Elizabeth Lord
@dearadhdbrain.bsky.social
ADHD Coach | Writer | 1:1 Coaching for Adults with ADHD | Talking about ADHD + rejecting the pressure to keep up | Certified Professional Coach | MA Psychology
www.getcoachedbyel.com
https://substack.com/@getcoachedbyel
https://medium.com/@elizabeth_lord
www.getcoachedbyel.com
https://substack.com/@getcoachedbyel
https://medium.com/@elizabeth_lord
I spent so many years trying to “fix” myself before I was diagnosed with ADHD.
I wrote a letter to my undiagnosed younger self. To the girl who put the salt in the fridge and never felt safe enough to come out of hiding.
If you were diagnosed later in life as well, this one’s for you.
I wrote a letter to my undiagnosed younger self. To the girl who put the salt in the fridge and never felt safe enough to come out of hiding.
If you were diagnosed later in life as well, this one’s for you.
What I Wish I Could Have Told You
To my undiagnosed younger self (and maybe yours, too).
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 5:21 PM
I spent so many years trying to “fix” myself before I was diagnosed with ADHD.
I wrote a letter to my undiagnosed younger self. To the girl who put the salt in the fridge and never felt safe enough to come out of hiding.
If you were diagnosed later in life as well, this one’s for you.
I wrote a letter to my undiagnosed younger self. To the girl who put the salt in the fridge and never felt safe enough to come out of hiding.
If you were diagnosed later in life as well, this one’s for you.
Hey ADHD Brain! There are 49 more days left in 2025. There are so many messages out there about squeezing every productive ounce out of these last few days to finish the year strong.
What if you didn’t? What if instead you focused on maximizing joy?
What if you didn’t? What if instead you focused on maximizing joy?
Elizabeth Lord (@getcoachedbyel)
Hey ADHD Brain! There are 49 more days left in 2025. There are so many messages out there about squeezing every productive ounce out of these last few days to finish the year strong.
What if you didn...
substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Hey ADHD Brain! There are 49 more days left in 2025. There are so many messages out there about squeezing every productive ounce out of these last few days to finish the year strong.
What if you didn’t? What if instead you focused on maximizing joy?
What if you didn’t? What if instead you focused on maximizing joy?
Hey ADHD brain! Ever been told to use a planner? Yeah me too! Here’s some other terrible advice too! Along with what actually works.
Just Use a Planner (And Other Terrible Productivity Advice for ADHD Brains)
You are not broken. The advice is.
medium.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Hey ADHD brain! Ever been told to use a planner? Yeah me too! Here’s some other terrible advice too! Along with what actually works.
The inattentive traits of ADHD are strong with my ADHD brain! Here’s what happened when these came out while ordering breakfast.
The Day I Ended Up With 36 Bagels
The story of the fateful error that resulted in an overabundance of bagels.
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 6:45 PM
The inattentive traits of ADHD are strong with my ADHD brain! Here’s what happened when these came out while ordering breakfast.
Hey ADHD Brain! Ever felt sad or mad over the fact that you just didn’t have the capacity to get much done? This one’s for you.
The Grief of Yesterday
Reporting from the messy middle of life
open.substack.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Hey ADHD Brain! Ever felt sad or mad over the fact that you just didn’t have the capacity to get much done? This one’s for you.
ADHD Brain! Stuck? Try one of these!
5 Things to Try When Your ADHD Brain is Stuck and Needs To Get Stuff Done
When your brain needs a bribe (not a lecture)
medium.com
October 13, 2025 at 9:18 PM
ADHD Brain! Stuck? Try one of these!
Hey ADHD Brain! Does perfectionism take over your weekends, too? The pressure to figure out the perfect activity to recharge so you’re ready for the week ahead? This challenge might help!
Elizabeth Lord (@getcoachedbyel)
Hey ADHD Brain! Does perfectionism take over your weekends, too? The pressure to figure out the perfect activity to recharge so you’re ready for the week ahead? This challenge might help!
substack.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Hey ADHD Brain! Does perfectionism take over your weekends, too? The pressure to figure out the perfect activity to recharge so you’re ready for the week ahead? This challenge might help!
Hey ADHD brain! Those endless to-dos got you wishing you weren’t an adult anymore?! Same! Here’s what I did to make them easier.
The To-Dos That Never End
Yes, they go on and on, my friend.
open.substack.com
September 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Hey ADHD brain! Those endless to-dos got you wishing you weren’t an adult anymore?! Same! Here’s what I did to make them easier.
Hey ADHD brain! What if the victory isn’t about finishing the race, but about the lessons you learned and the person you became along the way? Read this for the story.
The Anniversary of Accomplishment
The tale of two races that redefined my definition of success
open.substack.com
September 18, 2025 at 12:24 AM
Hey ADHD brain! What if the victory isn’t about finishing the race, but about the lessons you learned and the person you became along the way? Read this for the story.
Hey ADHD brain! Are you overthinking? Try these things.
Dear ADHD Brain, You’re Not Overthinking (You Just Care)
You know those thoughts that just won’t go away. Maybe you call it overthinking. Rumination.
medium.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Hey ADHD brain! Are you overthinking? Try these things.
Hey ADHD Brain! Are you stuck? Worried you'll make the wrong move? Maybe the best advice I have ever received will help you too.
The Best Advice I've Ever Received
While literally hanging off a cliff.
open.substack.com
September 10, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Hey ADHD Brain! Are you stuck? Worried you'll make the wrong move? Maybe the best advice I have ever received will help you too.
Hey ADHD brain, do you ever feel crushed by the pressure to be productive?
For years, I thought the key was finding the perfect app. I tried dozens of them. I got rid of most of them. But in the end, I deleted something else that was far more powerful.
For years, I thought the key was finding the perfect app. I tried dozens of them. I got rid of most of them. But in the end, I deleted something else that was far more powerful.
3 Digital Tools That Make Life With ADHD Easier
Introducing my ADHD digital dream team
medium.com
September 9, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Hey ADHD brain, do you ever feel crushed by the pressure to be productive?
For years, I thought the key was finding the perfect app. I tried dozens of them. I got rid of most of them. But in the end, I deleted something else that was far more powerful.
For years, I thought the key was finding the perfect app. I tried dozens of them. I got rid of most of them. But in the end, I deleted something else that was far more powerful.
Ever feel like you’re stuck watching an unwanted movie of your own failures? Last week, my ADHD brain felt the same. This is the letter I wrote about what I did to finally walk out of the theater.
Now Playing: Elizabeth Fails Again
Free popcorn with admission.
open.substack.com
September 3, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Ever feel like you’re stuck watching an unwanted movie of your own failures? Last week, my ADHD brain felt the same. This is the letter I wrote about what I did to finally walk out of the theater.
Hey ADHD brain! You need to hear this.
Your worth is not measured by your productivity.
It’s one of the biggest lies that we internalize.
We typically have big goals as ADHDers. We expect a lot of ourselves.
You are worthy whether you completed your to-do list or not. The two are unrelated.
Your worth is not measured by your productivity.
It’s one of the biggest lies that we internalize.
We typically have big goals as ADHDers. We expect a lot of ourselves.
You are worthy whether you completed your to-do list or not. The two are unrelated.
August 29, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Hey ADHD brain! You need to hear this.
Your worth is not measured by your productivity.
It’s one of the biggest lies that we internalize.
We typically have big goals as ADHDers. We expect a lot of ourselves.
You are worthy whether you completed your to-do list or not. The two are unrelated.
Your worth is not measured by your productivity.
It’s one of the biggest lies that we internalize.
We typically have big goals as ADHDers. We expect a lot of ourselves.
You are worthy whether you completed your to-do list or not. The two are unrelated.
Hey, ADHD Brain! Your inner critic is lying to you. It's time to stop letting it write your story.
Your Inner Critic is Lying to You
Stop letting it write your story.
open.substack.com
August 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Hey, ADHD Brain! Your inner critic is lying to you. It's time to stop letting it write your story.
Life with ADHD is hard sometimes.
It’s not cheating to make life easier. You don’t get bonus points for how much you struggle.
If you can find something, anything that makes your life even 10% easier, that’s more energy for the things that actually matter to you.
It’s not cheating to make life easier. You don’t get bonus points for how much you struggle.
If you can find something, anything that makes your life even 10% easier, that’s more energy for the things that actually matter to you.
August 26, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Life with ADHD is hard sometimes.
It’s not cheating to make life easier. You don’t get bonus points for how much you struggle.
If you can find something, anything that makes your life even 10% easier, that’s more energy for the things that actually matter to you.
It’s not cheating to make life easier. You don’t get bonus points for how much you struggle.
If you can find something, anything that makes your life even 10% easier, that’s more energy for the things that actually matter to you.
Our culture is stuck in hustle mode.
We’re constantly being fed messages: Be a morning person! Push through! Do more!
ADHD brains already struggle with inconsistent energy patterns. The “just try harder” mentality isn’t just unhelpful, it’s actively harmful.
We’re constantly being fed messages: Be a morning person! Push through! Do more!
ADHD brains already struggle with inconsistent energy patterns. The “just try harder” mentality isn’t just unhelpful, it’s actively harmful.
August 26, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Our culture is stuck in hustle mode.
We’re constantly being fed messages: Be a morning person! Push through! Do more!
ADHD brains already struggle with inconsistent energy patterns. The “just try harder” mentality isn’t just unhelpful, it’s actively harmful.
We’re constantly being fed messages: Be a morning person! Push through! Do more!
ADHD brains already struggle with inconsistent energy patterns. The “just try harder” mentality isn’t just unhelpful, it’s actively harmful.
As an ADHD human, you don’t need another productivity hack. Here are 7 things you could use more.
7 Things ADHDers Need More Than the Productivity Hacks That Leave Them Burned Out
Those productivity hacks aren’t fixing the root of the problem.
medium.com
August 23, 2025 at 7:43 PM
As an ADHD human, you don’t need another productivity hack. Here are 7 things you could use more.
My ADHD brain LOVES black and white thinking. If I can't do it the "right way" my brain doesn't see any other options. If you're stuck in the same pattern, you're not alone. Read this!
There Are Opportunities in the Gray
That space between black and white, between all or nothing, is where real opportunities live.
open.substack.com
August 20, 2025 at 5:42 PM
My ADHD brain LOVES black and white thinking. If I can't do it the "right way" my brain doesn't see any other options. If you're stuck in the same pattern, you're not alone. Read this!
Hey ADHD brain! Do you wear a mask all day long? It’s exhausting isn’t it. Here are 5 tips to start feeling like yourself again.
5 Simple Steps to Drop the Mask (My ADHD-Friendly Framework for Feeling Like Yourself Again)
I expected myself to act as if I didn’t have ADHD.
medium.com
August 17, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Hey ADHD brain! Do you wear a mask all day long? It’s exhausting isn’t it. Here are 5 tips to start feeling like yourself again.
If your ADHD brain no longer wants to finish the thing, that’s not a lack of willpower.
You are not lazy.
Try making it a little more interesting to your brain.
You are not lazy.
Try making it a little more interesting to your brain.
August 16, 2025 at 11:45 PM
If your ADHD brain no longer wants to finish the thing, that’s not a lack of willpower.
You are not lazy.
Try making it a little more interesting to your brain.
You are not lazy.
Try making it a little more interesting to your brain.
I wore a mask for so many years. I tried desperately to compensate for my ADHD traits. At the time I didn’t know that I had ADHD. Knowing helped a lot along with the things I talk about in my latest letter.
if you wear a mask too, this one’s for you.
if you wear a mask too, this one’s for you.
The Moment I Realized I Was Disappearing
Hiding who you are costs more than you realize.
open.substack.com
August 15, 2025 at 1:37 PM
I wore a mask for so many years. I tried desperately to compensate for my ADHD traits. At the time I didn’t know that I had ADHD. Knowing helped a lot along with the things I talk about in my latest letter.
if you wear a mask too, this one’s for you.
if you wear a mask too, this one’s for you.
When I say, I’ll remember. I will forget. Now, I put it in the calendar, set a reminder, make a visual cue. I do not rely on my brain to remember.
I used to get annoyed that I couldn’t remember simple things. Now I just view it as a sign that my ADHD brain needs a bit more support in that area.
I used to get annoyed that I couldn’t remember simple things. Now I just view it as a sign that my ADHD brain needs a bit more support in that area.
August 14, 2025 at 12:15 PM
When I say, I’ll remember. I will forget. Now, I put it in the calendar, set a reminder, make a visual cue. I do not rely on my brain to remember.
I used to get annoyed that I couldn’t remember simple things. Now I just view it as a sign that my ADHD brain needs a bit more support in that area.
I used to get annoyed that I couldn’t remember simple things. Now I just view it as a sign that my ADHD brain needs a bit more support in that area.
ADHD is exhausting when you spend your energy pretending to be "normal".
I wore a mask for decades. I faked it. I appeared organized, like I was holding it together. But I was falling apart inside.
Unmasking isn't instant or easy.
If you've ever felt like you're "too much", this is for you.
I wore a mask for decades. I faked it. I appeared organized, like I was holding it together. But I was falling apart inside.
Unmasking isn't instant or easy.
If you've ever felt like you're "too much", this is for you.
The Moment I Realized I Was Disappearing
Hiding who you are costs more than you realize.
open.substack.com
August 14, 2025 at 12:12 AM
ADHD is exhausting when you spend your energy pretending to be "normal".
I wore a mask for decades. I faked it. I appeared organized, like I was holding it together. But I was falling apart inside.
Unmasking isn't instant or easy.
If you've ever felt like you're "too much", this is for you.
I wore a mask for decades. I faked it. I appeared organized, like I was holding it together. But I was falling apart inside.
Unmasking isn't instant or easy.
If you've ever felt like you're "too much", this is for you.
Why is cooking so hard?
Not the fancy kind, the just getting dinner on the table kind!
This week’s letter is about ADHD, executive function, and what really goes into making a meal.
It’s not you. It’s the 47 hidden steps!
Not the fancy kind, the just getting dinner on the table kind!
This week’s letter is about ADHD, executive function, and what really goes into making a meal.
It’s not you. It’s the 47 hidden steps!
Dear ADHD Brain, Oh, How I Hate Cooking
Cooking dinner is the hardest thing I do some days.
open.substack.com
June 4, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Why is cooking so hard?
Not the fancy kind, the just getting dinner on the table kind!
This week’s letter is about ADHD, executive function, and what really goes into making a meal.
It’s not you. It’s the 47 hidden steps!
Not the fancy kind, the just getting dinner on the table kind!
This week’s letter is about ADHD, executive function, and what really goes into making a meal.
It’s not you. It’s the 47 hidden steps!