Why does getting organized feel so difficult when you have ADHD? In this episode, Chase Squirrelson tackles one of the most frustrating challenges for ADHD brains: organization. From buying planners that never get used to creating elaborate systems that fall apart after a few weeks, Chase explores the cycle of good intentions, dopamine-driven solutions, and the reality of executive dysfunction. Joining the conversation is ADHD coach Bronwyn Foley, who breaks down the biggest misconceptions about organization and explains why traditional organizing advice often fails people with ADHD. Together, they discuss why organization requires skills like future thinking, delayed gratification, and repetitive habits—all areas that can be especially challenging for ADHD minds. Listeners will learn practical strategies for building systems that actually work, how to avoid the shame spiral that often accompanies disorganization, and the single organizing habit that can make the biggest difference. The episode also covers test-taking preparation, choosing an ADHD coach, and why the simplest systems are often the most effective. As always, Chase blends humor, personal stories, and practical advice to help listeners better understand how their brains work and how to work with—not against—them.
Ever buy the perfect planner, create a color-coded system, and promise that this time organization is finally going to stick—only to abandon it a few weeks later?
For people with ADHD, staying organized can feel like an endless cycle of good intentions, fresh starts, and frustrating setbacks. In this episode of the Chase Squirrelson Podcast, Chase explores why organization is such a challenge for ADHD brains and why so many traditional organizing methods fail to deliver lasting results.
Joining the conversation is ADHD coach Bronwyn Foley, who shares practical insights into the relationship between executive function, habits, and organization. Together, they discuss the emotional side of clutter, the role of dopamine in maintaining systems, and how shame often gets in the way of progress. Bronwyn also offers simple, realistic strategies that can help people with ADHD build organizing systems that actually work.
Whether listeners struggle with clutter, unfinished planners, missed deadlines, or simply keeping life on track, this episode offers practical advice, relatable stories, and a fresh perspective on organization through the ADHD lens.
(:38) Chase invites listeners to reach out and let him know how this podcast has helped their lives.
(1:20) Why does prepping for this podcast sometimes feel impossible?
(2:27) What’s “The Museum of Good Intentions”?
(2:42) Chase’s Guidelines…The “Right” organizer, The organizer that needs its own organizer, The false hope phase, The micro-organizer meltdown, the Dopamine magnet organizer, the I’ll design my own system delusion, the portable organizer paradox, the emotional support pile, the existential crisis organizer, and what’s the “best” organizer?
(8:32) What organization requires that the ADHD brain struggles with. Future thinking, delayed reward and boring repetition. And, why organization feels threatening.
(10:35) Here’s Chase’s ADHD coach Bronwyn Foley! She explains the qualifications to be a coach and what to look for in choosing a coach.
(12:36) What are the major miscomputations about organization for people with ADHD?
(16:23) What about ADHD test taking? What ideas can help to prepare?
(19:48) What one organizing habit it the most important to fix?
(21:31) Why do organizing systems only work for a few weeks? Remember urgency, purpose, interest, competition and novelty.
(23:33) How simple does an organizing system have to be for the ADHD brain?
(25:03) What’s the role of emotion and shame in staying organized?
(29:32) What’s the one organizing rule Bronwyn wishes ADHD folks would adopt right now?!
(31:32) Want to contact Bronwyn? Bronwyn@bronwynfoley.com
(32:06) What’s the Shame Spiral? Chase explains…
(33:10) Meet Solomon, Marcus and Ziggy…the organization triangle
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Provide feedback to Chase at info@chasesquirrelson.com