The Emotional Profit of Celebrating Wins

ADHD Productivity System for Founders to Beat Overwhelm using the Only Tens with Mark J. Silverman

🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources: 🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/marks-ilverman [https://bit.ly/marks-ilverman] —------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast, host Steve August [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/] talks with Mark J. Silverman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark22102/], an Executive Coach, Speaker, Podcaster, and Author at Mark J. Silverman and Associates LLC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-j-silverman-and-associates-llc/], to explore how ADHD has shaped his life, career, and coaching practice. From addiction recovery to high-level tech sales and then becoming a transformational coach, Mark shares the systems, insights, and mindset shifts that have allowed him to turn ADHD challenges into superpowers. They dive deep into productivity, authenticity, self-awareness, and how his "Only 10s" methodology helps people align actions with their values and capabilities. Mark isn’t just a coach; he’s helping ADHD leaders succeed by doing less, not more. His ADHD once made life hard, but now it’s his strength. After big wins in tech sales, he learned to trust what truly matters. With his “Only 10s” method, he teaches others to focus, say no, and build lives full of peace, not pressure. Mark spent years in tech sales before becoming a coach for leaders with ADHD. His late diagnosis helped him understand how his brain works. From big business deals to deep personal work, he’s learned to focus on what truly matters. Now, through writing and coaching, he helps others do less, trust themselves, and lead with clarity. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * ADHD Insight: Mark turned his ADHD into a tool for focus and success. * Simple Tools: His “Only 10s” method helps people do what really matters. * Big Shifts: He went from sales to coaching top leaders and changemakers. * Know Yourself: He teaches how to spot the lies we tell ourselves and stay true. * Lead with Peace: Mark shows ADHD minds how to thrive with less stress. ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS: * ADHD and Action: Mark’s ADHD taught him to work with his brain, not against it. * Big Change: Coaching showed him how to stop people-pleasing and set limits. * Focus Tools: Whiteboards, check-ins, and help from others keep him on track. * Trust Yourself: He learned to listen to what he really wants, not just say yes. * Share the Truth: Mark opens up about his path to help others feel less alone. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “I don’t think it’s that you can’t get things done, you just don’t want to.” - Mark J. Silverman * “If I only do what I really want to, everything works better.” - Mark J. Silverman * “I pay for help because I know I won’t do it myself.” - Mark J. Silverman Join Mark as he shares how ADHD shaped his path from burnout to balance. Learn how focus, honesty, and simple tools help ADHD minds lead with calm, do less, and still make a big impact. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser [01:51] - Introduction to Mark Silverman: Coach, Author, and Leader [03:37] - How Mark Became a Key Influence in Steve’s Coaching Journey [05:02] - Mark on His ADHD Diagnosis and the Struggles Before Awareness [09:52] - Mark on How "Only 10s" Transformed His Productivity [14:02] - Mark on Prioritizing with "Only 10s" for ADHD Brains [21:07] - Mark on Paying for Support to Stay Productive [23:02] - Mark on Overcoming Fear, Setting Boundaries, and Saying No [27:45] - Mark’s Approach to Prioritizing Big Decisions [31:32] - True North & Legacy FOLLOW THE GUEST: LinkedIn Accounts: * Mark J. Silverman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark22102/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark22102/] * Mark J. Silverman and Associates LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-j-silverman-and-associates-llc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-j-silverman-and-associates-llc/] Websites: * https://markjsilverman.com/ [https://markjsilverman.com/] FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/] * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] * Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ [https://steveaugustcoaching.com/] * Email: steve@steveaugustcoaching.com [steve@steveaugustcoaching.com] * X: https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=en [https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=en] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ [https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator [https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035]

Letting Go of Productivity Shame in ADHD to Stop the Guilt and Start Getting Things Done

🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources: 🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/Solo-LettingGoOfProductivityShame [https://bit.ly/Solo-LettingGoOfProductivityShame] –------------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast. Host Steve August [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/], Founder of ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] and August & Wonder [https://www.linkedin.com/company/augustandwonder/], is an expert ADHD coach and productivity specialist, and talks about “productivity shame,” the guilt ADHD entrepreneurs feel when they don’t get enough done. Steve explains why common systems don’t always work for ADHD brains and how accepting your brain’s unique way of working is key. He shares simple tips like using weekly plans, coworking, and loose time-blocks to make progress without burnout. This episode helps you feel less alone and more in control of how you work. Steve talks about how ADHD entrepreneurs often feel guilty for not getting enough done. He explains that this “productivity shame” comes from trying to use systems that don’t fit how ADHD brains work. Instead, he says to accept your brain and use simple tools like weekly planning, short work sessions, and co-working. These help make tasks easier to start and finish. Letting go of shame and working with your brain helps you stay focused, feel better, and get more done. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Let Go of Shame: Accept how your ADHD brain works and stop feeling guilty. * Work With Your Brain: Plan around your best focus times and energy levels. * Simple Systems: Use easy tools like weekly planning and loose time-blocks to get things done. ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS: * Shame Is Common: Many with ADHD feel guilt when they can’t finish tasks. * Know Your Brain: ADHD brains need support with planning and follow-through. * Plan Smarter: Use simple tools and accept your brain to make real progress. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “Let go of productivity shame and accept how your brain works.” - Steve August * “Your brain isn’t broken, it just works differently.” - Steve August * “Plan for when your brain works best, not when it should.” - Steve August Join Steve August as he talks about letting go of productivity shame and working with your ADHD brain. Discover how weekly planning, co-working, and self-acceptance can help you stay focused, feel better, and get more done without stress. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Grab Your Free ADHD Dashboard to Master Your Week! [00:28] - Understanding Productivity Shame in ADHD [02:59] - Daily Struggles: Plans, Distractions & Guilt [04:29] - Accepting Your ADHD Brain and How It Works [06:55] - Tools, Systems & Mindset Shifts That Help FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/] * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] * August & Wonder: https://www.linkedin.com/company/augustandwonder/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/augustandwonder/] * Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ [https://steveaugustcoaching.com/] * Email: steve@steveaugustcoaching.com [steve@steveaugustcoaching.com] * X: https://x.com/steveaugust [https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=en] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ [https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator [https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035]

Visibility, Storytelling, and ADHD with Candice Smith, MEd

Big announcement! The next cohort of my life-changing Focus Formula program starts June 2nd. In 6 weeks, you’ll build a system that works with your ADHD brain so you can focus on what matters, follow through consistently, and create calmer, more sustainable growth. If you’re ready to turn your brilliant chaos into momentum and freedom, apply now. Get all the details here: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/focus [https://steveaugustcoaching.com/focus] ------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode of the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] Podcast, host Steve August [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/] talks with Candice Smith MEd [https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicecourtneysmith/], Founder of French Press Public Relations [https://www.linkedin.com/company/frenchpresspr/] and a Consulting Member at The Upside [https://www.linkedin.com/company/betheupside/]. Candice shares how she helps mission-driven founders build visibility, authority, and trust through storytelling and strategic communication. She also opens up about her late ADHD diagnosis, living with PMDD, managing pregnancy while running a business, and the systems and support that help her stay focused and avoid burnout. Candice shares how her early experiences with feeling invisible led her to focus on storytelling, education, and helping founders share their message. She explains how working with mission-driven entrepreneurs shaped her approach to visibility, public relations, and authority building. She also talks about her late ADHD diagnosis, living with PMDD, and how systems, structure, medication, and support tools help her stay focused while running her business. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Visibility: Clear messaging and trust matter more than chasing big media features. * ADHD Challenges: Brain fog and focus changes can affect work and communication. * Support Systems: Structure, tools, and strong workflows help founders stay organised and focused. ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS: * Storytelling Matters: Clear and personal stories help founders build trust and connection. * Visibility Takes Strategy: Different channels work for different stages of business growth. * Support Makes a Difference: Systems, structure, and the right tools help founders stay focused and consistent. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “PR is really about connecting with the right people at the right time with the right story.” Candice Smith MEd * “Visibility is the combination of PR and marketing together as a system.” Candice Smith MEd * “AI amplifies what you give it.” Candice Smith MEd Join Candice Smith, MEd, as she shares how storytelling, visibility, and strong messaging help founders build trust and authority. She also discusses her experience with inattentive ADHD, PMDD, and the systems and support that help her stay focused while running a business. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Teaser [00:57] - Grab Your Free ADHD Dashboard to Master Your Week! [01:25] - Welcome: Candice Smith MEd [02:55] - Rejection sensitivity in PR: treating pitches as experiments [05:58] - Client example: pivoting from big media to podcasts → Ivy League success [08:06] - From feeling invisible as a child to founding an edtech company [11:45] - ADHD diagnosis at 30 (inattentive type) + PMDD’s impact on brain fog [16:33] - Childhood coping: drawing to listen (teacher called her out) [18:15] - Managing ADHD during pregnancy: medication, team systems, Otter.ai [http://otter.ai] [21:59] - VIS Dev framework: visibility ≠ traditional PR [27:17] - MORAY acronym: 5 channels for building trust & authority [29:35] - “Window and mirror” storytelling: they see you and themselves [31:07] - Where to find Candice FOLLOW THE GUEST ON: * Candice Smith MEd - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicecourtneysmith/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicecourtneysmith/] * French Press Public Relations - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frenchpresspr/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/frenchpresspr/] * The Upside - LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betheupside/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/betheupside/] Website: * French Press Public Relations: https://frenchpresspr.com/ [https://frenchpresspr.com/] FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/] * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] * Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ [https://steveaugustcoaching.com/] * Email: steve@steveaugustcoaching.com [steve@steveaugustcoaching.com] * X: https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=en [https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=en] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ [https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator [https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035]

The Emotional Profit of Celebrating Wins

Big announcement! The next cohort of my life-changing Focus Formula program starts June 2nd. In 6 weeks, you’ll build a system that works with your ADHD brain so you can focus on what matters, follow through consistently, and create calmer, more sustainable growth. If you’re ready to turn your brilliant chaos into momentum and freedom, apply now. Get all the details here: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/focus ---------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast. Host Steve August [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/], Founder of ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator (AEX) [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] and Steve August Coaching [https://steveaugustcoaching.com], shares a solo episode on why ADHD entrepreneurs often forget their progress and minimise their wins. He explains how working memory challenges can make it hard to remember accomplishments, even after putting in consistent effort. Steve talks about the importance of reviewing past weeks and months, celebrating progress, and taking what he calls “emotional profit” from showing up and getting things done. This episode highlights how recognising small and big wins can help ADHD entrepreneurs stay motivated, build confidence, and keep moving forward in business and life. Steve shares why many ADHD entrepreneurs struggle to recognise their progress and often forget the wins they have achieved. He explains how working memory challenges can make accomplishments feel invisible, even after weeks of hard work and consistency. Steve talks about the value of reviewing past weeks or months, celebrating both small and large wins, and taking what he calls “emotional profit” from showing up and completing meaningful work. He also highlights how acknowledging progress can improve motivation, reduce discouragement, and help ADHD entrepreneurs build more confidence and steady momentum over time. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Celebrate Your Wins: ADHD brains can easily forget progress and accomplishments. * Review Your Progress: Looking back at past weeks or months helps you see how much you have done. * Take Emotional Profit: Acknowledging your effort and progress can improve motivation and build confidence. ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS: * ADHD brains can forget progress easily. * Reviewing past work helps reveal wins. * Celebrating progress builds motivation and confidence. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “We may have been working really hard, but we don’t remember what we did.” - Steve August * “Celebrating the wins is taking the emotional profit for showing up and doing what we needed to do.” - Steve August * “If we don’t take it, it gets really discouraging.” - Steve August Join Steve August as he explains why ADHD entrepreneurs often forget their progress and struggle to recognise their wins. Learn how working memory challenges can make accomplishments feel invisible, why reviewing past work helps reveal progress, and how taking “emotional profit” can improve motivation, confidence, and steady growth over time. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Introduction to Focus Formula & ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator (AEX) [00:29] - Why ADHD brains forget their wins [03:46] - What "emotional profit" means [04:53] - Step 1: Review your calendar to uncover wins [05:47] - Step 2: Stop moving the goalposts, use "good, better, best" FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/] * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] * Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ [https://steveaugustcoaching.com/] * Email: steve@steveaugustcoaching.com [steve@steveaugustcoaching.com] * X: https://x.com/steveaugust [https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=en] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ [https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator [https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035]

Why Your ADHD Brain Crashes After Big Wins (And What to Do About It)

🔥 ADHD making business harder than it needs to be? Try these free resources: 🧠 Start with my free Weekly ADHD Dashboard – The “Brain-first” system I use to plan my week and make consistent progress. 👉 https://bit.ly/Why-Your-ADHD-BrainCr-ashes-After-Big-Wins-And-What-to-Do-About-It [https://bit.ly/Why-Your-ADHD-BrainCr-ashes-After-Big-Wins-And-What-to-Do-About-It] ------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator Podcast. Host Steve August [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/], Founder of ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator (AEX) [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] and Steve August Coaching [https://steveaugustcoaching.com], shares a solo episode on why ADHD entrepreneurs often feel a crash after reaching a big milestone. He explains how hyperfocus, dopamine, and executive function work together during intense build periods and why motivation can suddenly drop once the work is finished. Steve talks about the importance of planning for recovery after major deadlines and avoiding burnout from extreme productivity cycles. This episode highlights how creating a steadier and more sustainable workflow can help ADHD entrepreneurs make consistent progress in business and life. Steve shares his experience of finishing a major update for the ADHD Entrepreneur Accelerator community and the mental dip that followed after reaching the milestone. He explains how ADHD brains use a lot of dopamine and executive function during intense work periods, which can lead to lower motivation once the goal is complete. Steve highlights the importance of expecting this recovery phase, adjusting workloads, and giving the brain time to restore. He also emphasizes creating a steadier workflow instead of relying on stressful deadline cycles. The focus is on understanding ADHD patterns, preventing burnout, and building sustainable progress over time. KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Expect the Post Milestone Dip: Recovery after intense work is normal. * Protect Your Energy: Plan lighter workloads after major deadlines. * Build Steady Progress: Consistent work helps prevent burnout. ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS: * Big Milestones Use Mental Energy: ADHD brains can feel drained after intense focus periods. * Plan for Recovery Time: Lighter schedules after deadlines help restore energy and focus. * Steady Work Prevents Burnout: Smaller and more consistent progress is easier to sustain long-term. Here are a few quotes from the episode: * “We’ve expended a lot of dopamine. We’ve used up a lot of executive function to get to this point.” - Steve August * “There’s going to be a dip after the milestone.” - Steve August * “The game with business and life is that steady progress over time.” - Steve August Join Steve August as he explains why ADHD entrepreneurs often feel a mental crash after reaching a big milestone. Learn how dopamine and executive function affect focus and motivation, why recovery time matters after intense work periods, and how steady progress can help prevent burnout and support long-term success. Episode Highlights: [00:00] - Grab Your Free ADHD Dashboard to Master Your Week! [00:28] - The Post-Milestone Crash [02:38] - Why ADHD Brains Don't Celebrate [04:22] - Schedule Less After a Win [05:15] - Prepare for the Recovery Side FOLLOW THE HOST: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-august-b2b-adhd-business-founder-coach/] * Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-entrepreneur-accelerator/] * Website: https://steveaugustcoaching.com/ [https://steveaugustcoaching.com/] * Email: steve@steveaugustcoaching.com [steve@steveaugustcoaching.com] * X: https://x.com/steveaugust [https://x.com/steveaugust?lang=en] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/ [https://www.instagram.com/steveaugustpdx/] FOLLOW THE PODCAST: * Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rocket-ship-founder/id1659287071] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator [https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDEntrepreneurAccelerator] * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035 [https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQhk7bt3ZriSNfeVLxBj9?si=10ec3f4b0a374035]