Wait… This Isn’t Just Perfectionism? My ADHD Diagnosis & What It’s Teaching Me

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been chasing the perfect system. The perfect planner. The perfect schedule. The perfect strategy to finally get it together. And for just as long, I’ve felt like I was always almost there—but never quite.

I’d rewrite the same email twenty times to make sure it sounded “right.” I’d spend hours planning the best way to tackle a project… and then be too overwhelmed to actually start. I’d hyper-focus on a task until I lost track of time, only to completely forget something important the next day.

I told myself I just needed to try harder. Be more disciplined. Be more consistent.

Turns out, my brain was playing by an entirely different rulebook.

The Road to Diagnosis: Perfectionism, Anxiety & the Aha Moment

When I found out I have ADHD, it wasn’t exactly a surprise—but it was still a lot to process. I don’t fit the stereotype of the hyperactive, bouncing-off-the-walls ADHD kid. My struggles were quieter: zoning out mid-conversation, feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks, working twice as hard to keep up but still feeling like I was behind.

And just to be clear—I wasn’t looking for a label or jumping on a trend. I was genuinely curious. I had questions about how my brain worked, and ADHD ended up being the answer that made everything click.

ADHD & The Perfectionist Trap

Here’s the problem: ADHD and perfectionism are a brutal combination.

ADHD makes it hard to start. Perfectionism makes it hard to finish. So you end up stuck in this cycle of overplanning, overthinking, and feeling guilty for not just doing the thing.

For years, I thought my struggle was a discipline problem. Now I know it’s a brain problem—and more importantly, one that I can work with instead of against.

“Do the Thing That Gives You Energy to Do the Thing”

This quote has been a game-changer for me.

Instead of forcing myself to start with the hardest, most tedious task (which my brain hates), I start with something that gives me energy—something exciting, creative, or meaningful.

That energy carries me into the next task, and suddenly, momentum is on my side.

It’s why I start my workday with brainstorming sessions, deep conversations, or tackling projects I’m passionate about. And it’s why I encourage my coaching clients to stop fighting their energy levels and start working with them.

How ADHD is Making Me a Better Coach, Planner & Communicator

My diagnosis hasn’t just helped me understand myself—it’s also changed how I support others.

• Planning with Flexibility: Instead of rigid structures, I now create workflows that account for real-life challenges—something I bring into career coaching.

• Communicating with Clarity: ADHD has forced me to get really good at breaking big ideas into clear, actionable steps—whether for myself or my clients.

• Coaching with Empathy: I know what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like your brain is working against you. That understanding helps me guide others through their own challenges.

Moving Forward: Embracing Strengths & Letting Go of the ‘Shoulds’

I used to think I needed to fix myself. Now I realize I just needed to work with the brain I have, not the one I thought I “should” have.

ADHD doesn’t make me less capable—it just means I approach things differently. And honestly? That’s a strength.

If you’ve ever felt like your brain doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, you’re not alone. Learning about my ADHD hasn’t magically made everything easy, but it’s given me the tools to navigate life my way.

So if you’re struggling with perfectionism, focus, or just feeling stuck, I see you. And I’d love to hear your story. Let’s figure this out together.