Why Goals Feel Hard: Embracing Discomfort to Get Started

You’ve probably heard the advice: set SMART goals, make an action plan, and voila—success is yours. 

Let’s be honest—setting and achieving goals isn’t always as simple as it’s made out to be. 

What do you do when a goal feels impossible? Or when the weight of perfectionism keeps you stuck in place?

I’ve been reflecting a lot on goals lately, both in my personal life and in my work as an executive function coach. 

What I’ve realized is this: the real work of goal-setting isn’t just about creating a plan.

For Overwhelmed People Pleasers: How to Set Boundaries, Advocate for Yourself, and Reclaim Your Time

When another dog approached us off-leash, I didn’t hesitate. I said, “My dog needs space, please call your dog away.” I didn’t second-guess myself. I didn’t overthink how it would come across.

I KNEW my anxious pup, while being the sweetest, snuggliest dog, needs her space during walks. 

I simply advocated for her because I knew what she needed.

That moment was a lightbulb for me: why was it so easy to speak up for my dog and so hard to do the same for myself? 

How many of us have no problem supporting loved ones, helping friends, or standing up for someone we care about—but when it comes to advocating for our own needs, we freeze?

It’s a balancing act. Being kind and supportive doesn’t have to come at the cost of our time, energy, and well-being and there’s a way you can advocate for yourself.

Here are some tools & strategies to help you set boundaries in a way that feels good:

Why Motivation Feels So Hard & What to do About It

Motivation is one of the most common challenges I hear about as an ADHD and executive function coach. Whether it’s tackling a work task, managing household chores, or even engaging in hobbies you usually enjoy, motivation can feel like an elusive force.

But here’s the thing: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to rely on toxic positivity or the “just do it” mantra to get unstuck. 

In this post, dig into practical, ADHD-friendly strategies to help you boost motivation and take action. Plus, explore how to navigate those inevitable low-motivation days with self-care and kindness.

Why “New Year, New You” Isn’t the Answer—and What to Do Instead

Every year, as January rolls around, you’re bombarded with messages about starting fresh . “New Year, New You!” might sound exciting, but to be honest: it can also feel overwhelming, stressful, and even unattainable.

Here’s the thing—I don’t believe in “New Year, New You.” You’re already pretty great! 

Instead, there’s a different way to approach the new year (or any time of year) that’s grounded in reflection, self-compassion, and realistic action and actually works.

The Secret to Goals That Stick

If you’ve ever found yourself setting a goal with excitement, only to let it fall apart a few weeks later, or if you avoid goal-setting altogether because it feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.

 I’ve been there, and in this blog post, I share a fresh approach that completely changed how I set and stick to goals. 

Why Do Most Goals Fail?

Most traditional goal-setting methods focus on the outcome. While having a goal is important, focusing solely on the end result often leads to burnout or disappointment. For example, when I set vague goals like "I want to read more," I struggled to stay consistent and eventually gave up.

These types of goals don’t address the deeper issue: how you see yourself. If your self-talk says, "I’m not organized" or "I never follow through," no to-do list in the world can change that. That’s where identity-based goals come in.

Why Working with Your Energy Matters

Ever find yourself pushing through a task when you’re completely drained, only to end up frustrated and stuck? We’ve all been there. But here’s a better way: adjusting your tasks based on your current energy levels to keep moving forward—even on low-energy days. In this post, we’re diving into the power of working with your energy, how it helps prevent burnout, and practical ways to apply it to your daily life.

The Power of Planning: turn swirling ideas into action 

Do you ever find yourself jumping into a project without a plan and feeling totally scattered? Or maybe you’re stuck, unable to get started because there’s no clear direction. 

Today’s episode is all about the power of planning. I’ll walk you through how to organize your thoughts, create a plan that works for you, and take actionable steps—even when things feel overwhelming. 

It’s time to turn that mental swirl into focused action!

How to Hit the Reset Button on a Bad Day

Have you ever had one of those bad days where something unexpected throws everything off? Maybe you got stuck in unexpected traffic, got lost doom-scrolling, or just felt like nothing was going right. 

If you’re someone with ADHD, days like these can feel even more overwhelming. Your executive functioning skills may take a hit, leaving you feeling like it’s impossible to get back on track. 

But here’s the good news: You can hit the reset button at any point in your day. 

As an executive functioning coach for adults with ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how small shifts can turn things around. In this post, I’ll share five practical strategies to help you restart your day and get back on track—because it’s never too late to make a change.

How to Stop Feeling Defeated by Your To-Do List

Have you ever stared at your to-do list, wondering how on earth you're going to get everything done? You might be experiencing time blindness. 

If you’re living with ADHD or struggle with executive functioning, that feeling can be even more intense. The pressure to do it all perfectly and right now can leave you feeling stuck. And when things don’t go as planned, it can lead to frustration and burnout.

Break Free from Limbo: How to Get Unstuck, Take Action, and Rest 

Do you ever find yourself stuck in that in-between space where you're not resting, but you’re not getting anything done either? I call this feeling getting stuck in limbo, and it’s the worst. 

You’re overwhelmed, anxious, and feeling like you should be doing something—anything! But instead, you’re just...stuck.

We’ve all been there—staring at the laundry piling up, an unfinished project, or an intimidating to-do list, knowing we should get started but feeling unable to move. It’s a universal experience, but how often do we stop to question if we’re procrastinating or if something deeper is at play? In my very first podcast episode, I explored this common struggle, breaking down the difference between procrastination and being stuck. Understanding this difference can make a world of difference in how we approach our tasks, goals, and ultimately, our self-talk.

Have you ever stared at your to-do list and felt completely overwhelmed by something as basic as replying to an email or emptying the dishwasher?

If you have ADHD or struggle with executive functioning, you’re definitely not alone. What seems like a “simple everyday task” isn’t always easy, especially when your brain has to juggle multiple steps at once.

Why Some “Simple” Tasks Feel So Hard for ADHDers

This week, I was talking with a client who kept putting off scheduling a dentist appointment. On her to-do list, it simply said “call the dentist,” but what we quickly realized is that it wasn’t a one-step task. 

We’ve all been there—staring at the laundry piling up, an unfinished project, or an intimidating to-do list, knowing we should get started but feeling unable to move. It’s a universal experience, but how often do we stop to question if we’re procrastinating or if something deeper is at play? In my very first podcast episode, I explored this common struggle, breaking down the difference between procrastination and being stuck. Understanding this difference can make a world of difference in how we approach our tasks, goals, and ultimately, our self-talk.