When I went in for bladder issues, I decided to drink more water. I got myself a filter bottle, set alarms for every waking hour, and drank 4 large swallows each alarm. When I returned from my procedure for kidney stones, I added alarms for every half- hour and started drinking 8 large swallows each alarm. I'm now drinking a *lot* more water than I was a few years ago. That plan worked!
Cass, you have no idea the impact YOU had on my life. I was a hoarder until I discovered your channel. Not only was I able to declutter, clean, organize and create a system that would keep things that way. I managed it. Now I know where everything is. Also I was the person who was always late and couldn't meet any deadline. That also change once I got organized. You're the best. My life is on track because I discovered your channel.
I don't think I technically fit the definition of hoarder, my home looks like it. Severe MS fatigue, injuries to my hand/wrist/elbow, leaning over causes balance issues plus several special needs cats have wrecked my home. I am happy to get rid of all of it. Been doing a research study on a new approach for fatigue...and it has helped some. I just filled up my first bag of trash today. Only 100+ more to go. (Kidding. I hope!) 🌄
I’m not parking on getting there! I where you used to be! I’ve never really called myself a hoarder. I don’t keep collections of things. I have bottles though from sparkling cider I drank with my grandkids on New year’s eve! I have toys my grandkids don’t play with anymore, yet aren’t so special I want to save for their kids! I have boxes from gifts I have given my grandkids, because I want to remember. And my memory is getting bad! I have started taking pictures of stuff though, then recycling these bottles and packages I don’t need or truly want in my house. My house is clean! I keep my dishes and laundry clean, vacuum, sweep, mop, clean my bathrooms etc. Clutter is my big problem.
I was watching an older podcast, and then lost it, I wanted to make a comment, so I’ll do it here. You talked about 5 areas of self discipline, and mentioned identity. That sparked something in me. I am an artist. There I said it! But for 50 whole years I was a person raising 4 high maintenance children, all over the ADHD spectrum, I had 2 failed marriages. Feeling like a failure because of the “broken home” stigma. I worked to support my family with no other financial support. Always in debt. The worst words I could hear were, “mommy, I don’t feel good”… all I could see were $$ signs in my head. I often wondered if I was a working mother, or a mother who worked. I did not have jobs that gave any satisfaction but was afraid to change for fear of change. Well eventually the kids grew up, there was a big difference in their ages, one was a grandchild (my third daughter was head injured in a car accident and eventually became involved with drugs and passed away). There were no dull moments. You are right, it is hard to have girl friends when so much life is in the way. My grandson was born with multiple anomalies and clinical diagnosis of acute ADHD and ODD. I was on every principal’s speed dial! Even during this phase of life, I was able to have family breakfast and dinners, play games, do homework and keep the dishes and laundry done and the house tidy. I took great pride in that. I retired, the last one moved to live with a care giver after graduating. I finally became my own person. I am an artist. I have friends, I take tai chi, I volunteer with my church. I balance my protein and carbohydrates and go to McDonalds for a small hamburger (no fries). All the things you talked about in that (other podcast), I can identify with. I went from homeless with two babies, struggled with finances, remarried 7 years later, my husband suffered from PTSD and Children and Youth told me they would take my then 3 children unless I found a safe place for them. He passed away a few years later. I worked hard at being the best mother I could, although I don’t feel the appreciation that I deserve. The gratifying points are that I survived!, I have wonderful kids who love each other. I am finally debt free. …. And…. That I can finally call myself an artist…. My life long ambition. I’m 76.
You’re not lazy, Cas. It’s not even that you don’t have self-discipline. It’s that your brain doesn’t see the reward in some of those things. Drinking water, taking a walk, those things are hard for you because it’s more punishment than reward. It’s registers as more cortisol than dopamine. When you write down the goal and you achieve it, you get a big high-five from yourself. It’s the reward that makes you do the thing. And planning works because it helps you visualize the goal before you get it, so you get dopamine from the anticipation of a reward, and you get serotonin and dopamine and endorphins and all the good things when you check a task off that list. Your brain is entirely driven by positive chemicals and the negative chemicals cause a kind of paralysis for you. So you have to reshape literally everything into something that will produce happy chemicals for you before you can try.
I literally just had an ‘ah ha’ moment in terms of why it seems daunting to achieve my home related goals! Everything I want to achieve is a MACRO goal not broken down into smaller actions. 😮. Thanks for helping the lightbulb go on. Thanks for the printable as well!!
I have always thought I was lazy. I found out almost 2yrs ago that I too have adhd. In the midst of discussing all of my issues with my psychiatrist I discovered I also have something called executive dysfunction. There are a lot of UA-cam videos on executive dysfunction & then it all started making sense to me. I’m working on trying to get my sh*t together. It’s not easy. I need to clean & declutter my entire house. The problem is I get so overwhelmed that I feel paralyzed and I don’t do anything. This has been extremely hard to work on and I haven’t accomplished anything yet. I also work 12hr shifts 4-5 days a week along with having fibromyalgia and a fractured spine. I need to try dissecting my goal and break it down and see if it helps.
Executive dysfunction is a major problem for most of us with ADHD. It is my greatest symptom and challenge. I was diagnosed at 60, just a year ago, so I have a lot to learn.
Hey Cass, First of all , you are amazing, the impact you are creating in people's life is just beyond measure. I am a working women with a kid and a small stuffed apartment. I had this room filled with stuff and clothes and what not and I was planning to clean and declutter it from so long but didn't find the energy to do it. What I did yesterday I put this podcast of yours on my laptop. the point when you said "take a trash bag and just start putting things in it, don't think of recycling everything they eventually have to go in trash" and that was the turning point. I cleaned and declutter the whole room in a single day. and its so beautiful now that my husband is even amazed. The room is literally breathing, so am I. its so bright now. In fact, my whole house! Thank you
Good video! My goal since July has been to lose two lbs. a month. I have never bern able to lose much weight. Since last July I have lost 17 lbs. I eat later in morning. It may be breakfast or lunch. I watch everything the body reads as sugar. I eat carbs, but try to make them good carbs. No pressure. If I want a snack, I eat it. I drink just one surgary drink a day. I try to exercise, but don't always do it. If I had known this was all I had to do to lose weight and keep it off, I would have. The first month, I lost .8 of a lb. Wasn't going to stop. On my phone, I write down a 2 lb. weught loss goal and start where I am. I writr the date and what weight was beside it. Weight goes up and down without reason. I watch it bounce between 2- 3 numbers for awhile and it finally drops. I am not a dr. and not saying this works for everyone, but it has worked for me. It is sustainable for me. Special goals do work. I will lose weight so I can be healthy.
I so appreciate you being real about how adulting doesn't necessarily come naturally & you have to redirect. This is so me!! & It's easy to feel alone in my lack of being responsible 🥴 so thank you!!
9:56 was very funny to me because last night my mind was racing and I decided to put on your podcast to help me sleep. Your voice is extremely comforting for me and following what you were speaking about helped me slow down my thoughts/narrow in on one train of thought. I was out in 5 minutes after trying to fall asleep dor an hour. That said, I am rewatching now to take in the info but thank you Cass for simply being amazing.
I found your video at 4 am after I cleaned up the mess from my colon cancer bag. I am exhausted due to low potassium and electrolytes. I also have a rash near my stoma. For some reason you had your calming voice on today and this helped me get back to sleep. After starting my medication for these problems I am feeling better. I'm not sure but sometimes your voice is sort of a medicine for me.
OMG Cas!! Yes! So for me today!! Forgetting to remember-it’s so true!! Those little habits that get forgotten- we need to habit stack (Atomic Habits…) put the vitamins next to the coffee maker, or water bottle by the fridge so we don’t go in there, doing my 20 sit ups before in get out of bed, my sissy push ups while my coffee brews and I take my vitamins before I take my first sip of coffee! I have been doing these small habits. You are so right! Planning is the key. Break it down into manageable steps. Never leave a room empty handed. You said so many things that I have been saying since reading Atomic Habits. You are the best! Thanks so much 🥰
Cas, I can’t thank you enough for this video. I loved the way you spoke and shared your thoughts. I felt like you were talking directly to me. You have such a gift of being simultaneously direct and friendly. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips for achieving goals! I really want to learn more about this.
THIS podcast was for me! Thank you, Cass - I love you! I stay so overwhelmed and I have that laziness that you spoke of. THIS is the day that I break my tasks into individual plans to get my house in shape... one room at a time by doing a small section at a time with a plan on how to do that section.
You’re not lazy Dear ONE…we all have talents and they are not all the same. You have learned about “Who “ you are. It’s from there you build a good life. You have found a way to help many of us who have had no idea where to start. You make I easier for us to giggle at the mess this life can be. ❤❤❤ you
"Sky in the pie, really high..... thing." Yes. I know exactly what you mean. Thank you for being so encouraging. For me, its the difference between "I want to have..." and specific action steps. Thank you for articulating this difference so clearly.
First of all, you are literally my FAVORITE person on the internet 😂❤but you are so relatable, especially with my severe adhd, so thank you for always being real and being YOU!!
My partner also has ADHD, and one of the biggest things I have learned to help him do more, is knowing that I need to set up a "path of least resistance" for things. It uses far more energy if he has to mentally sort through each part of a task as a separate thing, but when you simplify the process, he will do more without realizing. A great example is coffee. I've been reorganizing the house to move in, and where he used to go out for coffee every time, now the pot is next to the sink which is easier to set up. The coffee itself is in the cabinet right above it, the spoons are in the drawer underneath, and the fridge with his creamer is on the other side. When he wants to make coffee every step is within arms reach so he doesn't have to run around thinking about all the steps. The more things I do this with, the more productive he's become, and the happier he's been at home.
The Book Atomic Habits was a game changer for me. Small steps done over time makes a difference in week, a month, 3 months from now etc. Sometimes it is difficult to create new habits when we do not see immediate results. Drinking water daily for a week - you might not notice anything. But imagine in a month or 6 months time how that one habit can make a difference. Sometimes I forget this lesson and today you reminded me of it.
I might have to try to read AH again. Somehow I couldn’t get into it. So of course I am listening to Cass and feeling just like her. It’s not hard for me to get motivated, it’s just very hard for me to get in motion. One thing I AM doing is the 20 minute lie on floor with my legs flat against the wall. It’s a start, especially because I finally cleared a space in front of wall so I could do it.
Thank you Cas! This was so helpful!!! Whether you intend to or not, you are a true blessing & gift from God. Your ah-ha became my ah-ha. I write goals, I make lists, I have posted pictures on a dream board... What is missing??? A plan broken down into easy action steps & a concrete commitment to follow the plan & take those small action steps. Macro Goal: Drink more water! Micro action steps: Drink 8 oz of water every time I use the bathroom & the commitment is to not leave the bathroom till I finish my 8 oz of water. I find habit stacking helps as most days I fly by the seat of my pants, so I had to take an honest look at what was consistent in my life & the list was short: wake up, use the bathroom, brush teeth, go to bed at night. I even forget to remember to brush my teeth some mornings when my mind is off to the races, and bouncing like a pinball machine with all kinds of thoughts & ideas. Time to put a reminder on the bathroom mirror ;)
This was EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. I've got many good habits, but I'm also impulsive and tend to grab "whatever I darn well please" for snack(s) each day. Right NOW I am going to make a list of delicious snacks that I enjoy that I may have ONE serving of each day without guilt.
Cas, it was midnight and I started listening to your video -Praise God🎉I made myself a cup of hot tea and soaked up your words of wisdom. Duh?!! I love knocking out task lists; why not incorporate my personal related items for me?!? THANK YOU!! ❤
You are a dreamer with a great imagination, and so it is so easy to be attracted to new ideas for living. I so understand this impulse (there is a lot of dream-self clutter in my house) I like the idea of writing down all the dreams… like brain dumping your to-dos. Then I can sort into: definitely this year/month; maybe next year; and probably gonna stay a dream.
I learned a long time ago to write stuff down. Just the writing it helps the brain to remember. I picked up journaling and now as I write thoughts from my day I write my to do list for my tomorrow. If it's not written down- it probably won't happen. Maybe I should write drink more water on my list. You will succeed!
I've known about writing things down for decades. I just never did it. Maybe I did it for a short time long ago. But I like that you say to write down attainable actions. That is more useful than just a goal. The goal should be the title. The actions are the tools to reach it! Thank you for the reminder and better way to achieve it! I'm not home right now, but I did bring a notebook. I'm going to start my goal with actions list. So when I get home, I'm ready to start. 😊❤
Thanks for all the hints! I’m a list writer, but, I don’t break things down. So, therefore sometimes I get overwhelmed. I too am going to try to lose some weight, I’ve been in the hospital 3 weeks of the last 6. Having 2 surgeries. I’ve got a good start at drinking water, and eating protein, but, I’m going to write it down, so I don’t forget! Good advice, thanks again!!
Great timing for this topic! Cas, I have no desire to get up at 5am or grind my own flour, and I don't feel bad about that at all! You will find the things that work for *you*, and you don't need to put any pressure on yourself to do things that sound awful. 😂
Gave you a little cheer when you talked yourself out of buying a new water bottle. A couple of years ago, I changed from “more” water to an actual number in ounces and it was the thing that made the difference for me! I calculated using based on Pahla B’s (UA-camr who does weight loss work for women going through menopause) method of dividing your weight in pounds and having that be the amount of water you drink in fluid ounces. At first I used the notes app on my phone to track the ounces I drank by setting up a checklist for every 8 oz. I also figured out how many ounces my water bottle holds. At home we have pint glasses, so that’s an easy measure. Now I know how many of those (glasses and water bottle) I need to drink per day, and it’s become such a habit that I don’t need my checklist anymore. Good luck with that, Cas!
While I am listening, I am clearing the dining room table. Can’t believe how much has piled. Just threw out a large pile of Christmas cards from 2016, I kept them so I could keep track of who to send back to, however more than half are older relatives who have already passed away! I am a crafting materials hoarder, and this is a huge struggle to manage. But you are holding me accountable for my fantasy that I accomplish more than humanly possible. I have to face facts that I and my disabled adult son who lives with me cannot function with piles all over.
I love these! Not only do you kick my butt into doing something productive, but I like listening to these while I fold my laundry. Also as for drinking more water, I have tumblers EVERYWHERE! By my computer, by my bed, in my car, ones that come with me when I go out...
Oh my goodness!!!! This is what I teach my students and how I teach them to achieve their goals! This right here is pure genius and exactly how goals are achieved!!!! ❤
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!! This is a great time to reset the new year and get started jotting down goals and actionable steps..your timing is impeccable..I definitely needed this kick in the pants to get motivated and get started..Action!!
Thank you so much for this! I am thankful for the simple way you breakdown how to do this goal setting/planning. I struggle so much in this area of my life and always wondered why I can't seem to get things accomplished. Didn't correlate writing it down...but as I was listening to you and though about it...that is when I've been most productive. Ugh...this IS the year I'm getting my life back AND Taking MY house back. So thankful to be on this journey with you all.
Cass, you will become healthy this year because you are planning it, as you said. Once you lose a couple pounds, you will like the way it looks and then you will want to lose more, just like decluttering, once you start you want to keep going. You have helped me begin to declutter, with amazing tips on how to get started..now when I see a cluttered area, I want to declutter it. Thanks for the advice! Best of luck in your health journey! 🎉😊
OMG Cas, my husband and I just had the conversation LAST NIGHT about how we want to eat better but seem to have no control in this one area of our life. Our home is decluttered and tidy, we are frugal and debt free, but FOOD! UGH! My aha moment came listening to YOU this morning. As soon as I finish watching your video, I'm making a plan! Oh my gosh, you're just now talking about your aha moment. Going to fi ish this video now.
I told my husband last night how much I love you and just wish for one friend just like you! I wish you lived here in Nashville! That’s a dream/goal of mine
Glasses look good! My weight has been up & down. When it's been good it's because I (1) drank 8 glasses of water a day, drinking a cup every hr! (2) eating protein every meal. Peanut butter or eggs, salmon or tuna for lunch & chicken for supper! It really does make a difference! Also dont achieve much without my to do lists!❤
I always say there’s a difference between knowledge and understanding. My aha moments tend to be on something I knew for years but then something clicks and I understand. 🖤💕
Just from listening to this I remembered something we did in school. Ask yourself “what do you want it to look like?” This helps me with everything you have taught me. Because I realize that I am stuck. I did do the planning but it was missing something. Visualization!!!! Thank you for everything.
I love this podcast. Mel Robbins has wonderful advice but I adore you! Also I listened to Dawn the minimal mom when you were a guest on her podcast where you said you wanted to do more virtual organizing video and I am volunteering! I just couldn't find a way to send in a form or a place to email you.
It is easier to add a good habbit to a bad habbit in the beginning. For example: Everytime i eat unhealthy ( Pizza or Snacks) i have to eat healthy food first. ( Apple slices, banana, carotts,...)
I've done this without calling it that and I love your phrasing! Thank you! 😀 I've also found it game-changing to do things I don't want to for a few minutes (sometimes with a timer) *before* things I already do regularly and enjoy (e.g. watching TV or scrolling the internet). Habit Stacking & Temptation Bundling *work!* 🤩
Thank you...I actually started writing myself a list for myself for my health goals before I started listening to you. Thank you so much for the encouragement. 🥰
Hi Cas from Cheryl in Nova Scotia. I just found you on UA-cam a few weeks ago and I gotta say thank you. You have totally changed my world by helping me organize our home and I love your optimism and bubbly attitude. ❤
Good timing on this podcast! "Progress not perfection" is my mantra for this year. I do forget to remember the small things and get overwhelmed by the big ones. I'll start adding those little things into my planner. It's also apt in that I'm in the early stages of prepping for weight loss surgery. I've started to change my diet and working on upping my protein, so your talk was almost tailor made for me. Thanks for your guidance and inspiration!
NO, not weird at all!!!! What absolutely great ideas. I use my Google Calendar that I look at every morning via my Chromebook but is also an App on my phone. Yes, I also have the standard 'Pay This Bill', Dr appointment etc but I also include items/tasks as they come to mind. While watching TV I think OH, replace air fresheners, sew the tear in your coat pocket. I have to or these thoughts will evaporate into the ether lol. I had NEVER thought about adding the steps to goals which is perfect. I also need to increase water intake and I WILL add this as well. Thank you. I am off to do some more planning. Take good care.
Use any water bottle that you can see (even faintly) the water inside. Use permanent marker (white marker looks prettier) and mark around every 200ml or 7oz level, write the time next to the mark, like 8am, 10am etc.
Thank you! You are so right! I brought the water bottle to work last week and still haven't filled it. Tomorrow is the day it goes on my list and I make progress!
Cas, I just love listening to you and all you have to offer!! You are so, so positive and inspiring!! A year ago I was so good at writing daily goals the night before to stay on point when I owned my biz, but after I sold it, the personal lists I write have become random and vague. Thanks so much for this reminder... because I got distracted and forgot! My routine changed and I forgot to write daily or weekly goals etc.Thanks again for this great reminder to take action again, for me! In 2023, some things took months to accomplish, then off the list and out of mind. So I did write a list of what I achieved in 2023, as I move on to this new year of 2024... and I'm really expecting an awesome year!
I think the writing it down is a huge part Cass, but I also think that you might be afraid of failing. Regardless of how you do, you are still loved for you. I really hope that you put out videos and just talking about your health journey. Record yourself every time you’re in the weight room and then do a mashup of every time you’re in there or anytime you want for a walk just so we can hold you accountable
Thank you so much Cass this talk was amazing. ❤very insightful. I haven't planned out in a while, but we did do a goal for our finances to pay off a credit card before 2023 was done and we wrote it out and accomplished it 😅. So that's another step for 2024, plus other organizing and decluttering goals. Thank you for this talk, I'm definitely sharing with friends ❤❤
Cass, this was great!! I was just texting my friend I was having a hard time with setting my goals and getting started. This came at the perfect time and I get it. Thank you for sharing.
This is a wonderful podcast for someone like me! It's really nice hearing someone with the same struggles that's sharing how they help overcome it ❤ Thank you Cas!
I had you on my mind today, riding on my shoulder like the "good angel" while I did some RELEVANT retail shopping. Good news... I avoided "bright and shiny" and bought only what I needed. Feels good! Thank you so much for your wisdom and sharing, you have helped me soooo much and I am so much happier. I LOVE the timer tip, the lists, the "just do it for 5 minutes." By following your tips and guidance, I have now decluttered my entire house and garage, except for one final OVERWHEMING corner of my basement. With your help, as overwhelming and scary as this is... I am determined to complete it this weekend and turn a giant junk heal into a recording studio and Kalifornia Kloset. Thaks, Cas, YOU ROCK!
Ironically, I had the same “aha” moment about a month ago, but just came across this podcast episode now. I’m excited to take a look at your corresponding printables to see if using them will be easier than my rudimentary notebook version. 😄 Thanks Cass!
The printables are such a great tool! Some pages I have laminated (like the 1 day daily planner) then I can use a wet erase marker on it. Check off as done. Clean off when done … rinse repeat :). Thank you for all the amazing advice (That really works) and tools Cas!
Not weird at all! I feel stuck and have been searching and listening to videos to help me create the life I want. One thing I've started is to write down my thoughts as they come up. I might be busy at the time but I can spare a few seconds to capture the ideas on separate post-its. In the evening or mornings depending on my work shifts I'll review and incorporate it in my to-do list or plan for later. I already use a planner to keep score of my working hours so why not schedule in actionable steps towards my goals, as well? Bonus of this podcasts is... more protein!! Thank you, I appreciate all that you do!
Cass, I look up to you SO much and would NEVER have thought of you as lazy or lacking discipline. I am continually amazed at your achievements. Now I am going to go and write down some goals that I want to accomplish (like drink 80oz of water TODAY). I needed this! Thank you SO much!!!
This blew my mind. You’re so right !!! I will make an actual plan and break it down. I’ve been wanting to sort out my career so I’m excited to actually write it down so I don’t forget to remember 💜
Thank you so much for this episode! See myself in what you talk about only in a diffrent part of my everyday life. Free PDF printing it wright now! Wow!! ❤
Great video Cass- have you heard of 12 week year? Health is hard because flour and sugar is very addicting. The 12 week year book really helps with health goals. It makes things more urgent and breaks down into tasks like you talked about.
Thank you so much Cas for the free download printables! I have been making my daily to do lists again. I get a whole lot of nowhere or scrambled up days without them. They definitely keep me on track. Your tips on goals and breaking them down and adding these small steps to “daily to do” list sounds great! Wishing everyone the best with your goals! Love and hugs, Silicon Valley Mom ❤️
Mel's goal video and workbook is amazing! You're so right, goals need to be broken down and we need to be reminded every day to do something, no matter how small, to move us towards that goal.
Thank you, Cas, for making it easier for me to actually DO something 😁 Simple tips work the best for me. The difference between a plan and a goal, to achieve my goal, WRITE OUT A PLAN! I also have the remember KISS, keep it simple, stupid 😁 Thanks again. Be well, Sally 🌹
When I went in for bladder issues, I decided to drink more water. I got myself a filter bottle, set alarms for every waking hour, and drank 4 large swallows each alarm.
When I returned from my procedure for kidney stones, I added alarms for every half- hour and started drinking 8 large swallows each alarm.
I'm now drinking a *lot* more water than I was a few years ago. That plan worked!
proper planning prevents poor performance AND promotes peace. 💝
Cass, you have no idea the impact YOU had on my life.
I was a hoarder until I discovered your channel. Not only was I able to declutter, clean, organize and create a system that would keep things that way.
I managed it. Now I know where everything is.
Also I was the person who was always late and couldn't meet any deadline. That also change once I got organized.
You're the best. My life is on track because I discovered your channel.
I don't think I technically fit the definition of hoarder, my home looks like it. Severe MS fatigue, injuries to my hand/wrist/elbow, leaning over causes balance issues plus several special needs cats have wrecked my home. I am happy to get rid of all of it. Been doing a research study on a new approach for fatigue...and it has helped some. I just filled up my first bag of trash today. Only 100+ more to go. (Kidding. I hope!) 🌄
I’m not parking on getting there! I where you used to be! I’ve never really called myself a hoarder. I don’t keep collections of things. I have bottles though from sparkling cider I drank with my grandkids on New year’s eve! I have toys my grandkids don’t play with anymore, yet aren’t so special I want to save for their kids! I have boxes from gifts I have given my grandkids, because I want to remember. And my memory is getting bad! I have started taking pictures of stuff though, then recycling these bottles and packages I don’t need or truly want in my house. My house is clean! I keep my dishes and laundry clean, vacuum, sweep, mop, clean my bathrooms etc. Clutter is my big problem.
@@noonetalksaboutaaroncarterPlease don't get rid of the cats. Everyone deserves a home.😿
I was watching an older podcast, and then lost it, I wanted to make a comment, so I’ll do it here. You talked about 5 areas of self discipline, and mentioned identity. That sparked something in me. I am an artist. There I said it! But for 50 whole years I was a person raising 4 high maintenance children, all over the ADHD spectrum, I had 2 failed marriages. Feeling like a failure because of the “broken home” stigma. I worked to support my family with no other financial support. Always in debt. The worst words I could hear were, “mommy, I don’t feel good”… all I could see were $$ signs in my head. I often wondered if I was a working mother, or a mother who worked. I did not have jobs that gave any satisfaction but was afraid to change for fear of change. Well eventually the kids grew up, there was a big difference in their ages, one was a grandchild (my third daughter was head injured in a car accident and eventually became involved with drugs and passed away). There were no dull moments. You are right, it is hard to have girl friends when so much life is in the way. My grandson was born with multiple anomalies and clinical diagnosis of acute ADHD and ODD. I was on every principal’s speed dial! Even during this phase of life, I was able to have family breakfast and dinners, play games, do homework and keep the dishes and laundry done and the house tidy. I took great pride in that. I retired, the last one moved to live with a care giver after graduating. I finally became my own person. I am an artist. I have friends, I take tai chi, I volunteer with my church. I balance my protein and carbohydrates and go to McDonalds for a small hamburger (no fries). All the things you talked about in that (other podcast), I can identify with. I went from homeless with two babies, struggled with finances, remarried 7 years later, my husband suffered from PTSD and Children and Youth told me they would take my then 3 children unless I found a safe place for them. He passed away a few years later. I worked hard at being the best mother I could, although I don’t feel the appreciation that I deserve. The gratifying points are that I survived!, I have wonderful kids who love each other. I am finally debt free. …. And…. That I can finally call myself an artist…. My life long ambition. I’m 76.
You’re an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your story.
True superwoman…you should be appreciated and then some. Way to go!!🎉😊
Oh my goodness-you sound like an amazing person -a warrior!!!❤
You go girl! Be proud of your accomplishments!
"Proper planning" reminds me of a quote I learned years ago from a vocal coach - " Proper preparation prevents poor performance"
You’re not lazy, Cas. It’s not even that you don’t have self-discipline. It’s that your brain doesn’t see the reward in some of those things. Drinking water, taking a walk, those things are hard for you because it’s more punishment than reward. It’s registers as more cortisol than dopamine.
When you write down the goal and you achieve it, you get a big high-five from yourself. It’s the reward that makes you do the thing. And planning works because it helps you visualize the goal before you get it, so you get dopamine from the anticipation of a reward, and you get serotonin and dopamine and endorphins and all the good things when you check a task off that list. Your brain is entirely driven by positive chemicals and the negative chemicals cause a kind of paralysis for you. So you have to reshape literally everything into something that will produce happy chemicals for you before you can try.
I literally just had an ‘ah ha’ moment in terms of why it seems daunting to achieve my home related goals! Everything I want to achieve is a MACRO goal not broken down into smaller actions. 😮. Thanks for helping the lightbulb go on. Thanks for the printable as well!!
I have always thought I was lazy. I found out almost 2yrs ago that I too have adhd. In the midst of discussing all of my issues with my psychiatrist I discovered I also have something called executive dysfunction. There are a lot of UA-cam videos on executive dysfunction & then it all started making sense to me. I’m working on trying to get my sh*t together. It’s not easy. I need to clean & declutter my entire house. The problem is I get so overwhelmed that I feel paralyzed and I don’t do anything. This has been extremely hard to work on and I haven’t accomplished anything yet. I also work 12hr shifts 4-5 days a week along with having fibromyalgia and a fractured spine. I need to try dissecting my goal and break it down and see if it helps.
Executive dysfunction is a major problem for most of us with ADHD. It is my greatest symptom and challenge. I was diagnosed at 60, just a year ago, so I have a lot to learn.
Hey Cass, First of all , you are amazing, the impact you are creating in people's life is just beyond measure.
I am a working women with a kid and a small stuffed apartment. I had this room filled with stuff and clothes and what not and I was planning to clean and declutter it from so long but didn't find the energy to do it. What I did yesterday I put this podcast of yours on my laptop. the point when you said "take a trash bag and just start putting things in it, don't think of recycling everything they eventually have to go in trash" and that was the turning point. I cleaned and declutter the whole room in a single day. and its so beautiful now that my husband is even amazed. The room is literally breathing, so am I. its so bright now. In fact, my whole house!
Thank you
Good video! My goal since July has been to lose two lbs. a month. I have never bern able to lose much weight. Since last July I have lost 17 lbs. I eat later in morning. It may be breakfast or lunch. I watch everything the body reads as sugar. I eat carbs, but try to make them good carbs. No pressure. If I want a snack, I eat it. I drink just one surgary drink a day. I try to exercise, but don't always do it. If I had known this was all I had to do to lose weight and keep it off, I would have. The first month, I lost .8 of a lb. Wasn't going to stop. On my phone, I write down a 2 lb. weught loss goal and start where I am. I writr the date and what weight was beside it. Weight goes up and down without reason. I watch it bounce between 2- 3 numbers for awhile and it finally drops. I am not a dr. and not saying this works for everyone, but it has worked for me. It is sustainable for me. Special goals do work. I will lose weight so I can be healthy.
I so appreciate you being real about how adulting doesn't necessarily come naturally & you have to redirect. This is so me!! & It's easy to feel alone in my lack of being responsible 🥴 so thank you!!
9:56 was very funny to me because last night my mind was racing and I decided to put on your podcast to help me sleep. Your voice is extremely comforting for me and following what you were speaking about helped me slow down my thoughts/narrow in on one train of thought. I was out in 5 minutes after trying to fall asleep dor an hour. That said, I am rewatching now to take in the info but thank you Cass for simply being amazing.
I found your video at 4 am after I cleaned up the mess from my colon cancer bag. I am exhausted due to low potassium and electrolytes. I also have a rash near my stoma. For some reason you had your calming voice on today and this helped me get back to sleep. After starting my medication for these problems I am feeling better. I'm not sure but sometimes your voice is sort of a medicine for me.
❤❤❤ that you found her at a rough time. I also pray you are feeling so much better!!!
OMG Cas!! Yes! So for me today!! Forgetting to remember-it’s so true!! Those little habits that get forgotten- we need to habit stack (Atomic Habits…) put the vitamins next to the coffee maker, or water bottle by the fridge so we don’t go in there, doing my 20 sit ups before in get out of bed, my sissy push ups while my coffee brews and I take my vitamins before I take my first sip of coffee! I have been doing these small habits. You are so right! Planning is
the key. Break it down into manageable steps. Never leave a room empty handed. You said so many things that I have been saying since reading Atomic Habits. You are the best! Thanks so much 🥰
Cas, I can’t thank you enough for this video. I loved the way you spoke and shared your thoughts. I felt like you were talking directly to me. You have such a gift of being simultaneously direct and friendly. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips for achieving goals! I really want to learn more about this.
This is the best podcast I’ve ever heard!! Such a tremendous impact! Thank you so very much!!
THIS podcast was for me! Thank you, Cass - I love you! I stay so overwhelmed and I have that laziness that you spoke of. THIS is the day that I break my tasks into individual plans to get my house in shape... one room at a time by doing a small section at a time with a plan on how to do that section.
You’re not lazy Dear ONE…we all have talents and they are not all the same. You have learned about “Who “ you are. It’s from there you build a good life. You have found a way to help many of us who have had no idea where to start. You make I easier for us to giggle at the mess this life can be. ❤❤❤ you
"Sky in the pie, really high..... thing."
Yes. I know exactly what you mean. Thank you for being so encouraging. For me, its the difference between "I want to have..." and specific action steps. Thank you for articulating this difference so clearly.
First of all, you are literally my FAVORITE person on the internet 😂❤but you are so relatable, especially with my severe adhd, so thank you for always being real and being YOU!!
Progress and not Perfection. Goals sound like a good idea to me. Thank you!
Progress not perfection is my life’s motto! That has helped me overcome my perfectionism, which always prevented me from taking action.
@@brendatomlinson Great motto
My partner also has ADHD, and one of the biggest things I have learned to help him do more, is knowing that I need to set up a "path of least resistance" for things. It uses far more energy if he has to mentally sort through each part of a task as a separate thing, but when you simplify the process, he will do more without realizing.
A great example is coffee. I've been reorganizing the house to move in, and where he used to go out for coffee every time, now the pot is next to the sink which is easier to set up. The coffee itself is in the cabinet right above it, the spoons are in the drawer underneath, and the fridge with his creamer is on the other side. When he wants to make coffee every step is within arms reach so he doesn't have to run around thinking about all the steps.
The more things I do this with, the more productive he's become, and the happier he's been at home.
You are beautiful and kind and are touching lives and really making an impact. THANKS for Being you! Let's do this!
The Book Atomic Habits was a game changer for me. Small steps done over time makes a difference in week, a month, 3 months from now etc. Sometimes it is difficult to create new habits when we do not see immediate results. Drinking water daily for a week - you might not notice anything. But imagine in a month or 6 months time how that one habit can make a difference. Sometimes I forget this lesson and today you reminded me of it.
I bought this e-book as well. I must read it again... thanks.
I might have to try to read AH again. Somehow I couldn’t get into it.
So of course I am listening to Cass and feeling just like her. It’s not hard for me to get motivated, it’s just very hard for me to get in motion.
One thing I AM doing is the 20 minute lie on floor with my legs flat against the wall.
It’s a start, especially because I finally cleared a space in front of wall so I could do it.
Thank you Cas! This was so helpful!!! Whether you intend to or not, you are a true blessing & gift from God. Your ah-ha became my ah-ha. I write goals, I make lists, I have posted pictures on a dream board... What is missing??? A plan broken down into easy action steps & a concrete commitment to follow the plan & take those small action steps. Macro Goal: Drink more water! Micro action steps: Drink 8 oz of water every time I use the bathroom & the commitment is to not leave the bathroom till I finish my 8 oz of water. I find habit stacking helps as most days I fly by the seat of my pants, so I had to take an honest look at what was consistent in my life & the list was short: wake up, use the bathroom, brush teeth, go to bed at night. I even forget to remember to brush my teeth some mornings when my mind is off to the races, and bouncing like a pinball machine with all kinds of thoughts & ideas. Time to put a reminder on the bathroom mirror ;)
This was EXACTLY what I needed to hear today. I've got many good habits, but I'm also impulsive and tend to grab "whatever I darn well please" for snack(s) each day. Right NOW I am going to make a list of delicious snacks that I enjoy that I may have ONE serving of each day without guilt.
Cas, it was midnight and I started listening to your video -Praise God🎉I made myself a cup of hot tea and soaked up your words of wisdom. Duh?!!
I love knocking out task lists; why not incorporate my personal related items for me?!? THANK YOU!! ❤
You’re not lazy - you have different priorities. We can’t do it all! 😊
You are a dreamer with a great imagination, and so it is so easy to be attracted to new ideas for living. I so understand this impulse (there is a lot of dream-self clutter in my house) I like the idea of writing down all the dreams… like brain dumping your to-dos. Then I can sort into: definitely this year/month; maybe next year; and probably gonna stay a dream.
I learned a long time ago to write stuff down. Just the writing it helps the brain to remember. I picked up journaling and now as I write thoughts from my day I write my to do list for my tomorrow. If it's not written down- it probably won't happen. Maybe I should write drink more water on my list. You will succeed!
I've known about writing things down for decades. I just never did it. Maybe I did it for a short time long ago. But I like that you say to write down attainable actions. That is more useful than just a goal. The goal should be the title. The actions are the tools to reach it! Thank you for the reminder and better way to achieve it! I'm not home right now, but I did bring a notebook. I'm going to start my goal with actions list. So when I get home, I'm ready to start. 😊❤
I’m so blessed that the Lord lead me to you. You motivated me to de clatter my house. 20 mins a day works for me.
Your glasses are adorable! Thanks for the reminders and encouragement!
Love, love, love those glasses on you ❤❤❤ Gorgeous colors😎🤓
Cas, I want to thank you for giving us steps to accomplish a goal. Your awesome 🎉❤
Thanks for all the hints! I’m a list writer, but, I don’t break things down. So, therefore sometimes I get overwhelmed. I too am going to try to lose some weight, I’ve been in the hospital 3 weeks of the last 6. Having 2 surgeries. I’ve got a good start at drinking water, and eating protein, but, I’m going to write it down, so I don’t forget! Good advice, thanks again!!
Thanks, Cas. I needed this because I've been failing so bad. 😢
Great timing for this topic! Cas, I have no desire to get up at 5am or grind my own flour, and I don't feel bad about that at all! You will find the things that work for *you*, and you don't need to put any pressure on yourself to do things that sound awful. 😂
Gave you a little cheer when you talked yourself out of buying a new water bottle. A couple of years ago, I changed from “more” water to an actual number in ounces and it was the thing that made the difference for me! I calculated using based on Pahla B’s (UA-camr who does weight loss work for women going through menopause) method of dividing your weight in pounds and having that be the amount of water you drink in fluid ounces. At first I used the notes app on my phone to track the ounces I drank by setting up a checklist for every 8 oz. I also figured out how many ounces my water bottle holds. At home we have pint glasses, so that’s an easy measure. Now I know how many of those (glasses and water bottle) I need to drink per day, and it’s become such a habit that I don’t need my checklist anymore. Good luck with that, Cas!
While I am listening, I am clearing the dining room table. Can’t believe how much has piled. Just threw out a large pile of Christmas cards from 2016, I kept them so I could keep track of who to send back to, however more than half are older relatives who have already passed away! I am a crafting materials hoarder, and this is a huge struggle to manage. But you are holding me accountable for my fantasy that I accomplish more than humanly possible. I have to face facts that I and my disabled adult son who lives with me cannot function with piles all over.
Such a great podcast--full of wisdom and practical ideas. You are so right about "forgetting to remember" as the biggest problem.
I love these! Not only do you kick my butt into doing something productive, but I like listening to these while I fold my laundry. Also as for drinking more water, I have tumblers EVERYWHERE! By my computer, by my bed, in my car, ones that come with me when I go out...
Oh my goodness!!!! This is what I teach my students and how I teach them to achieve their goals! This right here is pure genius and exactly how goals are achieved!!!! ❤
Appreciate your honesty. Not putting yourself down. You're realistic
You look good and sound great behind the mic. Keep it going. You have your conversation planned well with great delivery.
(Love Mel too)
Your glasses look SO good on you!!
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!! This is a great time to reset the new year and get started jotting down goals and actionable steps..your timing is impeccable..I definitely needed this kick in the pants to get motivated and get started..Action!!
Thank you so much for this! I am thankful for the simple way you breakdown how to do this goal setting/planning. I struggle so much in this area of my life and always wondered why I can't seem to get things accomplished. Didn't correlate writing it down...but as I was listening to you and though about it...that is when I've been most productive. Ugh...this IS the year I'm getting my life back AND Taking MY house back. So thankful to be on this journey with you all.
Cass, you will become healthy this year because you are planning it, as you said. Once you lose a couple pounds, you will like the way it looks and then you will want to lose more, just like decluttering, once you start you want to keep going. You have helped me begin to declutter, with amazing tips on how to get started..now when I see a cluttered area, I want to declutter it. Thanks for the advice! Best of luck in your health journey! 🎉😊
OMG Cas, my husband and I just had the conversation LAST NIGHT about how we want to eat better but seem to have no control in this one area of our life. Our home is decluttered and tidy, we are frugal and debt free, but FOOD! UGH! My aha moment came listening to YOU this morning. As soon as I finish watching your video, I'm making a plan! Oh my gosh, you're just now talking about your aha moment. Going to fi ish this video now.
I told my husband last night how much I love you and just wish for one friend just like you! I wish you lived here in Nashville! That’s a dream/goal of mine
Great advise! I love the concept of “we forget to remember”.
Glasses look good! My weight has been up & down. When it's been good it's because I (1) drank 8 glasses of water a day, drinking a cup every hr! (2) eating protein every meal. Peanut butter or eggs, salmon or tuna for lunch & chicken for supper! It really does make a difference! Also dont achieve much without my to do lists!❤
I always say there’s a difference between knowledge and understanding. My aha moments tend to be on something I knew for years but then something clicks and I understand. 🖤💕
Cas, you give hope and inspiration for so many❤ And you look elegant in those glasses!
Just from listening to this I remembered something we did in school. Ask yourself “what do you want it to look like?” This helps me with everything you have taught me. Because I realize that I am stuck. I did do the planning but it was missing something. Visualization!!!! Thank you for everything.
I love this podcast. Mel Robbins has wonderful advice but I adore you! Also I listened to Dawn the minimal mom when you were a guest on her podcast where you said you wanted to do more virtual organizing video and I am volunteering! I just couldn't find a way to send in a form or a place to email you.
It is easier to add a good habbit to a bad habbit in the beginning.
For example: Everytime i eat unhealthy ( Pizza or Snacks) i have to eat healthy food first. ( Apple slices, banana, carotts,...)
I've done this without calling it that and I love your phrasing! Thank you! 😀 I've also found it game-changing to do things I don't want to for a few minutes (sometimes with a timer) *before* things I already do regularly and enjoy (e.g. watching TV or scrolling the internet). Habit Stacking & Temptation Bundling *work!* 🤩
Thank you...I actually started writing myself a list for myself for my health goals before I started listening to you. Thank you so much for the encouragement. 🥰
Hi Cas from Cheryl in Nova Scotia.
I just found you on UA-cam a few weeks ago and I gotta say thank you. You have totally changed my world by helping me organize our home and I love your optimism and bubbly attitude. ❤
Cass, your new glasses look “amazeballs”😜 They totally match your personality!❤🤓 This was a great podcast for the new year. Thank you so much!
Good timing on this podcast! "Progress not perfection" is my mantra for this year. I do forget to remember the small things and get overwhelmed by the big ones. I'll start adding those little things into my planner.
It's also apt in that I'm in the early stages of prepping for weight loss surgery. I've started to change my diet and working on upping my protein, so your talk was almost tailor made for me. Thanks for your guidance and inspiration!
You look amazing today. Your make up is beautiful and I love your glasses.
Thank you for this. Very useful. Love your glasses by the way.
NO, not weird at all!!!! What absolutely great ideas. I use my Google Calendar that I look at every morning via my Chromebook but is also an App on my phone. Yes, I also have the standard 'Pay This Bill', Dr appointment etc but I also include items/tasks as they come to mind. While watching TV I think OH, replace air fresheners, sew the tear in your coat pocket. I have to or these thoughts will evaporate into the ether lol. I had NEVER thought about adding the steps to goals which is perfect. I also need to increase water intake and I WILL add this as well. Thank you. I am off to do some more planning. Take good care.
Use any water bottle that you can see (even faintly) the water inside.
Use permanent marker (white marker looks prettier) and mark around every 200ml or 7oz level, write the time next to the mark, like 8am, 10am etc.
Thank you! You are so right! I brought the water bottle to work last week and still haven't filled it. Tomorrow is the day it goes on my list and I make progress!
Cas, I just love listening to you and all you have to offer!! You are so, so positive and inspiring!! A year ago I was so good at writing daily goals the night before to stay on point when I owned my biz, but after I sold it, the personal lists I write have become random and vague. Thanks so much for this reminder... because I got distracted and forgot! My routine changed and I forgot to write daily or weekly goals etc.Thanks again for this great reminder to take action again, for me! In 2023, some things took months to accomplish, then off the list and out of mind. So I did write a list of what I achieved in 2023, as I move on to this new year of 2024... and I'm really expecting an awesome year!
So great! Exactly the reminder I needed today and going forward. Thanks so much!
The best thing I've heard today do not leave a room empty-handed! You are my girl!
I LOVED, LOVED this podcast‼️ THANK YOU, CAS‼️
Great insightful advice. (Those new frames are well suited to you; they look good! You appear even more elegant and youthful.)
I think the writing it down is a huge part Cass, but I also think that you might be afraid of failing. Regardless of how you do, you are still loved for you. I really hope that you put out videos and just talking about your health journey. Record yourself every time you’re in the weight room and then do a mashup of every time you’re in there or anytime you want for a walk just so we can hold you accountable
Just started video,but, I want to say I Love your glasses!😍
Oh, yes! Great podcast. Ive been eating more protein and have dropped 12 pounds in a month. It's amazing!!
Thank you so much Cass this talk was amazing. ❤very insightful. I haven't planned out in a while, but we did do a goal for our finances to pay off a credit card before 2023 was done and we wrote it out and accomplished it 😅. So that's another step for 2024, plus other organizing and decluttering goals. Thank you for this talk, I'm definitely sharing with friends ❤❤
Cass, this was great!! I was just texting my friend I was having a hard time with setting my goals and getting started. This came at the perfect time and I get it. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the honesty and inspiration! We got this girl!😀🤑
This is a wonderful podcast for someone like me! It's really nice hearing someone with the same struggles that's sharing how they help overcome it ❤
Thank you Cas!
This!!! "We forget to remember"
I had you on my mind today, riding on my shoulder like the "good angel" while I did some RELEVANT retail shopping. Good news... I avoided "bright and shiny" and bought only what I needed. Feels good! Thank you so much for your wisdom and sharing, you have helped me soooo much and I am so much happier. I LOVE the timer tip, the lists, the "just do it for 5 minutes." By following your tips and guidance, I have now decluttered my entire house and garage, except for one final OVERWHEMING corner of my basement. With your help, as overwhelming and scary as this is... I am determined to complete it this weekend and turn a giant junk heal into a recording studio and Kalifornia Kloset. Thaks, Cas, YOU ROCK!
Ironically, I had the same “aha” moment about a month ago, but just came across this podcast episode now. I’m excited to take a look at your corresponding printables to see if using them will be easier than my rudimentary notebook version. 😄 Thanks Cass!
So simple, so brilliant, a great reminder….and you’re not lazy.
The printables are such a great tool! Some pages I have laminated (like the 1 day daily planner) then I can use a wet erase marker on it. Check off as done. Clean off when done … rinse repeat :). Thank you for all the amazing advice (That really works) and tools Cas!
Totally agree. Just writing it down helps so much. I also use "what's the next step" from Dave Allen Getting Things Done. It helps with overwhelm.
Not weird at all! I feel stuck and have been searching and listening to videos to help me create the life I want. One thing I've started is to write down my thoughts as they come up. I might be busy at the time but I can spare a few seconds to capture the ideas on separate post-its. In the evening or mornings depending on my work shifts I'll review and incorporate it in my to-do list or plan for later. I already use a planner to keep score of my working hours so why not schedule in actionable steps towards my goals, as well?
Bonus of this podcasts is... more protein!! Thank you, I appreciate all that you do!
It's like you've been inside my head. Thank you. It's helpful to hear it said out loud.
Cass, I look up to you SO much and would NEVER have thought of you as lazy or lacking discipline. I am continually amazed at your achievements. Now I am going to go and write down some goals that I want to accomplish (like drink 80oz of water TODAY). I needed this! Thank you SO much!!!
This blew my mind. You’re so right !!! I will make an actual plan and break it down. I’ve been wanting to sort out my career so I’m excited to actually write it down so I don’t forget to remember 💜
Thank you so much for this episode! See myself in what you talk about only in a diffrent part of my everyday life. Free PDF printing it wright now! Wow!!
❤
Ok, I AM in the same place and I can wrap my head around this! Thank you!
❤This was very ispiring!❤🎉
Great video Cass- have you heard of 12 week year? Health is hard because flour and sugar is very addicting. The 12 week year book really helps with health goals. It makes things more urgent and breaks down into tasks like you talked about.
Nice glasses!! Picking mine up soon
Thank you so much Cas for the free download printables! I have been making my daily to do lists again. I get a whole lot of nowhere or scrambled up days without them. They definitely keep me on track. Your tips on goals and breaking them down and adding these small steps to “daily to do” list sounds great! Wishing everyone the best with your goals! Love and hugs, Silicon Valley Mom ❤️
Mel's goal video and workbook is amazing! You're so right, goals need to be broken down and we need to be reminded every day to do something, no matter how small, to move us towards that goal.
Thank you, Cas, for making it easier for me to actually DO something 😁 Simple tips work the best for me. The difference between a plan and a goal, to achieve my goal, WRITE OUT A PLAN! I also have the remember KISS, keep it simple, stupid 😁 Thanks again. Be well, Sally 🌹
❤ you are so relatable to me!!
I am so glad I found this today. I need a plan to get stronger!❤
Looking super cute in the glasses Cass!