Updates from Donae Cannon

Why Transitions Are So Hard with ADHD (How to Make Them Easier)

Why Transitions Are So Hard with ADHD (How to Make Them Easier)

energy management, transitions
Why are transitions—like stopping Netflix to pay bills or switching from reading to bedtime—or even getting out of the car to get in the house once you've arrived home- so exhausting when you have ADHD? In this video, I break down why transitions are uniquely challenging for people with ADHD and what you can do to make them easier.
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Is There REALLY a Perfect Planner for ADHD?

Is There REALLY a Perfect Planner for ADHD?

decision making, habits, planners, prioritization, time management
If you’ve ever thought this planner is going to change my life... only to abandon it weeks later, you are not alone! Today, we’re diving into the REAL reason planners often don’t work for ADHD brains—and what to do instead. In this video, I walk you through: ✔️ The 3 essential parts of an ADHD-friendly time system✔️ Why your brain shouldn't be your to-do list✔️ How to use a dump list without drowning in it✔️ The importance of retrieval (not just collection)✔️ What to do with “boomerang tasks” that come back later✔️ And why it’s 100% okay to switch up your planner (really!)
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ADHD AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING: ARE YOU DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION BRAIN?

ADHD AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING: ARE YOU DRIVING A MANUAL TRANSMISSION BRAIN?

executive functioning skills, time management
Managing everyday tasks with ADHD can take so much more effort than we think it should! Living with ADHD is like driving a manual transmission vs. an automatic. This isn't about which brain "version" is better or worse—it's about understanding that you may need to learn how to consciously "shift gears" when others do it automatically. This DOES take more effort in the beginning, but once you master your own system, it becomes second nature! Learn how to stop judging yourself and find the strategies that work for YOUR brain!
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How to Manage Your TOO MANY Things To Do List! | ADHD Dump List Weekly Planner Strategy

How to Manage Your TOO MANY Things To Do List! | ADHD Dump List Weekly Planner Strategy

decision making, overwhelm, planners, time management
Struggling to keep track of all the things?  This simple, ADHD-friendly system helps you organize your mental clutter, break down overwhelming tasks, and plan your week without burnout. Learn how to use a "dump list" to declutter your mind, why looking at everything every day is hurting your productivity, how to break multi-step tasks (like taxes and returns!) into doable pieces, when (and why) to ignore your to-do list and more!
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What Does ADHD Look Like in Girls?

What Does ADHD Look Like in Girls?

anxiety, executive functioning skills, late diagnosis, women and ADHD
What does ADHD look like in girls? Is it different from how it appears in boys? And why does it matter?In this episode, we dive deep into what ADHD can look like in girls and women, through the lens of eight real-life stories. From emotional regulation issues to sensory processing disorders; social struggles to low energy, we'll uncover how ADHD impacts daily life and relationships and why it can be easy to miss or misinterpret these impacts.
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Time Tips for Time Blindness!

Time Tips for Time Blindness!

time management
Time management can be particularly challenging for those with ADHD due to a unique perception of time, which often feels more like guessing than knowing. While traditional tools like planners provide a starting point, they might not fully support individuals with ADHD who struggle with a reliable sense of time. This gap can make everyday tasks, from arriving on time to completing projects, more complex without additional strategies to bridge their time perception.Integrating sensory tools into time management can significantly benefit those with ADHD. For instance, using visual aids such as timers or sticky notes helps to physically represent time, making it more tangible and easier to track. Similarly, auditory aids like personalized playlists can cue the passage of time more effectively than standard alarms, assisting in internalizing the progression of minutes or hours.By connecting time to sensory experiences, individuals can better manage task initiation, transitions, and the tracking of time. Physical representations of time can help prevent the all-too-common surprise of realizing how time has flown by, thereby making daily transitions smoother. This approach not only eases the challenge of starting tasks but also minimizes overwhelm, offering a practical solution for those struggling with traditional time management techniques.
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Why Your Habit Dies

Why Your Habit Dies

energy management, habit, perfectionism
When starting a new habit, the real task isn't what you might initially think. The process is less about the specific activity—like running, meditating, or studying—and more about shifting the action from something you consciously decide to do to something you do automatically. This transition requires significant effort as you're working on integrating this behavior into your routine seamlessly.To foster a lasting habit, it's crucial to begin with actions so small that they're almost impossible not to do. Instead of waiting for motivation to begin with significant demands—like 45 minutes of running immediately—start with modest goals such as running for just one minute. This approach helps create the necessary space for the habit to grow its roots, making transitions to more extended periods more intuitive over time.This method applies to any habit: whether it's studying, meditating, or managing daily emails, beginning with tiny increments encourages consistency and sustainability. Starting small ensures that the action becomes habitual, making it easier to incrementally increase the load and maintain the habit long-term. By doing so, you set the foundation for successful, enduring habits.
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Meet Donae

As an occupational therapist, professionally trained coach, and a fellow ADHD brain I understand how ADHD can impact all of life; relationships, careers, finances, self care, and even self trust.

I've seen how the shame of past failures (and the fear of experiencing more) can shut us down and make it hard to know what to do next.  

If the techniques that work for typical brains haven't worked for you, it's time to try something new. Designing a life with more ease, self trust, and peace is possible. I can help you learn to work with your brain so you can make the changes that matter to you!


Photo of Donae Cannon