In this episode of Organizing an ADHD Brain, host Megs Crawford shares eight powerful truths about the ADHD brain. From being mislabeled as “lazy” to struggling with perfectionism, overcommitting, and the exhaustion of masking as “organized” at work, Megs continues exploring the “messy middle” of ADHD and organization by breaking down what she wishes others truly understood about living with ADHD. Whether you’re navigating ADHD yourself or trying to better understand a loved one, this conversation highlights the role of emotions, perfectionism, boundaries, and support in making real, sustainable progress toward organization and peace.

Article Link (2 Pages) - Understanding ADHD from a Strengths-Based Perspective

Key Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: Share this Episode with Your Loved Ones

6:27 - Truth 1: I’m Not Lazy, but I Am Overwhelmed.

10:34 - Truth 2: I’m a Perfectionist, So I’m Procrastinating.

13:43 - Truth 3: I Want To Do Everything, But I Can’t.

17:09 - Truth 4: Organizing Might Seem Easy, but ADHD Brains Don’t Default to Systems.

20:03 - Truth 5: I Am the Only Person Who Can Change Me. (Curiosity > Control)

22:49 - Truth 6: Time Blindness is Real.

25:34 - Truth 7: Making Organization in One Space (Like Work) Drains My Energy.

28:19 - Truth 8: I Am Listening, But Focus Shifts are HARD.

31:33 - The Importance of Support and Understanding

36:37 - ADHD and Emotional Regulation

Is Coaching a good fit for you? Book a call with Megs to find out> Book a Call

Learn more about the Community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com (Join the waitlist for 2026)

Looking for ADHD-friendly support with decluttering, organizing, or just making life feel a little less chaotic? The new Ways To Connect page is your go-to hub for real-life tools, gentle guidance, and ways to connect—free and paid, no pressure.

*In some shows, there are items offered for free on my website. As of this recording, the only download available is the Dopamine Menu, You can download the dopamine menu here: FREE Dopamine Menu Download

I even send you a video on how to complete!

Motivation fades, life gets chaotic, but the messy middle doesn’t have to stop your progress.

Russ Jones is back for the third time, making him the very first three-peat guest on the podcast—and for good reason. As an ADHD coach, Russ knows what it takes to keep moving forward even when you’re stuck in the messy middle. In this episode, Megs and Russ talk about what it really feels like to make a change, why discomfort is part of the process, and how to keep going when motivation disappears. From “half-assing is better than no-assing” to building scaffolding outside your brain, this conversation is packed with real talk, laughter, and practical ways to keep showing up for yourself.

Russ Jones is the host of the top 2% podcast ADHD Big Brother and an ADHD productivity coach who helps adults with ADHD symptoms get unstuck, become confidently consistent, and ultimately coach themselves. Diagnosed with ADHD and depression later in life—following a series of difficult, life-changing events—Russ now uses his experience to help others. He holds schooling in integrative wellness and ADHD-specific coaching, bringing a purpose-driven approach to every client and listener.

He's offering a FREE gift to those who sign up to the ADHD Big Brother newsletter. It's his Ready S.E.T. Go formula for getting started on a difficult task. The newsletter goes out weekly and contains updates, tips, and upcoming events. Click here to get the newsletter and free gift.

ADHD Big Brother Homepage for Coaching/Community

Key Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and The Messy Middle of Change

04:01 - Navigating the Journey of Change

06:10 - Understanding Goals and Progress

06:52 - The Importance of Time Management

11:18 - Overcoming Dysregulation and Staying on Track

13:31 - Finding Motivation in the Chaos

16:07 - The Role of Mindset in Achieving Goals

18:42 - Embracing the Process of Change

23:41 - Creating a Comfortable Space

25:35 - Navigating Change and Imperfection

27:54 - Understanding Failure and Growth

32:19 - Strategies for Moving Forward

35:41 - The Importance of Vulnerability and Support

37:58 - Final Thoughts on Change and Growth

45:26 - Episode Recap with Megs

Join the Organizing an ADHD Brain COMMUNITY on Circle > JOIN NOW

Is Coaching a good fit for you? Book a call with Megs to find out> Book a Call

Learn more about the Community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

Looking for ADHD-friendly support with decluttering, organizing, or just making life feel a little less chaotic? The new Ways To Connect page is your go-to hub for real-life tools, gentle guidance, and ways to connect—free and paid, no pressure.

*In some shows, there are items offered for free on my website. As of this recording, the only download available is the Dopamine Menu, You can download the dopamine menu here: FREE Dopamine Menu Download

I even send you a video on how to complete!

In this episode of Organizing an ADHD Brain, Megs Crawford kicks off Season 3 with a deeply personal look at “the messy middle” of change. She shares her family’s recent move from Colorado to the East Coast, emphasizing the challenges of living without familiar systems and the lessons learned from navigating discomfort while building a new life. Megs connects her journey to what it means to organize with ADHD. Knowing your “why,” taking one small step at a time, and giving yourself grace are the real keys to lasting progress.

(00:00) Introduction to the Messy Middle

(8:06) Navigating the Comfort Zone

(13:35) Understanding the Why Behind Change

(19:04) Facing the Discomfort of Clutter & Embracing the Journey of Organization

(25:39) Quick Fact: Why ADD is Now Called ADHD - Read More

(26:57) Community Updates, Coaching, and a New Group Program

Join the Organizing an ADHD Brain COMMUNITY on Circle > JOIN NOW

Is Coaching a good fit for you? Book a call with Megs to find out> Book a Call

Learn more about the Community HERE> OrganizinganADHDBrain.com

Looking for ADHD-friendly support with decluttering, organizing, or just making life feel a little less chaotic? The new Ways To Connect page is your go-to hub for real-life tools, gentle guidance, and ways to connect—free and paid, no pressure.

*In some shows, there are items offered for free on my website. As of this recording, the only download available is the Dopamine Menu, You can download the dopamine menu here: FREE Dopamine Menu Download

I even send you a video on how to complete!