ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode, Tracy decided to bring on a real member of her ADHD for Smart Ass Women Facebook Group so she put out the word. A lot of members responded but Tracy decided to invite 24-year-old Josie Bowman who was diagnosed in May. Prior to her diagnosis, Josie was struggling but she didn’t understand how much she was struggling with everyday life. She thought everyone struggled like she did. If anything, she believed that her struggles were a result of her character flaws. It was her fault. But then her boyfriend came into the picture, told her what he observed and her life changed overnight.

Josie shares information about her childhood, her ADHD symptoms in childhood, her ADHD symptoms in young adulthood, her college experience, her experience with medication, how she manages her ADHD, her future plans and goals. Learn what advice Josie would give to a young woman who really struggles and thinks she might have ADHD.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

ADHD and Drifting Off Topic This week’s podcast is all about drifting off topic; why we do it and how to do less of it. Discover what causes our brains to drift-off topic. Learn what linear vs. non-linear thinking is. What do linear thinkers look for in making decisions? What are linear thinkers usually good at? What imagination and creativity have to do with it? Which method of thinking focuses on the connections and relationships between things more than on specific bits of information.

Tracy talks about how and why she believes ADHD has been misnamed. Discover why drifting off is not the problem and why a family trip to Cancun is the perfect example of why telling stories is always the best way to make information stick. Learn how to keep yourself from drifting off-topic by using: Meta-cognition The pause Being intentional Putting a stake down Being open and honest Soliciting help from your listeners.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks to environmental scientist and fellow ADHDer, Crystal Edmonds about positive emotion, the ADHD brain and essential oils. Discover what Tracy turns to when she wakes up and feels unfocused, unmotivated, and in negative emotion and what boosts her mood every single time. How about exercise and nature.

Learn how Tracy made the connection between scent and how scents not only influence her sense of well-being and happiness but also affect her focus. Crystal shares with Tracy how essential oils stimulate the limbic system — a part of the brain involved in memory, behavior, motivation, and emotion and how this also helps with: ADHD symptoms Emotional dysregulation Rumination Rejection sensitive dysphoria Discover why essential oils are a great place to start for relief from ADHD symptoms if medication doesn’t work for you. Learn: how quickly essential oils take to work in your body, which essential oils work well for ADHD, why essential oils require trial and error just like medication, what the difference is between high frequency and lower frequency vibration and how it affects our well-being.
______________

Resources:

• The Essential Life: 6th Edition
• New Emotions & Essential Oils Wheel, 7th Edition
• Crystal's DoTerra Shop
• Essential Oils
• The Essential Oils That Soothe My Daughter’s Symptoms of ADHD and Anxiety
• How to Treat ADHD with Essential Oils — 10 Ideas

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode, Tracy talks about the connection between dental health and ADHD. Believe it or not, it’s one more thing we need to add to our ADHD workarounds list! Discover why staying away from sweets, brushing religiously, and having no cavities, can still land you in the endodontist’s chair when you have ADHD. Learn what bruxism is and why 78% of those with ADHD are reported to have it. Recognize why you should wear a nightguard and how to reframe your thoughts around doing so if you hate yours and like Tracy are constantly fighting it. Explore why crowns, root canals, TMD, bruxism, grinding, and clenching are all connected to ADHD.

Discover what happened when Tracy posted the following post to her ADHD Facebook Group, ADHD for Smart Ass Women: “Podcast question for those that are 45 or older only. Have you had a crown or root canal?” You will be surprised by the response. Learn about ADHD and comorbidity and how this often affects the success of ADHD medication. Explore the difference between TMJ and TMD. Which one is responsible for the clicking or popping sound, difficulty in moving your jaw, headaches, migraines, neck aches, and even back aches, and how they’re related to ADHD? Discover who has more TMD symptoms; women or men?

What information do dentists have about ADHD and TMD?, what are common dental-related side effects caused by ADHD medication?, what are common dental-related side effects among children who have ADHD?, what brands of stimulant ADHD medication have been associated with TMD and side effects such as bruxism?, what brand of stimulant medication is less likely to report TMD symptoms Learn what you can do now to lessen the potential of developing TMD and bruxism as well as teeth that need crowns, root canals, or implants. Discover what supplement helps many women with TMD.
______________

Resources:

• www.health.harvard.edu
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode, Tracy talks about how to respond when a friend, family member, teacher, coworker or boss tells you that there is no such thing as ADHD? Tracy starts out by sharing her thoughts with anyone who is listening to this episode and doesn’t believe in ADHD and tells them why their viewpoint is hurting their relationship with their ADHD friend, family member or colleague. Learn how to tell if a relationship is about connection or power. Discover the most helpful thing you can do for someone who has ADHD. Remember to have a little grace and don’t forget what you used to think you knew about ADHD before you really knew anything about ADHD.

Learn how to respond to comments like: There’s no such thing as ADHD People with ADHD are stupid, unmotivated and lazy. It’s a character flaw of their own making. I read an article that there is no ADHD in France ADHD is strictly an American phenomenon Big Pharma made up ADHD so it could sell more drugs ADHD is new, it’s a product of modern society. Look at how many more kids are now diagnosed with it. Everyone has some ADHD Everyone has ADHD today We are medicating our kids and turning them into addicts And finally, Tracy shares how she responds when she’s dealing with a real know-it-all who clearly knows nothing about ADHD. She also ends with a discussion on how to figure out who should and shouldn’t be in your life.
______________

Resources: I especially dislike sharing this first link but here goes:

• www.psychologytoday.com
• www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• adhdrollercoaster.org
• alcohol.org
• ourworldindata.org
• www.nytimes.co

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

This week's topic is all about Repetitive Body Focused Behaviors (RBFBs). RBFBs are related to self-grooming, anxiety management and/or sensory stimulation. The most common BFRBs are trichotillomania (hair pulling, eyelashes), dermatillomania (skin picking), onychophagia (nail biting), dermatophagia (skin biting), teeth grinding (bruxism), tongue biting (morsicatio linguarum). They are complex conditions that cause people to repeatedly touch their hair and body in ways that result in physical damage.

Learn why: It’s so hard to stop these behaviors. These behaviors normally begin when ADHD predisposes us to RBFBs Perfectionism may play a role in RBFBs ADHD medication may make RBFBs worse RBFBs may elevate our dopamine levels. Learn what: Condition RBFBB is normally associated with Percent of the members of our FB group having RBFB. It’s very surprising what Members say about their own RBFBs. What can you do to stop or at a minimum lessen these RBFBs? Amino acid supplements may help Workarounds have made a difference to our members.
______________

Resources:

• Overview of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: Types, Treatments & ADHD Links
• Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors Anxiety and ADHD
• Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode, Tracy speaks with Cognitive Behavioral Coach Diann Wingert. Diann worked for 20 years as a psychotherapist and was also an adjunct faculty member at the USC School of Social Work, where she trained graduate students to become therapists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. She transitioned from psychotherapist to coach because she found coaching more successful at creating real, positive change in her clients. Diann observed too many brilliant and capable women struggling with distractibility, procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt, which held them back from fully expressing their gifts in the world.

Many of these women had been diagnosed with anxiety or depression and had no idea that their underlying issue was actually ADHD, including Diann herself. She is now on a mission to help other gifted, creative, and entrepreneurial women of all ages achieve their true potential through radical self-acceptance, leveraging their strengths, and creating an ADHD-friendly business and life.

Diann goes on to share:

• Her definitions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and how CBT differs from Cognitive Behavioral Coaching (CBC).
• The role of therapy vs. coaching.
• How you can change your self-concept with CBC.
• How our thoughts, feelings, and actions determine our results.
• Who is a candidate for CBT/CBC, and who is not.
• Whether therapy and CBT/CBC can be conducted at the same time.
• Why asking better questions is so important to our sense of self-esteem.

Get a FREE copy of Diann’s Driven Woman Roadmap called the Fast Track Guide to Success, or schedule a FREE 30-minute consultation. You can also learn more about Diann’s 12-week individual coaching program for ADHD creatives and entrepreneurs.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy talks about the basics of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); what it is, who it is for, how it works with ADHD. Learn how: CBT incorporates cognition(what we’re thinking), behaviors (what we do) and emotions. CBT does not treat ADHD, but works to lessen how it impairs your life through symptoms like procrastination, time management, disorganization CBT educates ADHDers about their brain and why it is the way it is CBT, helps to build workarounds manage negative expectations and emotions discover negative behaviors that interfere with your ability to live to your potential. CBT can look different for each patient because it’s set up to their individual needs. Learn where CBT came from and how what you’re saying to yourself can really affect your life: what jobs you’ll apply for, what relationships you’ll enter into, what risks you’re willing to take. Discover how the experience of growing up with ADHD, especially undiagnosed ADHD, can impact how you think, what you think about yourself, how you cope, your attitudes and your beliefs. Learn how the lens that you see the world through definitely affects who we become.

Discover how what you’re thinking can impact your life. And that: Your thoughts create your feelings/emotions Your feelings create your actions Your actions create your results. Everything starts with your thoughts. How our thoughts are responsible for our emotions. Tracy states: “Don’t believe everything you think.” It doesn’t matter if you had that negative thought a million times. It’s not going to affect you now unless you think about it again. You don’t have to undo those thoughts, you just have to break the pattern of the thought. Tracy shares that CBT looks for where your thoughts are distorted and it has you question them. In CBT, you’re also learning how to use specific strategies for managing your ADHD like getting to work on time, starting a project you don’t want to do, sticking to your planner, building better relationships. Discover what you should do when you can’t start a project or task. Al

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

For our 31st episode, Tracy invited Katelyn Mabry to join her. Katelyn is the author of the children’s book Hi, It’s Me! I Have ADHD, which is based on her personal experience with ADHD. In her book, she shares the feelings, emotions, and experiences of a child dealing with the challenges of ADHD, offering insights, tips, empowerment, and the message that ADHD does not define them. Katelyn holds a master’s degree in reading and is a certified early childhood/special education teacher. She also has four children and is now a private coach for kids who learn differently. Katelyn’s goal is to instill a love of reading, learning, and growth in her students.

Tracy talks about her 17-year-old son, who is very bright but came to her in December saying he couldn’t read. She saw him reading all the time, so this didn’t make sense to her. That’s when she remembered Katelyn Mabry, a reading specialist in her ADHD for Smart A* Women* Facebook group. Tracy reached out to Katelyn, who explained that her son Markus can read, but he struggles to focus and retain information when he isn’t interested in the subject matter. Tracy hired Katelyn to work with Markus, and she has been thrilled with the increased confidence her son now has when reading topics that don’t interest him. Tracy asked Katelyn to share some of the strategies she’s used to help Markus improve his reading retention.

Katelyn talks about metacognition and how she uses it to help kids retain what they’re reading. She explains the three types of inner voices in metacognition: reciting, conversational, and interactive, and reveals which one helps retention the most by connecting the reader to the characters. Katelyn also discusses the "distracted voice" and how she helps students recognize when it appears. Learn why visualization is key to reading retention, and hear a fantastic analogy that compares reading to driving a car. Katelyn also introduces the concept of activating background knowledge to aid in reading retention and explains the importance of giving reading a purpose, helping the reader int

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

This week’s podcast is all about the Apple Watch and how I use it to manage my ADHD brain. I didn’t want an Apple Watch. I don’t want to wear anything that everyone else is wearing. That said, once I did, I realized just how valuable it could be to manage my ADHD brain. I feel more in control, less worried about things falling through the cracks, and more organized than I’ve ever felt.
My whole goal has been to build structures around myself to shore up my weaknesses so I can focus on my strengths. I have basically uploaded my working memory to the Apple Watch.

When I first got the watch, I was totally overwhelmed. I looked everywhere for videos and blog posts, about how to use the Apple Watch to shore up the ADHD brain. I couldn’t find anything, so I’ve wanted to do this podcast for a while. That said, this is not an in-depth instruction manual on what the Apple Watch can do. This is just me talking to you about the best, simplest ways I have found to set up and use my Apple watch to build that structure around me that best supports my ADHD brain. This podcast offers practical tips for using the Apple Watch to support individuals with ADHD.
______________

Resources:

• Here are the three additional Apple Watch apps that I mentioned in my podcast. I’m impressed with them thus far, but haven’t used them long enough to include on my list. I’ll report back later.
• Pocket Casts: Podcast Player
• Audible: Audio Entertainment
• Things 3

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

For our 29th episode, I have invited my friend Perry Janssen to our podcast. Perry lives in Seattle where she has been a psychotherapist for the past 30 years. Perry has taught at the university level, she’s had her own column, she’s been a radio host where she’s interviewed and learned from the likes of Dr. Christiane Northrup and Dr. Dan Siegel. She’s also been an educator, consultant and coach for Microsoft, Amazon, Nordstrom, Boeing; the list goes on and on. I had a list of questions prepared but since our most popular episodes have been about emotion and feelings, I decided to just go with it. I call Perry the feelings expert. You can tell how passionate she is on the subject.

Perry talks about: The importance of learning about the difference between realization and integration and why you need both for happiness. What happens when you ignore your feelings, why feelings aren’t good or bad but more like breadcrumbs or little gold nuggets, how we can actually learn from our feelings, why there is absolutely nothing wrong with you, why Perry’s clients call her the Tennessee Hound Dog, what true mindfulness really is, why many women don’t even know how to feel their feelings?, how minimizing certain feelings can lead to minimizing all feelings. The fact that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You just have never been taught the skills to deal with emotion.
______________

Resources:

• Email: tuneinwithperryjanssen@gmail.com
• Podcast: Oxygen for Women with Perry Janssen

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Today Tracy talks to our youngest group member, Sophia Criscione. Tracy was so impressed with a post that Sophia created in our Facebook Group, ADHD for Smart A** Women about how to navigate the college admissions process when you have ADHD, that she just had to have Sophia on her podcast. Sophia is 18 and has just completed her senior year in high school. Having just gone through the whole process of applying to colleges, she wanted to help other bright ADHD kids who are stressed about the whole college application process.

Sophia was diagnosed at the end of her freshman year and shares with us how her diagnosis came about. She is a definite smart ass. So smart, that among her many very high AP scores is a 5 in a history class that she taught herself. No matter how frustrating some of her symptoms might be, Sophia will tell you why she views her ADHD as a biochemical gift. Find out: why Sophia wishes she would have started taking the SAT early in her junior year the benefits of doing every single in-person interview that you can the pros and cons of disclosing your ADHD in your application how Sophia mentioned her ADHD traits without specifically disclosing her ADHD why and how you should use the additional information section on the common application what kinds of teacher recommendations were most helpful to Sophia’s admissions chances how Sophia managed the application deadlines why you should apply to as many colleges as possible who should consider test optional schools Sophia then shares advice on parenting teenagers with ADHD and her number one ADHD workaround.
______________

Resources:

• addca.com
• Your ADHD Brain is A-OK!

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women, Tracy chats with Danielle Ford from Las Vegas. Danielle dropped out of high school as a junior at 17, on the advice of her high school counselor. She was actually a good student who had to work to support her family. She then spent a decade in various entrepreneurial ventures working 10 times harder than everyone else and in her words “never getting the basic stuff right.” She self-diagnosed herself with ADHD in her early twenties but chose not to seek a formal diagnosis because she believed the stigma. Instead, she read every self-help book, tried every system, worked with coaches but never thought that the strategies may have been faulty and not her.

After a close call, Danielle decided to get treatment, was prescribed medication and other therapies and suddenly she could easily organize her thoughts, emotions, tasks...everything. That’s when Danielle went into full ADHD superpower mode and submitted her name for school board trustee for the 5th largest school district in the United States. She beat out a field of 9 candidates, including some seasoned politicians and won the election. Danielle was sworn in this past Jan and now she controls a nearly 3 billion dollar yearly budget and makes policy decisions for a school district that serves 48 schools. In this role she is responsible for over 322,000 students. Danielle is 33, a single-mom of two kids and she’s a digital marketing strategist who helps other entrepreneurs grow their online businesses. Her story is fascinating. How she manages her ADHD is instructive. You will also likely relate to how Danielle navigates life when her Ferrari brain works faster than her bicycle brakes (if you have ADHD you’ll know what we mean). It’s no surprise that Danielle is often compared to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Listen to Podcast Episode #27.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode, Tracy gives you her list of favorite strength-focused ADHD resources/books. If you listened to her first podcast recorded back in October you‘ll notice that her understanding and opinions around ADHD have changed a lot. She is now solidly grounded in a more strength-focused view of ADHD and sees it as a brain difference rather than a brain disorder.

Tracy goes through the books she wishes she knew about when her son was first diagnosed five years ago. If you want to reframe your own ADHD, if you currently see it as a disorder and want to view it as a strength, this is exactly where you need to start. Tracy wouldn’t give up her own ADHD for anything. She believes that her ADHD traits are responsible for every success she’s ever had. She just had to learn how to manage it. These resources have really helped in that regard.
______________

Resources:

• Facebook Group: ADHD for Smart Ass Women
• Instagram: @tracyotsuka
• Website: adhdforsmartwomen.com

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Today, Tracy talks about ADHD and Addiction. She doesn’t like to talk about things that she hasn’t experienced personally but so many members in her Facebook Group, ADHD for Smart A** Women did struggle with addiction so she decided that the subject warranted a podcast episode. Have you ever wondered why those of us with ADHD have up to a 10 times higher likelihood of substance abuse and addiction? Do you know what Reward Deficiency Syndrome is? Have you ever felt less satisfaction than you expected to feel once you reach a goal? Do you often feel like you’ve not accomplished enough? Discover how our dopamine circuitry can create addictions and what’s behind the overlap that we often see between creativity, talent, depression, addiction and ADHD.

Learn why young adults use substances to self-medicate and at what age they typically start. Discover the biggest myth about stimulant medication and addiction. Exercise is the ADHD brain’s best friend. Learn why it also helps us refrain from self-medicating. Tracy then shares information that she just learned about AA, recovery centers, medical detox programs, and sober living environments from a book called The Sober Truth by Harvard professor Lance Dodes who’s been treating people with addiction for 30 + years. It is really eye-opening. Tracy also shares information that she just learned from psychotherapist Perry Janssen about trauma and addiction. Learn about the concept called spontaneous remission and what kinds of approaches to treating addiction work best for those of us with ADHD.
______________

Resources:

• motivationandchange.com
• Shining a New Light on ADHD w/Dr. Ned Hallowell
• How Neuroscience Predicts The Spontaneous Remission Of Addiction

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this podcast, Tracy decided to do something different. When she was initially diagnosed she read everything to glean what other women like her were experiencing. Putting that puzzle together for herself was her number one mission. It’s also why she started the Facebook Group, ADHD for Smart A** Women. So today she’s sharing with you how members answered the question: What Does Your ADHD Feel Like?

Multiple individuals shared their experiences with ADHD and how it affects their daily lives. They struggle with tasks considered "expected," feeling like outsiders even when accepted. Some describe their minds as chaotic or constantly active. They often challenge rules and societal norms, feeling both pride and shame in their unique strengths and struggles. Despite the challenges, many express a sense of self-acceptance and appreciation for their unique perspective.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode, Tracy talks about rumination, what it is and why those of us with ADHD are more partial to it. Discover how hyperfocusing is related to rumination. Tracy talks about hyperactivity, not only in our bodies but also in our minds. She also shares how rumination is related to past problems rather than current or future problems. Learn how rumination: Is related to transitions Often increases your levels of cortisol Cuts you off from friends and family Is linked to overeating, alcoholism, depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure etc etc. Can actually make you become more negative Can make you more self-centered Might be something you do and don’t even know that you’re doing it.

Learn how you can stop ruminating and teach yourself how to notice your thoughts. Know the difference between past and future thoughts. Tracy then shares the antidote to rumination, why she believes that there is no such thing as failure, how important it is to listen to your intuition instead of statistics, numbers and figures, the importance of BMW time that whatever you focus on just gets bigger, how to make distractibility your friend, how to manage your emotions by taking action around your passions, how to create internal motivation and increase your own dopamine, and the importance of focusing on others when you’re trying to control rumination.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Today, Tracy talks to procrastination coach Dr. Christine Li. Dr. Li is a licensed clinical psychologist with practices in NYC and Westchester NY who has conducted procrastination workshops and training at Columbia, NY-Presbyterian Medical School, Fordham University, Barnard College etc. She is the first guest we have interviewed on our podcast. Tracy met Dr. Li at a conference and just knew she had to have her on as a guest. Dr. Li shares how she founded this specialty in procrastination. She explains the reasons why we procrastinate generally but also talks with Tracy about why those of us with ADHD tend to procrastinate more than those without ADHD. Discover what procrastination is often protecting us from. Learn how to get out of that debilitating feeling of overwhelm. Dr. Li talks about how to stop the guilt after procrastination has taken over.

Learn what emotions are most closely associated with the act of procrastination and how identifying them can help you move forward. Dr. Li teaches us why we often start procrastinating when we’re 60-80% done with a task. Learn Dr. Li’s Solution for Procrastination Recovery to increase your productivity. She calls it SMACK. Discover the number one thing that Tracy procrastinates on and Dr. Li’s solution. Learn where we learned directly and indirectly to associate stress with productivity. Dr. Li shares how important positive emotion is to procrastination recovery and gives us tips to feeling better. I love her quote: “We do well when we feel well.” Discover what you can do that will always calm your fears. Hint: Nike agrees with Dr. Li. You may find more information about Dr. Christine Li at . You may also get her 12 FREE resources on becoming procrastination free by texting FREELIBRARY (must be in all caps) to 44222. These resources are really amazing and include: The Jumpstart, The Emergent Task Planner, Good Morning Guide, Weekly Routine Planner, Brain Dump Template, Time Saver Secrets, The Road Map, The Mantra Maker, Check Your Lists, The Trello App, The 90-Day Planner, and The Habit Tracker.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode Tracy talks about ADHD and weight. When people think of the stereotypical ADHD person they often think of an energetic, constantly moving, constantly talking, climbing the walls kind of boy. They’re hyperactive so that doesn’t square with someone who struggles with their weight. Studies however, show that ADHD symptoms may trigger serious weight problems especially for those with the inattentive type of ADHD. Research shows that those that struggle with obesity are 5-10 times more likely to have ADHD. Learn what significant implications this has for girls and eating disorders and why early studies on adolescents and ADHD didn’t pick this up.

Tracy cites two studies on girls with ADHD. Discover why girls have a much higher likelihood of developing eating disorders and what type of ADHD is most predictive of an eating disorder in girls. Learn why our brain chemistry is attracted to sugar and carbohydrates. Discover what Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) is and how it affects our motivation and our sense of satisfaction when we work towards a goal. Learn also how this affects the satisfaction that we get from food. Tracy talks about the link between RDS and addiction and how addictive behaviors around food and other substances begin. Tracy also goes into why food is different from other substances like alcohol, cigarettes and drugs and how many decisions an individual must make every day when trying to maintain their weight as compared to the number of decisions that are made when one decides to stop drinking, smoking or using drugs.

Learn how self-regulation plays into all of this and why those of us with ADHD are predisposed towards addiction but addiction is in no way a given. In fact, most people with ADHD do not struggle with addiction at all. Tracy then explains the link between disordered eating, ADHD and executive function deficits. She covers: Struggles with planning Forgetting to eat Impulsiveness in food choices, how bad sleep habits lead to poor eating habits, Poor interoceptive awareness Procrastinating. She shares ideas around gettin

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this episode, Tracy shares a quick method for discovering your character strengths. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on interests and internal motivation for those with an ADHD brain. Tracy introduces the VIA Character Strengths Test, explaining how it helps determine if you're on the right path in your career and life. This test identifies personality traits that reflect your essence, shows what drives and energizes you, and keeps you aligned with your integrity. It focuses on 24 character strengths and distinguishes between values and character strengths, highlighting the benefits of positive emotions and their relationship with strengths.

Tracy also introduces Dr. Martin Seligman and explains the origins of the VIA Character Strengths Test. Initially, she thought it was just another personality test, but she was reintroduced to it years later. Seligman and his team created the test by examining various sources, including world religions, virtue catalogues by figures like Plato, Aristotle, Confucius, William Bennett, Benjamin Franklin, and the work of psychologists such as Thorndike, Erickson, Cawley, and Gardner.

Learn about the six virtues and 24 character strengths that represent the best of humanity and how the VIA Character Strengths Test can help you understand yourself better, determine your next steps, or assess why your current approach might not be working. Tracy also explains Signature Strengths, their importance for well-being and energy, and shares examples of her own Signature Strengths and why tasks become challenging when they are not utilized. Finally, she discusses common Phasic Strengths for the ADHD brain, their roles, and how to use them effectively during challenges or crises.
______________

Resources:

• The VIA Character Strengths Survey FREE VIA Character Strengths test.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this podcast, Tracy discusses ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). Initially, Tracy wasn't interested in RSD because she didn't struggle with it herself. However, once she realized it was the most requested topic among the women in her group, she began researching it. Discover why emotion is not mentioned in the DSM, even though all experts agree it is an integral part of ADHD. Many with ADHD complain about issues such as a short temper, impulsivity, low frustration tolerance, being overwhelmed by emotions, or the pain and energy of others. Some may appear insensitive or excitable, and others with ADHD may be unaware of others' feelings.

Tracy clarifies that since emotion isn’t mentioned in the DSM, RSD is also not recognized. Learn about the three types of mood challenges in ADHD, including which one is exclusively associated with ADHD.

Tracy explains why many women with ADHD struggle to develop a positive self-concept and identifies one crucial factor for success among ADHD women. She outlines the symptoms of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and how it got its name, and how it manifests differently depending on whether the emotional response is internalized or externalized. Tracy also shares how members of her group describe the feeling of RSD and its prevalence among the ADHD women in her group. RSD is often misdiagnosed as social phobia, bipolar disorder, or depression, but Tracy explains how it differs. She discusses how RSD can impact people’s lives and relationships, as well as a potentially positive aspect of RSD.

Finally, learn about potential ways to lessen RSD symptoms through medication and psychotherapy. Tracy reflects on her own experience with the drive to succeed and achieve, and wonders if she might have RSD.
______________

Resources:

• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: Symptom Test for ADHD Brains

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this podcast, Tracy talks about the 10 things she wishes every teacher knew about their ADHD students. She decided to do a podcast on this subject because she noticed that many women in her Facebook group really struggled in school and are still struggling in school despite the fact that they are clearly bright.

Tracy believes that if you can understand how your brain works, then you can start to identify your strengths and build hacks using those strengths. She believes that most ADHD students spend too much time focusing on their weaknesses. Tracy talks about the one thing that is most indicative of success for people with ADHD and what successful people with ADHD say is much harder to deal with than the actual ADHD traits or symptoms.

Learn what kind of educators make the best teachers for students with ADHD. Are ADHD students smart? Discover what strengths are associated with ADHD. Do you know about the seven intellectual domains and which ones school teaches to? Hint: there are only two.

Learn what the ADHD brain is wired for and why it's so important that students care about what they're studying. Tracy talks about why she thinks ADHD is misnamed and why memorizing things that the ADHD student doesn't care about is so difficult for him/her. Learn how we actually learn best. Discover why these students need to buy in to a strategy or plan in order to be successful with it.

Hear what Tracy thinks is the most useless comment that a teacher can make on a progress report about an ADHD student and why positive emotion is so important to all students, but especially those with ADHD. Learn what happens to students who rebel against school and the education system.

Discover the three ways that ADHD students can learn and why structure and consistency are so important for them. Tracy talks about positive illusory bias and how it affects ADHD students and why self-control is so much harder for these students.

Discover the number one strength of most ADHD students and what the one common denominator tends to be for ADHD studen

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this podcast, Tracy talks about the ten things that she wishes she would have been told when she was initially diagnosed with ADHD. When she was first diagnosed, Tracy went into hyperfocus mode and researched everything she could about ADHD, especially ADHD as it related to women. She had spent the previous eight months researching everything she could find about ADHD and kids.

This podcast is about what she has learned and how her viewpoint on ADHD has changed. Discover why she came to like certain ADHD experts over others and what she learned from [expert name] and [expert name] versus [expert name]. Tracy mentions some of her ADHD symptoms but also some of the strengths that she's certain are attributable to her ADHD and why she wouldn't trade her ADHD for anything.

Learn why creating solutions for what the ADHD brain struggles with can be so difficult. ADHD is not a disorder, but a difference. Tracy thinks ADHD is actually not a deficit of attention at all. ADHD is not a behavioral disorder, moral failing, or character flaw.

Learn what you should focus on every day, what our brains are wired for (and it's not importance!), and why we need to learn how to engage our hyperfocus. Learn how impulsivity and creativity are linked. Tracy teaches you the difference between positive and negative emotions and why you should know the difference. She then gives you a simple test to show you how to increase your own motivation whenever you're feeling stuck and build a successful day, week, month, or year.

Learn what our brains are meant to do. You'll be surprised to discover that they're not designed to remember. Despite this, we sabotage ourselves daily when we don't remember. Find out what ADHD women typically resist but need more than anything and how, if we implement it, it reduces anxiety and makes us feel happier, smarter, more organized, focused, and creative.

Discover how Tracy overcame procrastination in a few simple steps and her favorite hack for getting things done. Tracy then talks about her number one superpower, interpersonal intuition, a

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Tracy talks about ADHD and intuition in this podcast. She starts by sharing an experience that happened to her in college that made her start to really trust her intuition. She shares how and why her intuition has gotten her into trouble and what she does differently today. Learn what [person] said that convinced Tracy that her symptoms were the result of ADHD.

Discover what intuition looks and feels like and why we often don't pay attention to what people are saying because our brains focus on the connections and relationships between things more than on specific bits of information. Have you ever felt like you know people better than they know themself?

Learn:

• What therapists and women with ADHD have in common
• The definition of intuition and that intuition may come from subconscious experiences that you may not be holding consciously
• That there's nothing psychic or woo-woo about intuition
• What it means to be a scanner

Tracy talks about intuition as a non-conscious level of thinking that is related to attention. It is always also based on knowledge or expertise that you have. Learn about the danger of not listening to our intuition and how important it is that we pay attention to that little voice inside of ourselves.

Tracy mentions an ADHD woman who shared her story and said that her anxiety gets worse when she doesn't trust her intuition. Not trusting her intuition may be responsible for her anxiety. She also shared that she sometimes confuses anxiety with her intuition and how she's learned to distinguish the two.

Learn the definition of interpersonal intuition. Do you have high emotional intelligence? If so, you won't want to miss this. Blocking extraneous stimuli is great if you're sitting in a classroom trying to memorize facts but if you're trying to figure out what makes someone tick and/or who they are, it may be better to take in extraneous stimuli.

Discover how interpersonal intuition and connection are interrelated despite the fact that interpersonal intuition can wreak havoc with connect

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

In this podcast I answer Amanda's question who is one of our members. Amanda asked what she should do if she's bored in her career and knows she needs a new or different challenge.

Tracy first shares why major life decisions are so hard for everyone to make but especially hard for those with ADHD. Learn what should be the driving force in any major life decision and why big life decisions and seemingly easy decisions can both be hard decisions to make. Find out what makes a decision easy to make.

Tracy then gives advice on what to do when you're trying to decide between two equal jobs. Learn why values and purpose are so important to any hard decision you need to make and why we often get it wrong. Hint: it's all related to how we've been taught to make decisions and logic, analysis and research is not always the best way.

Discover who's the best expert to go to when making a big life decision and what you should pay especial attention to. Tracy talks about how there is no such thing as a mistake or a bad decision unless you keep doing the same thing over and over again and hate the results.

We learn to pay attention to our brains as a guide for what we should do but Tracy teaches us that there's something even more important to focus on when we're making major life decisions. Discover why not making a decision and letting others make them for you is the worst decision you can possibly make.

Learn what the two big questions are that you should always ask when making a decision. Tracy then shares a strategy for testing if you're moving in the right direction and making the right decision. This strategy can also increase your motivation and help you move forward even quicker.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Tracy talks about what a body double is and how it can help us get our work done. We're taught from childhood that if we need to get serious work done we must lock ourselves in a quiet room. Find out why this is likely not true for those of us with ADHD. Learn a counter-intuitive and effective method for those of us with ADHD to get our work done.

Tracy shares ADHD coach's term "body double" which is a way that her clients successfully complete repetitive, boring tasks. You'll learn why those with ADHD may feel more focused by the presence of another person. You'll learn about the mirror neuron theory. You'll learn how balancing positive and negative energy may actually help us get things done. Learn why adding structure stimulates the brain and brings clarity and focus.

Tracy outlines what a body double should do and not do and who is and isn't a great candidate for your body double. You'll also learn when it makes sense to consider a body double and when it doesn't.

Tracy also shares strategies that work for her teenage son in getting his homework done as well as how she uses the body double concept to complete big, unpleasant projects around the house. Tracy then shares how members in her [group] use a body double, why it works for them and the various body double options. Tracy introduces her virtual body double Study Hall that is part of her free Facebook Group.

Learn how a body double can:

• Help us activate and start a task
• Generate momentum and keep us going
• Provide social interaction which can serve to motivate us
• Provide accountability
• Provide a clear intention that helps to focus the ADHD brain
• Stop us from wandering off inside of our heads

Finally, Tracy will share a hack for cleaning your house so you don't feel so alone and bored.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Tracy reads non-fiction exclusively and hasn’t been an avid fiction reader since she was 12. She’s often wondered if those with ADHD read more non-fiction than fiction so she asked her of smart ADHD women.

Here’s what Tracy covers: Do those with ADHD really have a preference for non-fiction, what are the reasons that might be so?, if you struggle with reading non-fiction books you might be interested in this hack to actually finish them. This feeling that many of us have that there’s never enough time to learn about everything we’re interested in.

The character strengths that so many of us share which is apparent in our love of non-fiction books., how non-fiction books help us to make connections and generate new ideas, how audiobooks can help us when we lack focus, what to do when you’re afraid you’ll hyperfocus on a book and can’t stop reading until you’ve finished reading the book, do you read non-fiction for knowledge or recreation?, what about the women who only read fiction?, how do they feel about reading non-fiction?, what’s Katy’s hack for reading non-fiction, learning and remembering what you learn?

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

While running her, which is for smart, positive, ADHD women, Tracy noticed that there were some brilliant women who just seemed stuck. They weren't acknowledging or working in their area of brilliance and were just focused on what's not working. They had lost sight of what was working and Tracy realized they had just given up. She believed that this was in part because of their ADHD. So she did some research and discovered learned helplessness.

Tracy explains what learned helplessness is and introduces you to who coined the term and is a psychologist and the godfather of the positive psychology movement. Learn what happened when Seligman conditioned dogs to expect a negative situation even before it happened and how this can apply to people as well. Discover the most harmful attributions that you can apply in a situation when something bad happens and why these attributions cause learned helplessness.

Find out what kinds of health problems can result from learned helplessness and how it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Tracy then talks about how learned helplessness can be applied to ADHD women, especially those who aren't diagnosed or were diagnosed later in life. She cites a study on learned helplessness done on ADHD women by.

Tracy gives an example of a recent situation where she used an internal attribution and just assumed that the problem was with her ADHD brain rather than the fact that an article was just poorly written. Learn what workarounds you can employ for learned helplessness.

Tracy shares research on motivation. She authored the best-selling book. Find out the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset and which one of these two mindsets successful people in all fields possess and which mindset causes those with ADHD to give up. Learn how ADHD can help us build the right mindset and work ethic and why what we say to ourselves matters.

You'll also want to know why praising your kids' intelligence doesn't make sense and what you need to do today to get back control over your life.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Tracy talks about giftedness and ADHD in this podcast. Learn what the term 2E or Twice Exceptional refers to and that just because you're gifted in one or more areas (for example mathematically or artistically) doesn't mean that you might not also be challenged in other areas (you may learn differently or have an emotional or social delay). Did you know that you can be gifted and have ADHD? Do you know that there is no one definition of giftedness? In fact, all states have a different definition.

Tracy shares three layer cake definitions of giftedness:

• You'll learn about asynchronous development
• You'll learn about perfectionism and how harmful it can be
• You'll learn about the five areas where children can exhibit intense behaviors known as overexcitabilities or supersensitivities

Tracy outlines the overexcitabilities and shares that she never thought her son was gifted but is now wondering because he exhibits many traits in all five of these areas. Tracy also assumed that you can't be gifted if you struggle in school. Then she discovered AEGUS.

Find out what else gifted people need to succeed and how giftedness and ADHD can look identical. Tracy talks about her concern that perhaps we're medicating bright children so that they can fit into the school environment when really these kids may just be unchallenged. She worries that it's the smart capable kids that fall through the cracks in our educational system because when they don't perform, teachers and parents automatically think it's because they're lazy.

Have you ever wondered what it even means to be smart? Learn about Could it be that ADHD is connected to specific intelligences? Tracy then talks about what questions experts ask if they are working with a bright child who isn't applying themself and what she's planning to bring into her son's school to aid in his learning.
______________

Resources:

• Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities in Gifted C

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

We all know that exercise is good for us – but can exercise be used as medicine? You’ll love to hear about Tracy’s fitness routine and how she incorporates it into her day. What we often don’t think of is how exercise helps with focus, anxiety, mood, etc. It’s not just for looking great! Today, we are going to learn how exercise can help us feel better and start the day off right. Why does exercise make us feel better? Hear how Tracy speaks to the connection between exercise and psychological help from a medical standpoint.

Tracy shares the issues with our culture – sitting for long periods of time, eating crap, and how the first line of defense for mental health issues seems to be medication. Hear how exercise may benefit our mental health. The connections may surprise you! How does exercise help your brain? Tracy shares some fascinating facts you won’t want to miss. Tracy has made some great strides in her exercise over the years – but hear how her motivation changed from looking good to feeling good. Could exercise work better than medication for those with ADHD? Hear Tracy’s scientific explanation. How does exercise improve our ability to learn? Listen as Tracy uses a scientific study to show how extreme the results can truly be. You definitely won’t want to miss this. Hear how exercise primes the brain for learning and changes the brain’s neurotransmitters, protein growth, and neurogenesis.

Hear how you can continue to grow your brain all throughout your life. Should individuals with ADHD become karate masters? Learn how structured activities, such as martial arts, ballet, etc., help those with ADHD tap into their deep focus. Could exercise decrease the need for medication or get rid of the need altogether? Hear the science behind it all as Tracy explains how the chemistry in the brain can vastly change with exercise. Is exercise timing important? Hear Tracy’s discovery in her personal life and through scientific research. Listen as Tracy explains the importance of nature, sleep, exercise, and balancing them all together. Can you even learn while you exe

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Those of us with ADHD often struggle with time. We like to do things when we feel like it. We cannot see or feel time, and we’re easily distracted. Often, hyperfocus can get in our way as well. We start, can’t stop, and have to finish. We also struggle with working memory issues. What was I doing again? And I don’t know who doesn’t struggle with emotional regulation/dis-regulation – or the “I just don’t feel like it!” feeling. We must understand why we are the way we are in order to create hacks to be better. We must learn to pause, even though it’s against our nature because we are time optimists and often underestimate how long something will take.

Hear Tracy’s tips for developing time management skills and planning more effectively for the future. See how Tracy uses the positive emotion of success to motivate her through the planning process. See how Backward Planning can teach you how to see and feel time, as well as set reasonable goals. Listen as Tracy shares some hacks for developing Executive Function Skills. How can we create practical methods to get through day-to-day tasks? Listen as Tracy explains how she taught herself to understand how long things take. You won’t want to miss the helpful tool she uses! Starting the day off right is important. Hear how Tracy sets herself up for success so she doesn’t run late every day- even if it means doing makeup in the car. Maybe playing a game of “beat the clock” is just what we need! You’ll definitely want to learn how to play this game that can change the way you get things done. Hear all of Tracy’s hacks and try them out on your own. Is the Apple Watch Worth It? Hear how Tracy uses it as her “manager.” What calendar may be best for you? Simple may be better! Could it be possible to manage your week on just one page? What is the and how can you use it in your daily life? Can working near others help you access your hyperfocus? Find out how Tracy can help you do this with a Body Double Meetup. What kind of person do you want to be? Hear how asking yourself this question can help you prioritize. You won’t want to mis

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Tracy was inspired to talk about this topic from one of the members of her . She shared her story about always being late. Not intentionally, but because she doesn’t have a good grasp for how long things will take. When she made the effort to be on time (because it is important to her) it took every bit of her focus. “Why,” she asked, “is time so hard for me?” Here are Tracy’s insights about time in this part one episode. Why does the ADHD brain struggle with time? The first part is understanding why we do what we do. Once we understand why it can be easier to find work-arounds and resources. We’ll cover that in detail in part two in the next episode. You have to hear Tracy’s dating story about showing up late – and then being less than truthful about it. This was one of the experiences that helped her realize that time was an issue for her. The ADHD brain doesn’t have a good understanding of time. We don’t know how many minutes or hours a project can take. Find out why this skill is so hard for us. Cooking a meal and hosting guests is another example of how the lack of time-awareness can cause issues. Hear Tracy’s go-to solution and results. Hear what she learned when she decided to time herself on a few kitchen-related tasks. Hint: her estimate was much less than actual! Being on time is a value for Tracy. Is it a value for you? Tracy’s research on time explains that time has to be learned. Many ADHD people do not have a fluid awareness of time because we can’t see it or feel it. Find out why distractions can impact our best time-management strategies. Time issues are also related to memory issues. Tracy explains why they are linked and how one impacts the other.

Tracy explains future myopia and how it impacts the ADHD person’s understanding of time. You’ll no doubt see yourself in this explanation. Arguing with time is a thing. Do you find yourself doing this? How do your beliefs impact your timeliness or lack of? Do your time-beliefs work for you? Recurring appointments, yes or no? Does putting everything on the calendar work for you? Tracy shares how asking for h

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Entrepreneurs and those with ADHD have some undeniable similarities. But could ADHD itself be the secret to their success? Today, Tracy explores the similarities between entrepreneurs and those with ADHD. We will dive into some scientific evidence, as well as personal examples that show the differences in those with ADHD that make them perfect for being successful when pursuing their passion.

Here are the key connections that Tracy makes between Entrepreneurs and those with ADHD. Listen to Tracy’s anecdote of the first business she ever started - an unsuccessful Christmas Card business in her childhood. It may give you a chuckle. Tracy’s entrepreneurial spirit spurred her on to even more endeavors in adulthood. Listen as Tracy explains the pros of entrepreneurialism - from new experiences, never being bored, learning more every day, etc. Tracy lists some ADHD characteristics that entrepreneurs all tend to share: hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity. You won’t want to miss the statistics Tracy shares that show a stocking connection to ADHD and entrepreneurs. Hear Tracy explain how those with ADHD are “leftover hunters in a farmer driven world.” Listen as Tracy shares how the resilience of those with ADHD helps them weather the storms they will face in their entrepreneurial ventures. Hear how it all may boil down to biology and neurological responses to our environment.

Tracy explores impulsivity from a scientific standpoint and links it to intuition and impatience/boredom. Tracy also explains how those with ADHD use intuitive decision making, proactiveness, and risk-taking to succeed. Entrepreneurs and those with ADHD often love flexibility and love being their own boss. Hear how Tracy explains this from a personal perspective and a scientific point of view. Find out why acting and seeking novelty are traits that explain the entrepreneurial brain. Hear how she explains how creativity is impulsivity “gone right.” Tracy explains “Hyperfocus” and how it is the key to success for entrepreneurs. You won’t want to miss the evidence she shares that it is be

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

We have executive functions that help us in life. They help us organize, plan and control our life so it’s manageable. It’s how we can take care of ourselves and get things done. Most of us with ADHD have trouble with one or more of the six executive functions.

Today, I am talking about the executive function that involves emotion. It’s what helps us manage frustration and it gives us the ability to regulate our emotions. Here are the key elements Tracy has learned when dealing with emotions and situations that can become emotional.

Tracy explains emotional dysregulation and how it shows up and how it impacts us. How does stress impact our emotions and how do recognize it in ourselves and in others? Tracy shares how perfectionism and time management affect her emotions and how she’s learned to work around these situations. Intensity is a big part of ADHD and it’s a big part of managing emotions as well. Tracy’s experience with the Apple watch, and how it’s helped her be able to cook again! What can you do when emotional intensity comes up? Listen for some go-to solutions that can help you manage or even remove an emotionally charged situation. You can choose.

Tracy shares that awareness is separate from emotion and thought. How to identify and name what is causing the emotion and doing this exercise can help. Don’t miss Tracy’s bull frog story. It’ll make you smile. Why allowing ourselves to feel the feelings can ultimately help you eliminate the feeling. If you want different results, you need to change your behavior. Emotions don’t always lead to a behavior; sometimes it’s the opposite. Self-control is a neurobiological trait. It requires the ability to have hind-sight and fore-sight and the ability to wait. Understanding how this impacts behavior is key to managing emotions. , Psychotherapist gave us great tips you’ll find helpful.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Tracy shares her experience with medication for her son and herself. When my son was diagnosed medication was the only thing recommended which didn’t feel right to us. Today we’re talking medications and my personal insights about how they worked (or didn’t work) for us. I hope it’s helpful for you as you navigate the prescription roller coaster.

Here are a few highlights from this episode: Tracy shares her extensive list of medications that were prescribed. Side effects and how they impacted me. Testing options and why it might help your Dr. prescribe meds that may work better and have fewer side effects. My son’s experience with medication. His feedback and what I noticed weren’t the same, but we both came to the same conclusion. I found Dr. Dale Archer’s information helpful. You may appreciate his insights as well. Why a medicated “new normal” may not be right for you or your child and how to recognize it. The worst-case scenario, and why you have to be proactive. Why your family Dr. may not understand your ADHD and where they get their info. Hint: It’s not in medical school. What we don’t know about these medications especially the long-term effects for the ADHD brain. Why ADHD people do well in the military; an unexpected benefit of structure. Are we medicating our uniqueness? Is that a good idea?

Tracy shares a real-life story of a woman’s before and after experience with medication. When medication for routine can help and when it can hurt. Tracy’s Rx for medication. She breaks down multiple options separate from medication and useful tips for getting the right medication for you.
______________

Resources:

• Facebook Group: ADHD for Smart Ass Women
• The ADHD Advantage: What You Thought Was a Diagnosis May Be Your Greatest Strength

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Those with ADHD have a brain that’s wired differently, but we aren’t all the same. That can be frustrating. Understanding ourselves and others is going to help us all.

Tracy shares why she doesn’t see her ADHD as a disorder. Hear why she considers some of the traits as part of her super powers. Hear the 2 traits that impact everyone with ADHD. You might relate, but they may have never been explained this way before. ADHD is not a learning disorder; most have a higher than average IQ. Learn the 3 ways a person with a neurotypical brain functions when they need to get things done. Hear the workarounds for those of us who don’t have this type of brain. Learn why procrastination isn’t about will-power or laziness. It’s about our brain and how it works.

Hear how ADHD is a huge contributor to danger. Understanding why is a life and death issue. No one is good at everything. How to do more of what you love and get help with the things you don’t enjoy. Tracy shares why fitting in is so hard and encourages those women with ADHD to focus on standing out instead.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Tracy talks about the mis-conceptions about kids with ADHD and how her son wasn’t your “typical” ADHD kid. When teachers saw her son become “unmotivated” it was chalked up to laziness. Since then, Tracy got answers and began her mission to educate herself and others. ADHD isn’t a disorder caused by modern life.

Tracy explains why someone with ADHD may be on social media or playing video games more than others. It’s not what you think! Here ADHD defines why Tracy thinks the attention deficit part is all wrong. You probably will too! Learn about studies that prove that the brain of ADHD kids is significantly different. This is important in understanding how to thrive with an ADHD brain. Tracy shares a list of traits that can be attributed to behavior by ADHD children. Hear how ADHD differs from mood disorders. The emotional impact is different. Blaming parents for the “behavior” of ADHD kids is not helpful. Self-control is a neurobiological trait. It isn’t something you can teach – no matter how hard you try. Find out why the concept of time is a big part of the challenge in dealing with children with ADHD. What wired for interest means and why it’s important to understand it. Tracy shares how Marcus excels when he’s doing things that he enjoys. It’s not that he can’t focus on other things, he literally can’t! The dopamine effect – why you need to understand it.

Helping our ADHD kids figure out their passion and interests contribute to life-long success. Hear the positives about ADHD kids. These traits aren’t discussed often so they are not understood but they should be. There are disturbing facts about potential issues for our ADHD kids. That’s why it’s so important to understand and guide them to live up to their potential.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

Tracy covers the basic facts about ADHD diagnoses. Find out what’s included, how does it show up, the differences in symptoms in children and adults. She gives specific examples of behaviors that you may find very familiar. She also talks about why many women are not diagnosed and the seldom discussed advantage of having an ADHD brain. Knowledge is powerful in understanding how the ADHD brain works.

Get a practical, real-life understanding how it affects women. Here’s what Tracy covers in detail: What ADHD can look like in real women. Tracy outlines the technical symptoms and shares how ADHD has affected her personally. Find out the 3 sub-types of ADHD to see if any of them feel familiar to you. ADHD explained, and why it’s not always a negative. This is so important and not discussed enough! Why traits aren’t the same in all people and why it varies and a big reason why most women have not been diagnosed. ADHD is heritable, but it doesn’t always show up the same way. Find out why (related) people who are diagnosed can have much different symptoms. Learn what qualifies for a diagnosis as explained in the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) There are 18 symptoms, 9 focused on inattention and 9 focused on hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. These were developed for diagnosing children. Learn what the 9 traits are for adults according to the work done by Russell Barkley. Understanding how a diagnosis is determined and the differences between how symptoms show up when you were a child and now as an adult.

Note: Every ADHD brain is wired differently so symptoms may show up in a variety of ways. Tracy outlines 43 general symptoms. You may resonate with many of these – but some may not apply to you at all. Tracy covers 24 positive symptoms of ADHD. This is the part that is seldom covered but they should be! Find out why exercise is so good for our brains – and why many with ADHD exercise regularly. What resonated with you? Is there something that affects you that wasn’t mentioned? I’d love to know so we can all understand the unique ways that ADHD

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com  

Tired of ADHD strategies that don’t work? Here’s what actually does. FREE training here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/signup

___

This podcast is for smart, high-ability ADD/ADHD (diagnosed or suspecting) women who see their symptoms as more positive than negative.

When I was diagnosed eight months after my son, my entire life suddenly made perfect sense but all I heard about was everything that my ADHD brain SHOULD be struggling with when in fact I would come to learn that my ADHD is responsible for some of my greatest superpowers.

Send a Message: Your Name | Email | Message

If this podcast helps you understand your ADHD brain, Shift helps you train it. Practice mindset work in just 10 minutes a day. Learn more at tracyotsuka.com/shift

Instead of Struggling to figure out what to do next? 

ADHD isn’t a productivity problem. It’s an identity problem. 

That’s why most strategies don’t stick—they weren’t designed for how your brain actually works. Your ADHD Brain is A-OK Academy is different. It’s a patented, science-backed coaching program that helps you stop fighting your brain and start building a life that fits. 👉Learn more here: https://programs.tracyotsuka.com/aok-academy

Learn more by connecting with Tracy through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or visit adhdforsmartwomen.com.

Are You Ready to Discover Your Brilliance? Order Now: https://tracyotsuka.com/book

Visit our website:  https://tracyotsuka.com