E272: You're Not Lazy: Why You Don't Finish Simple Tasks

E272: You're Not Lazy: Why You Don't Finish Simple Tasks

Author: Patricia Sung | ADHD Coach for Moms with ADHD August 21, 2025 Duration: 12:36

You start the day with good intentions. "This afternoon, I'm going to drop off this return real quick." But then you can't find the box. Or the tape. And now your printer is out of ink. Suddenly, the whole day's gone, and the box is still sitting by the door. Sound familiar?

In this episode—recorded from my car in full chauffeur-mom mode—I'm breaking down why your ADHD brain struggles to finish simple tasks. Spoiler: it's not because you're lazy. It's because what looks like one small task is actually a full project with multiple steps... and no one told us that.

I'll walk you through the three phases of any project (even the "easy" ones): deciding, preparing, and doing. And more importantly, how recognizing those steps can save your time, your energy, and your self-esteem.

If you've ever beat yourself up over why that return never made it to the post office, this one's for you. You're not lazy. Your brain just needs a different approach.

Find links to everything mentioned in this episode & read the transcript here: https://www.patriciasung.com/podcast/episode-272-you-are-not-lazy-adhd-why-you-do-not-finish-simple-easy-tasks

Links mentioned in this episode:

Wanna hear the scoop on what's going on behind the scenes? Snag a free ADHD resource and sign up for my emails here.

You deserve a break.

Our annual ADHD Moms Weekend Retreat is soon, October 10-12, 2025 in Houston, Texas! You're officially invited :)

"Gift yourself the opportunity to meet like-minded people (literally), make instant friendships, and the space to finally be yourself."  –ADHD Mama T.H.

I'll take care of all the details - you simply show up and enjoy. 

Because you deserve to take care of yourself too. Grab your all-inclusive ticket here: patriciasung.com/retreat


Ever feel like you're running a marathon with no finish line in sight, while everyone else seems to be on a leisurely stroll? That mental clutter, the constant search for your keys, the guilt over forgotten appointments-it's not a personal failing. It's often the lived experience of motherhood when you're also navigating adult ADHD. Motherhood in ADHD is a space created specifically for that reality. Hosted by Patricia Sung, an ADHD coach who gets it because she lives it, this podcast digs into the intersection of a neurodivergent brain and the demands of raising a family. You'll find conversations that move beyond simple tips, offering brain-based science and practical strategies tailored for moms whose minds work differently. Episodes explore how to structure your days in a way that works with your ADHD, not against it, and rethink parenting approaches to reduce overwhelm for both you and your kids. It’s about education that leads to self-compassion, replacing shame with understanding. Tune in for honest talk about productivity that actually sticks, managing mental health, and building systems that acknowledge your unique wiring. This is more than just a podcast; it’s a companion for redefining what success looks like in your home and in your mind, helping you move from barely coping to truly thriving.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Motherhood in ADHD – Parenting with ADHD, Productivity Tips, Brain based Science, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Education to Help Moms with Adult ADHD
Podcast Episodes
E257: I Love You But I Don't Like You: Supporting ADHD Relationships [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:59
You chose this person for a reason. You love them. Aaaaand relationships are complicated. Sometimes you may not LIKE your partner as much as you love them. Adding ADHD in the mix is more than another layer of complexity…
E256: I'm Writing a Book for Moms with ADHD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
I'm writing a book for moms with ADHD. Whoo-hoo! First up, I want your input! What do you wish you had known years ago about having ADHD? What do you wish more people were talking about? Tell me what you want to read abo…
E253: ADHD Energy Management from ADDA's 2024 TADD Talks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:32
Every October, ADDA hosts TADD Talks, short podcasts shared by ADHD experts around the world. For this year's ADHD Awareness Month, I shared about "ADHD Energy Management: End the Cycle of Burnout Crash After Frenetic Pr…
E251: How to Buy the Perfect ADHD Planner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:05
How do you choose the perfect planner? The one that will solve all your ADHD woes… In this episode, we're discussing: All the brands of planners I have tried (the list is long), The two major mistakes people with ADHD ma…
E250: How to Cope When Life is Overwhelming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
My 2024 word of the year was "Rest". How did I do? Hmmm… While this episode is a celebration of 250 podcast episodes and over a million downloads (what!?!), I'm also sharing how I navigated the hard stuff this year. And…
E249: Host an Easy, ADHD-Friendly Party or Playdate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:13
But my baseboards haven't been dusted in 3 years! I can't let them see my doom piles! It's way too much work! If these kinds of reasons pop into your head whenever you think of hosting, this episode is for you! On today'…
E248: Mom's Bad Temper: Warning Signs You're About to Lose Your Cool [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:59
No one pushes your buttons like your kids or partner can! Angry moms unite! Jokes aside, when anger gets out of hand, nothing good happens. Not only do we hurt ourselves and the people around us, the shame and guilt add…