Stop Forcing Habits: What ADHD Brains Actually Need - with Special Guest Leah Carroll

If you’ve ever thought, “I know what I want to do… I just can’t seem to make it stick,” this episode is for you.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Leah Carroll, and we’re talking about habit stacking—but in a way that actually makes sense for ADHD brains.

Instead of relying on discipline or willpower (which tends to fall apart fast), we explore why ADHD brains work better with cues, dopamine, and momentum. Leah breaks down how attaching a new habit to something you already do—like pairing your morning coffee with unloading the dishwasher—can make habits feel lighter, more doable, and far less overwhelming.

We also talk about why persistence matters more than consistency when you have ADHD, and how small, almost-boring changes are often the ones that create the biggest long-term shifts. No perfection. No all-or-nothing thinking. Just simple wins that add up.

If you’ve been craving a more realistic, grace-filled way to build habits that actually work with your brain (and your life as a mom), this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

Connect with Leah! 👇🏼

Leah Carroll

ADHD Life & Mindset Coach

w: leahccoaching.com

i: @adhd.coach.leah

Keywords:

ADHD mom, ADHD moms, ADHD habits, habit stacking, ADHD brain, dopamine, cues, persistence over consistency, small wins, habit building with ADHD, morning routines, Quick Wins for ADHD Moms

Key Takeaways:

• Habit stacking works by attaching a new habit to something you already do.
• ADHD brains respond better to cues and dopamine than discipline.
• Persistence beats consistency when building habits with ADHD.
• Tiny changes create sustainable momentum over time.
• Pairing habits with daily routines makes follow-through easier.
• Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.
• Reminders, alarms, and visual cues can support habit stacking.
• Gamifying tasks can increase motivation and follow-through.
• Start with one habit before adding anything else.
• Your brain can change—neuroplasticity is on your side.