Motivation

Motivation

This episode dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of staying motivated with an ADHD brain. If you've ever thought, "I just can't get motivated" or found yourself yelling, "BUT I DON'T WANNA!", you'll recognise a lot of what's discussed here. Dr. David Pomeroy chats with ADHD coach and author Dr. Tamara Rosier about why motivation feels slippery for so many people with ADHD.

Early on, Rosier points out a key truth: "We do not have on-demand motivation." Instead of blaming willpower or medication, they break motivation down into three simple but tricky doors: **what**, **when**, and **how**. The ADHD brain often struggles to know exactly what to do first, when to do it, and how to start without getting emotionally overwhelmed.

You’ll hear practical examples ranging from forgotten contact lenses to chaotic morning routines, all showing how poor sequencing and sensory issues can quietly sabotage motivation. The pair talk about the emotional weight behind tasks, how the brain tags certain jobs as "toxic", and why many people end up doom scrolling on the sofa rather than facing something that feels too big.

Rosier introduces the idea of a "window of tolerance" – that sweet spot where you’re calm and alert enough to think clearly, rather than stuck in hyper mode (fight/flight) or hypo mode (frozen on the couch with your phone). Simple strategies, like putting your hands in cold water or using upbeat music, are suggested to help nudge the body and brain back into that window.

They also tackle harsh self-beliefs, using "I am" statements to expose patterns like "I am lazy" or "I can't help myself", then challenge whether those stories are actually true. If motivation feels like a constant battle and you’re tired of white-knuckling through life, this conversation might help you ask better questions: What exactly do I need to do, when is my motivation window, and how can I talk to myself differently next time?