Clients often feel that accountability puts pressure on them. They usually fear that they have to be accountable for their actions and inactions. Meeting deadlines set by other people rather than oneself can be challenging for adults with ADHD. However, what if we reframed accountability into a more supportive approach that aligns with ADHD brains? What if there was no “failure”, only greater understanding about why something hasn't happened? That’s where Adult ADHD coaching comes in – giving you a different mindset and approach to help you move forward confidently.
Why traditional accountability doesn't work for Adults with ADHD
For most adults living with ADHD, the usual methods of accountability can foster a sense of failure. It is perceived as a done or not-done, there is no middle ground , no real perspective. Typically, external demands are mostly at odds with how ADHD affects concentration, motivation, organisation and priorities hence resulting in frustration which may lead to avoidance of these very important goals.
In ADHD coaching, particularly while being worked on with an adult ADHD coach, this view of how our 'time and pressure' view towards attention changes. The emphasis should not be how to work extra hard to meet set targets but on taking ownership of your actions, in a way that makes sense to you. This involves understanding ourselves, our behaviours, why we act as we do and what is the best way for us to take action.
How ADHD Coaching reframes accountability
Adult ADHD coaching gets this. Certified ADHD coaches acknowledge that accountability can be reframed and used by the brain instead of a method that induces fear and stress. Below is an approach that an ADHD coach can reframe accountability for adults with ADHD:
1. Accountability starts with self-Awareness
In traditional settings, accountability often means whether or not you completed the task given at any particular time, but getting to action within ADHD is about awareness, to create and calmly select how why and where. As a ADHD coach, I guide you through a process of reflection, asking questions like:
- What patterns do you notice when you're trying to complete tasks?
- How does your ADHD affect your motivation and time management?
- What emotions come up when you're working on specific goals?
The ones I’ve shared here give just a few examples on provoking thought to developing awareness but through such self-awareness adults living with ADHD can gain a better understanding on how their ADHD impacts each day which forms a basis for moving forward. This way they will be able redefine what “accountability” means to them as well as have an idea on what they should focus at all times and how they shculd go about it in their own way.
2. Learning how to set "real" goals with an adult ADHD Coach
The next step in the process in coaching around ADHD has to do with setting realistic goals. Break your current cycle of working to overwhelming to-do-lists. An ADHD coach will help you come up with actionable steps in line with your personal values that you want to achieve instead of those that you ought to, while better managing external tasks that you need to which can't be avoided.
The most important thing when you are working with an ADHD coach is to set meaningful and motivating goals. This approach makes you the active agent of the process making accountability a process to embrace, not a concept to that overwhelms you.
3. Reflect and Learn
In ADHD coaching, reflection is an essential part of reframing accountability. Instead of simply asking, “Did you finish the task?”, as an ADHD coach, I may say:
- What was your approach to the task?
- How did you use this approach?
- What challenges did you face, and how did you handle them?
It is through such reflection processes that accountability becomes a tool for learning and growth rather than just a task completion checklist where individuals do not learn anything about their behavioural patterns.
4. Creating a supportive structure with an ADHD Coach
Accountability doesn't need need to be perceived as a need to push oneself harder, in order to keep others happy. Rather, with ADHD, a new framework can set you up with new ways of thinking and putting tools in place for success. In my capacity as an ADHD coach, I can help you in developing schedules and systems that work well with you. Some people prefer using time management apps or having reminders while others would want me to support them through regular check-ins between sessions.
In Adult ADHD Coaching the aim should be to create a more manageable and sustainable structure not an overwhelming one. One of the key competencies for certified ADHD Coaches is the knowledge that we should not stay in your life any more than is necessary. The main goal is that we help you understand yourself so that these new processes become self-managed with time such that you could manage your life, engage other people or decrease the frequency of sessions.
Why reframing accountability works in ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching can be successful because it takes advantage of how the brain functions with ADHD. This means that instead of pressuring people with deadlines or consequences, accountability in this context emphasises self-awareness through reflection which ultimately empowers individuals living with ADHD by decreasing overwhelming feelings among them. An Adult ADHD coach assists clients to own their journey without feeling stressed by it.
Success will be found by those who make contact with what ADHD really is; allowing you to understand yourself and empowering you in taking the lead yourself into change.
Conclusion
Adult ADHD coaching provides a different way of thinking about accountability which understands how loaded and complex it might be with our ADHD minds, considering it's all we've known until now. ADHD Coaches can empower adults to change their perception towards becoming responsible rather than just a burden. ADHD coaching does not only aim at helping people cope with life challenges but also feel connected with themselves through understanding their life’s purpose and living fulfilled lives.
If you need a fresh perspective about accountability and growth, get in touch for your complimentary first session. Having the necessary encouragement can help you take charge of your own path with confidence, as you are.
