"The strategy worked. Then it stopped working... and I can't start again." If that sentence hits you in the feels, you are not alone, and you are not failing.

In Episode 48, Katherine breaks down the novelty trap: why shiny new productivity systems feel like 'the answer', then collapse and trigger the familiar shame spiral.

You'll learn:

• why urgency, novelty, and external pressure are unstable fuels,
• why "trick-based" systems often stop working after late diagnosis (hint: it's growth, not regression), and
• how to build sustainable systems that survive the bad days.

The change? Aim for continuity over consistency. Reduce the steps and conscious choices instead of increasing pressure and "I should". Externalise your memory. Design smooth, fun re-entry ramps so your system can be restarted in the middle of mess.

THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU IF

• You keep finding a new app, planner or routine that works for a few weeks, then collapses
• You're late-diagnosed and the "when it stops working" moment feels personal
• You want ADHD strategies that hold on low-capacity days, not just your best day

IN THIS EPISODE

• The novelty trap pattern: why "it worked, then it didn't" is predictable, not a character flaw
• The three fuels: urgency, novelty, and external pressure, and why they burn out
• The research lens: reward, reinforcement, delay aversion, and executive function load
• The reframe: continuity over consistency, and systems that survive bad days
• Practical design principles: reduce friction, externalise memory, and build re-entry ramps

TIMESTAMPS (Approximate)

00:00 - Intro 01:05 - Naming the problem: the honeymoon phase and the crash

04:30 - Explanation and research: urgency, novelty, pressure, and why motivation fades

16:45 - A late-diagnosis layer: when insight makes brittle strategies snap

19:30 - Your change? what to build instead

27:30 - Wrap-up and next steps

Full episode page with transcript and research links at: https://lightbulbadhd.com/yourls/048noveltytrap

WORK WITH KATHERINE 1:1

If this episode named something you've been living with, 1:1 coaching is where we work it out together.

https://lightbulbadhd.com/yourls/coaching

TAKE THE QUIZ

Not sure where your ADHD is stopping you when you're trying to take action? Try the free quiz to find out.

https://lightbulbadhd.com/yourls/048quiz

CONNECT WITH KATHERINE

Website: https://lightbulbadhd.com/

Instagram: @adhd_coach_katherine

ABOUT THE SHOW

Powerful Possibilities is a podcast for late-diagnosed adults with ADHD who want to enjoy life instead of being on the productivity hamster wheel and ready to try something that actually works.

Hosted by Katherine Sanders, ICF PCC and PAAC PCAC certified ADHD coach.