ADHDers often approach self-improvement by attempting complete life overhauls, but lasting change is more likely when small positive behaviours are attached to routines that already exist.

Drawing on insights from psychologist Matthew Campbell, this episode explores the strategy of "stacking" — connecting healthy actions to established habits so they require less motivation, less memory, and less effort to maintain.

Key Points

• Large-scale overhauls tend to rely heavily on motivation, which is difficult to sustain for ADHD brains.
• Stacking involves attaching a small healthy behaviour to an existing routine. The goal is attachment, not addition.
• Existing routines act as reliable cues, reducing the need to remember new habits.
• Research shows habits are more likely to stick when linked to existing behavioural cues.
• Stacking reduces cognitive load and supports executive functioning challenges.

DR MATT CAMPBELL S2E41: https://adhdifference.nz/s2e41-why-self-care-feels-harder-than-it-should-guest-dr-matthew-campbell/

ADHDIFFERENCE: https://adhdifference.nz/stack-dont-overhaul/

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ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More