Let’s face it: hiring a coach or scaling your business when you have ADHD can feel like being asked to climb Mount Everest—barefoot.
You know it’s the next step. You’ve said “yes” (maybe even excitedly). But then… crickets.
You ghost the coach. You make excuses. You procrastinate. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
If you are making the same income or less per year, maybe its time to rethink your strategy.
So, what’s going on here?
Why do so many people with ADHD self-sabotage when it’s time to leap?
Spoiler alert: it’s not because you’re lazy or uncommitted. It’s your brain playing tricks on you.
Blame It on the Brain: Why You Stay Stuck
The culprit?
The prefrontal cortex—the brain’s CEO responsible for decision-making, planning, and follow-through. For people with ADHD, the prefrontal cortex often struggles to stay online under pressure.
Add a hefty dose of dopamine deficiency, and your brain’s reward system is throwing a tantrum, screaming, “Why bother? It’s safer to stay right here where it’s familiar!”
But staying stuck, making the same income year after year, and saying “next time” on repeat isn’t natural.
You’re designed to grow, create, and thrive.
When you ghost the one person who could help you (ahem, your coach), you’re not punishing them. You’re punishing yourself.
So, let’s rewrite this story with a little humor and three simple tips to get out of your way.
Tip #1: Call Out Your Inner Drama Queen
Your brain loves a good story, and right now, it’s probably telling you a wild one:
- “If I hire a coach, I’ll fail, and everyone will know I’m a fraud!”
- “I don’t have time for this—it’s just too much!”
- “I’ll do it next year when I’m more ready.”
Pause and listen to these excuses.
Then laugh at how ridiculous they sound. Imagine your inner drama queen with a tiara, yelling, “We’ll never survive this coaching thing!” Newsflash: you’ve survived worse—like the time you accidentally replied-all to your boss’s email with a GIF.
Write down your fears, then challenge them. Most of them are as valid as a three-dollar bill.
Tip #2: Create Dopamine-Friendly Rewards
People with ADHD thrive on dopamine hits. But the idea of long-term coaching or scaling your business can feel like waiting for Christmas in July. No dopamine payoff = zero motivation.
Here’s the hack: break the big goal into mini-goals and pair them with rewards you love.
- Book the discovery call → Treat yourself to your favorite latte.
- Make the first payment → Watch an episode of that guilty-pleasure Netflix show.
- Complete your first coaching session → Go for that bubble bath with candles and wine.
Your brain is a toddler—bribe it. Consistently.
Tip #3: Remember Who Loses When You Quit (Hint: It’s Not the Coach)
Here’s the harsh truth: ghosting your coach might feel like a power move, but it’s just self-sabotage.
Think about how it feels when your clients or family ghost you—frustrating, right?
Now, realize that while a coach isn’t emotionally invested in your life like you are, they’re invested in your success.
Ghosting them doesn’t hurt their progress—it hurts yours. They’ll continue working with other clients, changing lives, and thriving while you’re left stuck in the same loop, reliving “Groundhog Day” with your goals.
Imagine a year from now—will you be in the same spot, spinning excuses? Or will you be high-fiving yourself because you finally took the leap? Spoiler: you’re way cooler than your excuses. Act like it.
The Bottom Line
Scaling your business or hiring a coach with ADHD isn’t about being ready—it’s about being willing. Willing to face your brain’s quirks, willing to laugh at your own nonsense, and willing to prioritize your future self over your current comfort zone.
So, go ahead.
Book the call. https://www.simonefortier.com/business-coaching/
Make the payment.
Stop ghosting your own potential. You’ve got this—and your inner drama queen can sit this one out.