Episode 338: I Never Finish Anything! ADHD & the last 5%

from I'm Busy Being Awesome - Sustainable Productivity for ADHD · host Paula Engebretson

Ever find yourself 95% done with a task… and somehow still not finishing it? In this episode, we're talking about what I call the infinite 5% — that last little stretch of a project that somehow takes forever. We'll break down why this pattern shows up (especially for ADHD brains), what's actually going on when it feels impossible to cross the finish line, and two powerful mindset shifts that can help you finally finish — or give yourself permission to pause — without guilt or burnout. You'll learn: Why the last 5% of a task feels so hard to finish — and how ADHD brains get stuck in the "almost done" loop The five hidden challenges that make completing projects feel overwhelming (even when you're this close) Two ADHD-friendly ways to redefine what "done" really means — without relying on perfection or burnout Work With Me: 👉 Join We're Busy Being Awesome (group coaching) 👉 Discover Your ADHD Overwhelm Type - Free Quiz! 👉 Enroll in Overwhelm to Action - step by step course for ADHD Brains 👉 Learn more about private coaching here 👉 Join us in Overwhelm to Action here More ADHD Resources: Discover my favorite ADHD resources Learn my Top 10 Tips to Work With Your ADHD Brain Access the I'm Busy Being Awesome Planning System Get the I'm Busy Being Awesome Podcast Roadmap Free course: ADHD Routine Revamp This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure info here. Leave IBBA A Rating & Review! If you enjoy the podcast, would you be a rockstar and leave a review? Doing so helps others find the show and spreads these tools to even more people. Go to Apple Podcasts Click on the I'm Busy Being Awesome podcast Scroll down to the bottom of the page, where you see the reviews. Simply tap five stars; that's it! Bonus points if you're willing to leave a few sentences sharing what you enjoy about the podcast or a key takeaway from the episode you just heard. Thanks, friend! Chapter Outline 00:00 Introduction: The Infinite 5% 01:40 Understanding the Infinite 5% 02:19 Real-Life Examples of the Infinite 5% 04:34 Why the Last 5% is So Challenging 09:24 Perfectionism and the Expanding 5% 12:18 Redefining 'Done' 17:32 Practical Steps to Define 'Done' 19:22 Final Thoughts

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This episode is 22 minutes long.

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This episode was published on January 19, 2026.

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