Episode Summary



You’re capable, competent — maybe even the go-to person at work. But behind the scenes? Emails pile up, tasks slip through the cracks, and it’s hard to keep up. In this episode, I’ll share why this disconnect happens with ADHD — and how you can start building real support systems that match your strengths.



What You’ll Learn About ADHD and Disorganization




* Why ADHD makes follow-through so inconsistent



* How “looking put together” can hide executive function struggles



* Simple, ADHD-friendly ways to get started and plan better




Transcript: ADHD and Disorganization



The Hidden Chaos Behind High-Functioning ADHD



[00:06]Ever feel like you’ve got it all together well on paper, but secretly your inbox is overflowing, your desk is a mess, and you’re behind on a dozen small but important things? You’re not alone.



You’ve tuned into Scattered, Focused, Done – 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, and I’m glad you decided to join me today on this journey to reimagining productivity with ADHD so you can get what is important to you done without trying to do it like everyone else.



Let’s get right to it. You’re competent. You’re respected. You might even be the go-to person at work, the one who always pulls it off in the end—but behind the scenes, your inbox is a disaster.



The High Performer with a Messy Backend



[01:05]Your texts are growing exponentially. You’ve got three half-written emails you forgot to send.



Your calendar is jammed, but somehow also full of double bookings and maybe even missed appointments. And maybe you just found a medical bill from February at the bottom of a pile of unopened mail.



You may even have looming projects you know you should have started already—if not yesterday.



I call this the high performer with a messy backend.



If this is you, let me say something clearly at the start: this is not a personal failure. It’s a pattern—and one that makes total sense once we look at what’s going on underneath.



Why These Invisible Tasks Are So Hard



[02:17]When we talk about the messy backend, we’re talking about the stuff that happens out of view: email management, paperwork tasks, follow-through, digital clutter, calendar chaos, unfinished admin, and even postponed decisions.



These are things that aren’t urgent—until they are. And here’s the thing: these kinds of tasks rely almost entirely on executive function skills, which—as you know when you have ADHD—are exactly the areas that are challenging for you.



Because your brain is, well, just wired differently.



The Executive Function Paradox



[03:22]Executive function is your brain’s management system.



Neurotypical folk can initiate tasks without needing a deadline to light a fire under them. They can plan and prioritize what matters regularly—at least most of the time.



They can organize their thoughts and environment with some degree of ease, even sustain attention, shift between tasks, and monitor progress. You get it.