Episode Summary: ADHD & Accountability Explained



Accountability can be a powerful support for adults with ADHD, but it only works if it’s set up in a way that matches your needs and your brain. Too often, people try accountability systems that leave them feeling pressured, shamed, or even more stuck.



In this episode, I’ll walk you through what ADHD accountability really is, the common pitfalls that make it backfire, and how to design an approach that actually helps you follow through.



You’ll hear strategies for building accountability that feel supportive, flexible, and effective, so you can use them as a tool rather than another source of stress.



What You’ll Learn About ADHD and Accountability




* Why traditional accountability can backfire for ADHD adults and what kind of accountability actually works



* The three types of ADHD accountability



* Strategies for using each type effectively



* How to create and use Accountability Partnerships that will work for you.



* Why curious accountability is so important for ADHD adults




Transcript: How ADHD Adults Can Use Accountability



(00:01):



Does hearing the word accountability give you the heebie-jeebies? What if the right kind of accountability could actually help you follow through?



You’ve tuned into Reimagining Productivity with ADHD, a podcast for ADHD adults like you who want to learn how to adopt the best strategies, tools, and skills to be able to get your essential work done in a way that works with the way your brain is wired. I’m Marla Cummins, an ADHD and productivity coach, and I’m glad you decided to join me today on this journey toward finding your way to doing what matters most to you. Without trying to do it like everyone else, let’s start by looking at the language we use around accountability.



When you’re accountable, you’re, of course, responsible for following through on your commitments and for your actions, and when you choose to use accountability as part of the scaffolding that can help you follow through, you’re creating tools and structures to support yourself, whether they involve other people or not.



What makes accountability challenging for ADHD adults?



(00:58):



Of course, you’re responsible for your own follow-through, but suppose your experience with accountability has primarily involved being called out for dropping the ball or disappointing others. In that case, it makes sense that you might be leery of leveraging it as a helpful strategy.



And if it’s the language that’s tripping you up, you can change that. For example, one of our former group members used the term “accountabilibuddies” instead of accountability partner, and I’ll talk more about that later on. You could make up a term if you want, that doesn’t even have “accountability” in it at all. Focus instead on the idea of support.



In this podcast, I’m going to use the word accountability, but again, use whatever you’d like that works best for you. There are three types of accountability: personal accountability, public accountability, and accountability to others, including accountability partnerships.



How can ADHD adults strengthen personal accountability?



(01:55):



I’m guessing that when you think about accountability, personal accountability, being accountable to yourself,