The Wall of Awful: Why We Put Things Off and How to Get Started with Brendan Mahan

Have you ever left something to the last minute and promised yourself that next time you’ll start well ahead? Maybe there’s a task you’re putting off right now, and you can’t quite work out why getting started feels so hard. It isn’t because you’re lazy, and it isn’t because you’re not capable. In this episode, Dr Jodi Richardson is joined by Brendan Mahan, an internationally recognised ADHD and executive function expert, host of the ADHD Essentials podcast, and author of Overcoming the Wall of Awful. Brendan has given a name to the invisible emotional barrier that builds up between us and the tasks we struggle with, and once you understand it, so much starts to make sense. Whether it’s you, or a child or teen you parent or teach, this conversation offers fresh language, a lot of reassurance and some simple ways to get moving. In this episode, they explore: What the Wall of Awful is, and why everyone has one How emotions like disappointment and rejection build the wall, with anxiety holding it together Why “just do it” doesn’t help, especially for young people Simple strategies to get moving, from music and movement to body doubling Why the wall never disappears, but we get stronger at getting past it Connect with Brendan Mahan: https://brendanmahan.com/ Connect with Dr Jodi Richardson: Website: https://drjodirichardson.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjodirichardson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.