Feel Burnt Out and Behind? Read This

Let’s face it: the U.S. is obsessed with hustle culture.

You know the one: everyone is grinding 24/7, posting their success stories on social media, and making you feel like you should be doing the same.

But for those of us with ADHD, this relentless push can lead to burnout and a whole lot of money shame.

It's possible to break this cycle through changing the way we talk to ourselves, setting small goals, and actually limiting our exposure to hustle culture.

In this blog we'll explore how ADHD and personal finance collide in this crazy capitalistic world and how we can break free from the cycle.

Understanding Hustle Culture, ADHD, and Personal Finance: A Complicated Relationship

ADHD is like having a brain that’s constantly switching channels.

One minute you’re focused on a task, and the next, you’re daydreaming about what to have for dinner. This can make managing finances feel like trying to herd cats.

Spoiler alert: it’s messy.

For many with ADHD, traditional financial advice is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. You know, the kind that looks good but doesn’t really do anything? The struggle to plan, save, and resist impulsive spending can create a perfect storm of financial chaos.

And let’s be real—who wants that kind of stress??

The Hustle Culture Trap: How ADHD and Finance Don’t Mix

Now, let’s talk about hustle culture.

It’s everywhere!

You scroll through Instagram, and it’s all about “rise and grind” and “hustle harder.”

But for those of us with ADHD, this can feel like trying to run a marathon with one shoe on.

The pressure to be constantly productive can lead to burnout faster than you can say “impulse buy.”

From ADDitude: The Antidote to ADHD Fatigue and Exhaustion? Stacking Habits (and Spoons)

When you’re bombarded with success stories, it’s easy to feel inadequate. You might think, “Why can’t I keep up?” This mindset can lead to anxiety and a sense of hopelessness about your financial situation.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

It’s not fun.

The Money Shame Spiral: The Intersection of ADHD and Finance

So, let’s get real for a second.

Money shame is a thing, and it’s a nasty little beast. If you have (or suspect you have) ADHD, the challenges of managing finances can lead to a cycle of shame that’s hard to break.

You might find yourself making impulsive purchases, only to feel guilty later. It’s like a bad relationship—you keep going back, even though you know it’s not good for you.

This shame often comes from societal expectations.

We’re told we should be able to handle our finances, but when we can’t, it feels like we’ve failed.

And let’s be honest, nobody wants to admit they’re struggling with money! It’s like showing up to a formal party in sweatpants—awkward and a little embarrassing.

If your social feeds are full of content pushing hustle culture and making your first million from sitting in sweatpants all day (again, the sweatpants), it's probably reinforcing that there's something wrong with you!

The Emotional Toll of ADHD and Personal Finance

The emotional toll of burnout and financial mismanagement can be heavy. Anxiety and that sinking feeling in your stomach when you check your bank account can all take a toll.

And you're doing your best!

Maybe you're working extra shifts, taking on a second job, or going hard after a promotion.

It’s like a rollercoaster ride you didn’t sign up for.

And the fear of judgment from others? That just adds fuel to the fire. "Why is everybody else so good at this but me?"

Well, here’s the kicker: you’re not alone.

Many people with ADHD face similar struggles. The key is to break the silence and start talking about it.

Because let’s be real—money is a topic we all need to discuss, even if it makes us a little uncomfortable.

Strategies to Break Free from ADHD Personal Finance Challenges

So, how do we escape this cycle of burnout and money shame?

It's not by starting 50 side hustles, buying books from the biggest hustle culture creators, or creating random LLCs.

It's by taking small, intentional steps. 

Below are five practical tips to help you start to make changes in your personal finances without losing your mind (or your money).

🚨 Before you read the tips...

It's easy for us ADHDers to constantly consume information and feel like we're making meaningful changes or getting things done.

(Aka...productive procrastination)

I'm not judging you. I've been there, and will be there again. 

I'm not here to tell you you're not doing enough! You're reading this far, which shows that you're invested on some level to changing your life and ditching these toxic cycles.

AND... I want to challenge you:

Pick one thing from the list below and add it to your daily routine over the next week. Just one!

Your brain might scream at you "THIS WILL NEVER WORK! WE MUST DO MORE AND STRESS OVER IT!"

I'm here to tell you that this is nonsense, and it's normal to have those thoughts.

Which actually leads perfectly into our first tip... 

1. Build awareness around your inner voice 

Before building a perfectly color coded budget in excel or your favorite budgeting app to will yourself into financial perfection, develop a new relationship with yourself.

What do we mean by this? Figure out how you talk to yourself.

The inner dialogue you have.

Not sure how to do this? Start by noticing how you're talking about yourself. You're probably doing it right now!

"This is so dumb, it will never work"

"I feel pretty seen!"

"I tried this before, I'm no good at it"

"I'll always be bad with money"

What are you saying to yourself as you read this? What do you tell yourself when you think about money and your financial health?

Financial struggles are common, and you’re not alone in this.

What it looks like in practice: Next time you buy something, literally anything, notice... what are you thinking? how do you feel in your body? what emotions are coming up? 

Awareness is the first step in making a meaningful change.

Instead of beating yourself up for past mistakes, focus on building awareness and learning. Remember, even superheroes have their off days.

2. Set Realistic Goals for ADHD and Your Personal Finances

This one is pretty simple.

Set realistic financial goals and break them down into bite-sized pieces.

Instead of saying...

“I want to be financially free so I can leave my job and play video games all day”

...try...

“I’ll save $100 this month, by (1) opening a high-yield savings account, (2) setting up automatic $25 deposits from my paycheck, and (3) not getting a physical card, so it's harder for me to spend the money.”

You can totally do this!

Then...celebrate those small wins! 

3. Limit Hustle Culture Exposure

Take a break from the hustle culture. Curate your social media feeds to include content that promotes balance and self-care.

Is there a creator who you still follow that makes you feel like you're "behind"? Or not _____ enough?

This is your sign to unfollow them. 

Not forever, just for now.

Take 10 minutes today and do this on Instagram. 10 more minutes tomorrow for TikTok. 10 minutes the next day for YouTube. Etc. Etc.

Instead, surround yourself with supportive communities that understand the unique challenges of managing finances with ADHD.

You don’t need more pressure; you need more support.

Bonus: Seek Professional Help for ADHD and Finance

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider seeking help from a therapist or a financial coach who gets it.

Look for someone who specializes in working with people with ADHD.

They can help you develop personalized strategies that make sense for your unique situation.

Plus, it’s nice to have someone in your corner.

🎥 Dr. Russell Barkley: How to Locate an ADHD Specialist Near You (5 min. watch)

Embrace a New Approach to ADHD and Personal Finance

Managing your ADHD and personal finance in a world of hustle culture can be tough, but it’s not impossible.

By embracing self-awareness and compassion, setting realistic goals, and getting help when you need it, you can foster a healthier relationship with money.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey!

Let’s challenge the norms of hustle culture together and create a more compassionate approach to financial management.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the money—it’s about living a life that feels good. And that’s something we can all get behind!

Are you ready to build financial confidence?