Doom Boxes: Why We Can't Let Go — ADHD, Biases, and Practical Fixes
from The Brain Coach Hosted by Mary Turos
In this episode Mary explains the concept of "doom boxes"—places where people dump items they intend to sort later—and why they’re common, especially with ADHD. She covers the psychological and neurological reasons we hold on to things, including executive function challenges, the endowment effect, sunk cost bias, and emotional attachment. The episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies: shrink tasks into short sessions, use clear bins and a three-bin system (keep/donate/trash), set donation deadlines, try body-doubling for initiation, and photograph sentimental items as substitutes. It also explains how to reframe value judgments (would I buy this today?) and build habits that survive low-motivation days. Overall, the show frames doom boxes as coping strategies that can be bounded and managed rather than moral failings, and promises a follow-up with more guidance.
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