Are you avoiding a future version of yourself?

What if avoidance isn't just about the things you're putting off—but about what waits on the other side?

In ADHD coaching, we often discuss identifying barriers (e.g., time, environment, skills) to starting and completing "ugh" tasks, as well as creating routines to sustain new behaviors. This is all great stuff, and really works when we practice and develop new strategies.

But there's a barrier that goes deeper than most. What if you're afraid of who you will be when you're on the other side of chaos? Here are a few fear questions that I've asked myself or heard from clients:

** Will my unique ADHD strengths evaporate if I get my stuff in order, and I seem normal? I don't want to feel like a robot.

** What will I do with the extra time? I don't know what my true passions are.

** Who will I be if I'm not criticizing myself all day long? Will that feel boring?

** What if I can't envision who I want to be?

Do any of these fear questions resonate with you? Are there others? Take some time to reflect and write down your answers if that's helpful for you.

Creating a vision of who you want to be is essential – it's what helps motivate us to make a change. Creating a vision is difficult for many of us, including me. Something that has helped in the past is asking myself questions about what my life looks like in this vision, such as, Where do I live? What do I do for fun? What skills am I using in my work? What kind of people am I spending more time with? What am I wearing? How do I feel?

Most importantly, challenge yourself to believe that the new version of you won't lose the magic of your unique ADHD. You are still the same person, just lighter, more confident, and living the rich life you deserve.