Translating ADHD

Overcoming “I Don’t Want To”: Strategies for Motivation and Task Engagement

Translating ADHD

Show Notes

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the concept of "positionality," or what they call having "a case of the I don’t want," a common experience for people with ADHD where tasks feel overwhelming or unappealing, leading to avoidance and resistance. They discuss how this resistance can manifest in different ways, such as feeling stuck before even starting a task or struggling with opposition even when motivation is present. Both hosts share examples from their personal and coaching experiences, highlighting the importance of recognizing and naming these feelings to better manage them.

The conversation delves into practical strategies that help overcome this resistance, including breaking tasks into manageable steps, pairing unpleasant tasks with enjoyable activities, and using techniques like reverse Pomodoro to balance productivity with breaks. They emphasize the value of flexibility, mood management, and intrinsic motivation—encouraging listeners to find what works for them personally. Ultimately, Asher and Dusty stress that while these challenges are ongoing, they are manageable with the right tools and mindset, and that progress, no matter how small, is a meaningful step forward.

Episode links + resources:

Join the Community | Become a Patron

Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.

About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode

Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD

Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

More from Translating ADHD

Jun 22, 2026

In this episode of Translating ADHD, Asher and Dusty explore the complex relationship between ADHD, perfectionism, and the pursuit of mastery. They discuss how perfectionism often blocks people with ADHD from starting new tasks or hobbies because of unrealistic expectations of immediate perfection. The hosts emphasize the challenge of appreciating incremental progress, noting that the ADHD brain craves instant results, which can lead to frustration and loss of interest before meaningful skill development occurs. They highlight the importance of intentionally practicing skills in small, manageable increments, using strategies like gamification, setting deadlines, and breaking tasks into smaller chunks to maintain motivation and follow-through.

Jun 15, 2026

In this episode of Translating ADHD, Ash and Dusty explore the concept of neuroqueerness, a term that captures the intersections between neurodivergent identities and queer experiences. They discuss how neuroqueerness challenges both heteronormativity and neuronormativity, offering a valuable framework for self-understanding, especially during Pride Month. Through personal experiences and coaching insights, they highlight how neuroqueer individuals often express themselves in ways that disrupt societal norms around gender, sexuality, and neurodivergence.

May 25, 2026

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Ash and Dusty explore the concept of emotional permanence—a term that highlights the experience of being stuck in intense emotions, often seen in people with ADHD. They discuss how emotional dysregulation, a common but under-recognized aspect of ADHD, interferes with motivation, goal-directed behavior, and the ability to tolerate distress. Dusty shares personal experiences and therapeutic tools such as distress tolerance and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that help in recognizing that emotions are temporary and learning to self-soothe rather than react impulsively.

May 11, 2026

In this episode, Ash and Dusty discuss the important topic of when worsening ADHD symptoms may actually be caused or worsened by other physiological or medical conditions. They explore how hormonal changes related to PMS, PMDD, perimenopause, and menopause can significantly impact cognition, mood, and executive function. Dusty shares her personal experience with PMDD and how medication has been life-changing in managing symptoms that overlap with ADHD but require different treatment approaches. They also highlight other health issues such as anemia, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), hypermobility disorders like Ehlers-Danlos, TMJ, migraines, and sleep disruptions that can mimic or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

May 4, 2026

In this episode of the Translating ADHD podcast, Asher and Dusty explore the concept of New Relationship Energy (NRE) and how it uniquely impacts individuals with ADHD. They discuss how ADHD brains are drawn to novelty and intense dopamine experiences, which can make the early stages of any relationship—romantic or friendship—feel overwhelming and all-consuming. The hosts highlight challenges such as impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and the difficulty in distinguishing genuine connection from the excitement of novelty. They stress the importance of time to truly know someone, managing expectations upfront, and being cautious to avoid rushing into commitments or overlooking red flags.

See all episodes →