ADHD Perfectionism: How to Start and Finish Tasks

By Kevin Bailey, CTACC

September 17, 2024

ADHD, ADHD Coaching, Autism Strategies, Executive Functioning, Mental Health Coaching, Neurodivergent Burnout, Neurodiversity, Neurodiversity at Work

Hey there! 👋 I’m Kevin, a life coach for neurodivergent professionals—ADHDers and Autistic individuals—just like you. If you’ve clicked on this post, chances are you’re grappling with perfectionism and struggling to finish those awesome ideas you keep brewing.

You’ve probably said, “I’ll get to it later” more times than you can count. Your to-do list is packed with amazing projects you’re excited about, but… something’s stopping you from diving in. Well, you’re in the right place! 🎯

Perfectionism can hit hard, especially for ADHDers and Autistic people, because it makes you feel like you need everything just right before you take action. But what if I told you waiting for the “perfect time” is a trap? Let’s explore how to break free from that mindset and embrace imperfect action. 🙌

Why Waiting for the “Right Time” Keeps You Stuck 😵‍💫

Here’s the thing: Perfectionism is a defense mechanism. When you keep saying, “Not yet, I’m not ready,” you’re really just protecting yourself from failure or judgment. But instead of keeping you safe, it’s actually trapping you in a cycle of inaction.

The longer you wait for that perfect moment, the more stress you pile on. Waiting for everything to align often leads to more anxiety rather than relief. 😬

The truth? Imperfect action—even if it’s a bit messy—is so much better than perfect inaction. Progress beats perfection every time. 🌟

Imperfect Action Always Wins 🏃‍♀️➡️

Let’s face it: You’re never going to feel 100% ready to tackle something big. If you’re waiting for that feeling, you’ll be stuck forever. The key to success is taking small, imperfect steps forward, even when you’re unsure. 🌱

Think of it this way: Every successful person you admire started somewhere. They weren’t perfect when they began, and they certainly made mistakes along the way. But they kept moving. That’s the secret—progress over perfection! 💪

Each step you take, no matter how small or wobbly, is a win. So go ahead, make a move. Even if it feels clumsy, you’re still moving forward, and that’s what counts.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure 🌱

I know what you’re thinking: “But what if I mess up? What if I can’t finish?” This fear is completely normal, especially for ADHDers and Autistic individuals who’ve struggled with consistency in the past.

Here’s the good news: Fear is a sign that you care. 🛑 It shows that what you’re working on matters to you. But instead of letting that fear freeze you, use it as motivation.

Take Sarah, one of my clients, for example. At 45, she felt completely overwhelmed about rejoining the workforce after a six-year break. She was convinced she needed the “perfect” job and the “perfect” plan before making any moves. The result? Total paralysis. 😰

So, we shifted her focus to experimentation. Sarah didn’t dive headfirst into the job search. Instead, she took small steps like talking to professionals in fields she found interesting. 🗣️ These conversations allowed her to gain clarity, and, over time, her anxiety began to melt away. By focusing on imperfect action and letting go of the need for a perfect plan, she discovered career possibilities she’d never even considered before. 🚀

Her story is a reminder that the path forward often reveals itself when you take those first steps—no matter how imperfect they may be.

Staying in the “Someday” Mindset Wears You Down 😩

Let’s get real: Putting things off until “someday” is exhausting. Every time you delay action, you add to your mental load, and that creates burnout. Constantly waiting for the right time drains your creativity and wears down your well-being. 😓

The remedy? Action—even the tiniest step—can help break this cycle. Every little move you make eases the weight you’ve been carrying, and that momentum is what keeps you going. 🏋️‍♀️

How Beyond Burnout Coaching Can Help You 🔄

Breaking the cycle of perfectionism requires the right support and tools. In my Beyond Burnout coaching program, I help you move from stuck to resilient by focusing on these key strategies:

  • Small, manageable goals: You don’t need to take on a massive project. We start small. 🎯
  • Sustainable systems: We design structures that fit your ADHD or Autistic brain, helping you work with your strengths. 🔑
  • Step-by-step progress: Over time, those small victories build into major momentum. It’s about progress, not perfection.

✨ My approach centers on creating a resilient, fulfilling life by helping you take action in ways that work for you.

What If You Still Don’t Finish? 🤔

The million-dollar question: “What if I start and still can’t finish?”

Here’s the thing: Starting isn’t about finishing perfectly—it’s about gaining momentum. In my coaching program, I include ongoing accountability and support, so when life inevitably throws a curveball, you won’t fall off track. 🎯

Instead of beating yourself up over setbacks, we’ll work through them together. That’s the beauty of having a coach: You’ve got someone in your corner, cheering you on and helping you course-correct when needed. 🏆

You Can Beat Perfectionism—Here’s How 💥

At its core, perfectionism is driven by fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not being enough. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to let fear run the show.

The antidote? Taking that first, imperfect step. Whether it’s tackling a new project, reaching out to a colleague, or starting a self-care routine, taking action—no matter how small—helps you overcome the paralysis of perfectionism.

Ready to Take Action? 🚀

It’s time to stop waiting and start doing. If you’re ready to kick perfectionism to the curb and make real progress in your life, let’s talk.

🎯 Schedule a free consultation today and let’s take the first step toward a more resilient, authentic life. You’ll leave with actionable next steps, more clarity, and—most importantly—no more waiting. Let’s do this together!

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