy
• Instagram: @youngscholarsacademy
• BONUS: Podcast Listeners Save 10% on all classes when you use my code YSALOVELL10

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

This 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. Action
• 09:45 Finding Balance: The Goldilocks Effect in Planning
• 18:50 Recognizing When to Stop Planning
• 22:22 Embracing Flexibility in Planning and Action
• 26:22 Outro
• 
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Coaching Membership: Stuck to Started
• Free Training to Overcome Procrastination
• 
  

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Email: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.com
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Podcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual

Working 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 Started
• Free training: Creating a Formula to Overcome Procrastination and Get Unstuck

Connect with Sarah Lovell:

• Website: Executive Functioning First
• Email: sarah@executivefunctioningfirst.com
• Instagram: @executivefunctioningfirst

Music by: AudioCoffee, Inspirational Background

Podcast edit by: Chelsea Koenigsknecht of KC Virtual, Instagram: @KC_Virtual