ADHD and High Performance in Sport and Exercise with Dr. Josephine Perry

You can be passionate about your exercise or sport, and still burn out from it. Have you ever pushed yourself so hard to “do better” or beat a personal best, that the joy disappeared? For many perfectionistic or ADHD minds, exercise can be too much of a good thing, so how to balance that is exactly what this episode unpacks. In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas speaks with Dr. Josephine Perry, Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, about the complex relationship between ADHD, high performance, and perfectionism in sport and exercise. Together, they explore how the drive for achievement can become both a strength and a struggle — especially for those with busy, high-achieving minds. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone using exercise to manage ADHD, this conversation offers insights into balancing motivation, wellbeing, and self-compassion. Dr. Perry shares her practical ‘coins system’ for tracking energy expenditure and understanding when you’re pushing too hard, offering strategies to prevent burnout, injury, and loss of joy in movement. Michaela brings her signature compassionate approach to exploring how ADHD traits such as hyperfocus, impulsivity, and perfectionism can show up in exercise habits — and how to turn these into sources of balance and fulfilment instead of exhaustion. You’ll hear: How ADHD and perfectionism affect motivation, recovery, and performance The fine line between discipline and overtraining Why self-compassion is the missing piece for sustainable success How societal pressures and body image ideals shape our relationship with sport Ways to bring more joy, purpose, and play into your training or movement routines About the Guest Dr Josephine Perry is a chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist who works with high performers in sport, stage and a range of sectors where people will be working outside of their comfort zones. She specialises in those struggling with performance anxiety and those who have ADHD. She is the author of 6 books including Performing Under Pressure, I Can: The teenage athlete's guide to mental fitness and, most recently, ADHD in Sport: Strategies for Success. Connect with Dr Perry: performanceinmind.co.uk josephineperry.co.uk Download Michaela's free guide to Calm the Overwhelm here: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/calm