ADHD & Existing In Chaos

In this episode of How Do Other People Do This?, Elizabeth sits down with Nashville transplant and tech professional Ellie Hurdle to talk about receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life, navigating a world that wasn't built for neurodivergent brains, and finding creative systems that actually work.Ellie shares what it was like to spend years believing she was simply "lazy" before discovering ADHD was the missing piece of the puzzle. Together, Elizabeth and Ellie discuss everything from procrastination and clutter to body doubling, accountability, and the unique challenges of moving from the nonstop energy of New York City to the slower pace of Nashville.Most importantly, Ellie shares several practical strategies she uses every day, including: color-coded whiteboards, strategic sticky notes, and a surprisingly brilliant tech hack involving NFC tags that might just change how you manage recurring tasks.Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, suspect you might have it, or love someone who does, this conversation offers validation, humor, and actionable ideas for working with your brain instead of against it.In This Episode We Discuss:Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adultWhy ADHD is often missed in girls and womenThe impact of labels like "lazy" and "unmotivated"ADHD, self-esteem, and self-compassionProcrastination and deadline-driven productivityBody doubling and accountability strategiesUsing whiteboards and visual planning systemsSticky note hacks for task completionNFC tags and phone automations for recurring choresLosing keys, glasses, and everything elseADHD in New York vs. NashvilleFinding community after a big moveReframing ADHD as a source of creativityMemorable Quote"ADHD is a superpower. No one is going to have the same ideas you do."Resources MentionedDriven to Distraction by Driven to DistractionApple's Shortcuts app (for creating NFC-triggered automations)Connect With UsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might benefit from hearing it.Follow How Do Other People Do This? for more conversations about mental health, everyday challenges, and the creative ways people navigate them.Content Note: This podcast shares personal experiences with mental health and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please listen in a way that feels safe for you and rely on the treatment plan you've created with your healthcare providers.