By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 27, 2026
Most people think relaxation means sitting still—maybe on the couch, with a cup of tea, a glass of wine, or the TV on. For many, doing nothing feels calming and restorative. But for many individuals with ADHD, that definition of relaxation doesn’t work at all. In fact, sitting still can feel uncomfortable—or even anxiety-provoking. Continue reading “Why Some People With ADHD Need to Move to Relax”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 20, 2026
I’d like to share with you one of my favorite quotes. I’m pretty sure that it will stop you in your tracks and make you think… that is if you give yourself the time to study it:
“The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds.” ~Daniel Goleman
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 13, 2026
When most people talk about attention, they assume it’s about what you’re focusing on. But according to ADHD and attention coach Jeff Copper, that assumption misses the point entirely. On Attention Talk Video, we invite you to rethink attention itself—and why misunderstanding it causes so much confusion, especially around ADHD. Continue reading “ADHD Is Hard to Explain, Like Describing Blue to Someone Who Can’t See”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – July 6, 2026
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood as a behavioral issue or a lack of effort. In reality, ADHD is a biological condition rooted in brain chemistry—specifically, the way certain neurotransmitters function and interact. While medication is frequently used to support performance and regulation, understanding why it helps starts with understanding what’s happening inside the brain.
Continue reading “ADHD, Neurotransmitters, and the Chemistry of Attention”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 22, 2026
If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard the phrase “the blinding flash of the obvious” more times than you can count. But have you ever really thought about what it means?
In its simplest terms, it means that someone is too involved in the details of a problem to see what is really going on.* It is like you are wearing sunglasses (filter), which reduces the intensity of the light, making it more difficult to distinguish what you are looking at. Are you like that? Are you so focused on what is right in front of you that you can’t see the obvious? Continue reading “Take Off your Sunglasses to See the Blinding Flash of the Obvious”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 15, 2026
One of the most difficult—and damaging—issues in the ADHD world today isn’t ADHD itself. It’s parent denial.
In an early episode of Attention Talk Video, I sat down with Dr. Charles Parker, a long-time ADHD medical expert, to talk about a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough honest attention. What he shared was both sobering and hopeful. Continue reading “ADHD Denial: How Fear and Misinformation Hold Kids Back”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 8, 2026
Few topics create as much pain and confusion in ADHD relationships as lying. For the partner on the receiving end, it can feel deeply personal—like a betrayal of trust. For the partner with ADHD, it often feels shame-filled, overwhelming, and impossible to explain. Continue reading “Lying and Manipulation: A Betrayal of Trust in ADHD Relationships”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – May 11, 2026
Often, I hear clients say, “I just need to pick up the phone, sit down and write, stick to my schedule,” etc., but they don’t follow through. My guess is, if it was as simple as taking the next obvious step, they would have done it by now. At this point I usually ask them to pause and reflect on what’s holding them back. What’s hard about what they’re trying to accomplish?
Sometimes the way we look at a situation prevents us from seeing an effective solution because we don’t understand what the challenge actually is.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 27, 2026
When people think about ADHD, they usually think about attention, productivity, or school and work struggles. But ADHD doesn’t clock out—it shows up in everyday life, including basic self-care tasks like showering. For many adults with ADHD, hygiene can be unexpectedly difficult, confusing, or even distressing.
Continue reading “Why Showering Can Feel Impossible with ADHD (and What Actually Helps)”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 6, 2026
For many people with ADHD, visual distractions can be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on conversations, lectures, or even personal thoughts. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to concentrate in a visually chaotic environment, you’re not alone. Fortunately, a simple but effective strategy could help—closing your eyes. Continue reading “Close Your Eyes: A Simple ADHD Focus Strategy”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 30, 2026
For many people with ADHD, getting diagnosed is only the first hurdle. The next challenge—often just as overwhelming—is figuring out how to afford medication, especially if you don’t have insurance or don’t qualify for public assistance programs.
Continue reading “How to Find Affordable ADHD Medications—Even Without Insurance”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 16, 2026
In this blog post, I relate a conversation with Linda Roggli (https://addiva.net), author, retreat leader, and widely known as the “ADDiva,” to explore a deeply familiar experience for many with ADHD, which is pretending to be normal, wearing many masks. Continue reading “Behind the Mask: The Emotional Cost of Living with ADHD”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 23, 2026
When people with ADHD say they “struggle with planning,” they often assume it’s a problem with organization, time, or motivation. But according to ADHD and Attention Coach Jeff Copper, the real challenge runs much deeper. and understanding it can change how you approach planning altogether.
Continue reading “Why Planning Feels So Hard with ADHD (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 16, 2026
As we move into 2026, ADHD is getting a lot of attention in the media, in public conversation, and in policy discussions. Anytime that happens, I pay close attention. Not because attention is a bad thing, but because how ADHD is talked about really matters.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 9, 2026
In a world of texts, emails, slack messages, and endless notifications, in-person conversations are quietly disappearing. For many people, that shift feels efficient—even convenient. But for individuals with ADHD, this trend comes with an often-overlooked cost. Continue reading “Why In-Person Conversations Are a Secret Weapon for ADHD”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 26, 2026
When we talk about ADHD, weight isn’t usually the first topic that comes up. But if we understand ADHD as a self-regulation disorder, the connection becomes surprisingly clear. People with ADHD often struggle with managing attention—both engaging it when needed and disengaging it when necessary. This difficulty can apply just as much to food as it does to focus. Continue reading “The ADHD-Weight Connection You May Be Overlooking”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 19, 2026
A strategy is an overarching vision or path. A plan is the detailed execution of the strategy. Executive functions are used to problem-solve around specific tasks in the plan. Put differently, executive functions are used at point of performance in the plan where many variables must be organized. In other words, things that are multifaceted and ambiguous must be resolved. Continue reading “The Problem: Why Strategies and Plans Don’t Work”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 29, 2025
Have you ever had a gut feeling you couldn’t quite explain? That subtle nudge or sense that something is off, even when you can’t pinpoint why? Those who have ADHD often may feel like their intuition is a superpower—that is, the ability to pick up on patterns or changes that others might overlook. But what is intuition, really, and how does it work for those with ADHD? Continue reading “ADHD and Intuition: A Hidden Strength”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 22, 2025
Most people come to coaching because they are “stuck.” They have applied the obvious solution to their problem, but it isn’t working, and their frustration is making it hard to move forward. Sound familiar? Continue reading “A Coach’s Toolbox: Insightful Thinking Tools”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 1, 2025
Decluttering sounds simple—just get rid of what you don’t need, right? But for those with ADHD, it’s rarely that straightforward. Clutter isn’t just physical; it carries emotional weight. And when the ADHD brain is already working overtime to manage executive function challenges, sorting through piles of memories, guilt, and uncertainty can feel completely overwhelming. Continue reading “ADHD and Decluttering: The Struggle to Let Go”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – November 24, 2025
When we talk about ADHD, we often focus on distractions, missed deadlines, or poor time management. But underneath it all lies something more subtle—and far more powerful. That is the stories (or the lies) we tell ourselves. These are rationalizations and internal dialogues that shape our actions, often without us even noticing.
Continue reading “Lies We Tell Ourselves: The Power of Self-Observation”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – November 17, 2025
As an ADHD and attention coach, I’m often approached by my clients with their concerns about job searching. Of course, I have my own lived experience with job hunting, but I wanted to learn some winning strategies to be able to answer their concerns more specifically. That’s why I reached out to career counselor Wilma Fellman for her perspective. So, today, we’re taking a look at the job interview process and identifying some of the mistakes commonly made and how to avoid them. Continue reading “ADHD and Job Searching: Interviewing to Win”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – October 27, 2025
Motivation in the context of ADHD is often misunderstood. Today, we’re beginning with an important reflection on motivation. That is, when we talk about motivation, we’re often really talking about what we want those with ADHD to do—not what truly drives them.
Continue reading “Rethinking Motivation: A Look Through the ADHD Lens”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – October 20, 2025
As an ADHD and attention coach, I’m often asked what ADHD coaching is all about or how it works. Here’s my perspective:
Metaphorically, having ADHD is like being born left-handed in a right-handed world. Society and the self-help section in bookstores are quick to suggest a right-handed solution. An ADHD coach helps those with ADHD realize (attend to) the fact they are born left-handed (that is, have different brain wiring).
Continue reading “Perspectives on ADHD Coaching by an Attention Coach”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – October 6, 2025
Expectations shape every moment of our lives—often without us realizing it. In Part 1 of this insightful two-part series, I had a conversation with Dr. Ari Tuckman in a thoughtful discussion on the nature of expectations and how they silently yet powerfully influence those with ADHD. In Part 2 of our series, we shifted the focus to how expectations—both internal and external—impact those with ADHD. Continue reading “ADHD and Expectations: A 2-Part Series”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – September 29, 2025
In this post, I’m tackling a topic that continues to surprise many people, which is the comorbidity of ADHD and bipolar disorder. “Comorbidity” refers to disease or medical conditions that are present at the same time in a patient. To be completely honest, I once believed that ADHD and bipolar disorder couldn’t coexist. But, as I later learned, not only is it possible to have both ADHD and bipolar disorder, it’s actually quite common.
Continue reading “A Surprising Connection Between ADHD and Bipolar Disorder”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – September 22, 2025
Just like physical fitness requires consistent exercise to strengthen the body, mental fitness involves training the mind to enhance focus, emotional regulation, and resilience. Mental fitness is crucial for maintaining a healthy, balanced life, and it relies on regular mental exercises.
One basic aspect of mental fitness is mindfulness… the practice of staying present and observing experiences without judgment. You can cultivate this through silent meditation, such as focusing on your breath and gently bringing your attention back whenever it wanders. Like basketball players repeatedly practicing free throws, each time you return your attention it strengthens your brain’s “muscle” power. Continue reading “Train Your Brain: The Workout Your Mind Deserves”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – September 8, 2025
For many young adults with ADHD, the transition from high school to college isn’t a leap forward—it’s a stumble into overwhelm. The academic pressure, lack of structure, and sudden independence can quickly derail even the brightest students. That’s why more families are rethinking the default path and considering something powerful: a structured gap year.
Continue reading “How a Gap Year Can Set Up ADHD Brains for Success”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – September 1, 2025
Exercise is one of the most effective natural treatments for managing ADHD. It enhances focus, attention, and overall well-being. But when it comes to how much exercise is enough, the answer is surprisingly simple: the amount you will actually do.
Continue reading “Exercising with ADHD: Start Where You Are”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – August 25, 2025
When it comes to getting organized and getting things done, I believe what works depends on individual differences. Still, the best place to start is to work your way through the list of obvious solutions and then make adjustments based on what works for you. The purpose of this writing is to list many of the most common solutions in the context of getting organized, staying on task, and moving past procrastination. So here goes. Continue reading “ADHD: Obvious Organizational Solutions to Get Things Done”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – August 18, 2025
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder negatively impacts executive functioning, and we often talk about its negative effect on self-regulation.
To address how executive functioning impacts working memory, we asked ADHD genius, Dr. Russell Barkley, to talk about his concept of working memory and why he uses the term “GPS” as a metaphor to change your life. Continue reading “Working Memory, Your GPS: Insights from Dr. Russell Barkley”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 23, 2025
When it comes to managing ADHD, most conversations center around stimulant medications—what type, what dosage, and how they affect focus and behavior. But there’s a less-discussed, highly practical factor that can make a major difference in treatment outcomes, and that’s breakfast, specifically a protein-rich breakfast. Continue reading “Is Protein the Silent Hero of ADHD Medication Success?”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 16, 2025
I recently did some work with a tradesman who wanted to reengage in the workforce. He had been stuck for some time and couldn’t seem to move forward. During our work together, we focused on removing the obstacles that were getting in his way. As we did, HIS obvious solution revealed itself, and he was able to move forward in a way that was most inspirational. Let’s see how he did it . . . .
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – June 9, 2025
Those with ADHD often struggle with communicating their needs or struggles. When I heard about art therapy as a mode of support for these challenges, I contacted art therapists Holly Oberacker and Tracey Bromley Goodwin, founders of Navigating ADHD, Inc. What I learned about art therapy was eye-opening as an innovative clinical treatment. Continue reading “Can Art Therapy Help Those with ADHD?”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – May 26, 2025
Living with ADHD often means navigating the world in a way that’s fundamentally different from how others experience it. Recently, I had a personal realization that’s helped me better understand how my brain works, and I hope it offers some clarity for you, as well. When I’m working, I often find myself stuck when it comes to reading instructions, especially online. Just reading the words or the definitions isn’t enough for me. I need to work with it or see it in practical application. Without examples or step-by-step demonstrations, it feels like I’m just reading words without grasping their meaning. Continue reading “Why ADHD Minds Crave Examples: A Personal Insight”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – May 19, 2025
Those who are diagnosed with ADHD are often characterized by impulsivity and distractibility that makes it difficult for them to maintain focus and manage time. ADHD and attention coach Jeff Copper interviewed Dr. David Nowell on Attention Talk Radio to discuss these challenges. Continue reading “Navigating ADHD to Identify What Truly Matters”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – May 12, 2025
Emotional dysregulation was removed from the clinical conceptualization and diagnostic criteria for ADHD back in the 1970s. At the 2010 Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) conference, Dr. Russell Barkley reviewed the evidence and argued for its return. He went on to explain how the addition of emotion points to six things people can do to manage their ADHD. Continue reading “ADHD: Paying Attention to Emotion”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 28, 2025
Human development is a complex process that involves physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes throughout a person’s life. As they progress through various stages of life, it is essential to understand the differences between normal and abnormal behavior. It is crucial that mental health professionals differentiate between typical inattention or hyperactivity and symptoms associated with ADHD. Continue reading “Coaching ADHD and Understanding Human Development”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 14, 2025
As an ADHD and attention coach, I am often asked whether exercise is good for those with ADHD? The answer is a resounding yes! In fact, if exercise could be bottled into a pill, it would be hailed as the drug of the century—not just for everyone, but especially for those with ADHD. Continue reading “ADHD and Exercise: A Fascinating Connection”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 7, 2025
When it comes to coaching those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), interest isn’t just something; it is everything. In reading this article, you will understand why interest is such an important part of coaching those with ADHD and how it can serve as a window to what is instinctive—or how those with ADHD are hardwired. Continue reading “ADHD: Interest is the Key and It’s Instinctive”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 10, 2025
A big question I often hear is whether or not someone should disclose that they have ADD/ADHD. While I can’t make that decision for anybody, I do want to talk about the pros and cons and help facilitate your thinking process if you’re contemplating disclosing your ADHD. Continue reading “Disclosing ADHD: To Tell or Not to Tell”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – March 3, 2025
Today, we’re talking about one of the most powerful tools for managing ADHD challenges—brainstorming. I don’t mean just the outcome, but the process itself. For those with ADHD, understanding and managing brainstorming can be a game-changer.
Continue reading “Brainstorming: An ADHD Power Tool”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 24, 2025
Much has been written about Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Some of it is consistent; other things are confusing. Today, I’d like to clarify a few things.
The Classifications of ADD
To begin, is it Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or is it just Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)? That is a great question because the terms are used interchangeably.
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 27, 2025
Some years ago, I had a conversation with an expert in the criminal justice system around helping young people with ADHD avoid the criminal justice system by understanding and managing their symptoms. The conversation included markers that represent important times, called tipping points, when those with ADHD are vulnerable and could head down the wrong path. But resources are available to help parents be proactive to catch these things before they happen.
Continue reading “How Youngsters with ADHD Can Avoid the Criminal Justice System”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 20, 2025
Heading to college can be tough for students with ADHD and keeping in touch as a parent can pose some challenges, too! I had a talk with Rob Tudisco, former president of Edge Foundation, to talk about the struggles of students with ADHD as they go off to college.
Continue reading “ADHD Tips for College Parents: Stay Connected and Supportive”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – January 6, 2025
You may be reading this because the idea of organizing caught your eye. Many of those with ADHD label themselves as disorganized when they see the clutter around them or think of the odd ways they manage tasks. The truth is, however, that much of their “disorganization” is simply based on how it looks. Continue reading “An ADHD-Friendly Approach to Find Your Organizing System”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 30, 2024
Those who are living with ADHD face challenges in various aspects of life from the classroom to relationships. One area that has drawn attention is the impact of ADHD on sports and exercise. The struggles for those with ADHD are unique, and the impact of sports and exercise is as diverse as the individuals it affects. That’s why I think it’s important to address the issue. Continue reading “The Impact of ADHD on Sports and Exercise”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 23, 2024
In the world of ADHD awareness and advocacy, few voices are as compelling as Alan P. Brown, creator of ADD Crusher. In an episode on Attention Talk Video a few years ago, Alan shared his remarkable journey with attention coach Jeff Copper. He openly discussed his struggles, diagnosis, and ultimate breakthrough.
Continue reading “ADHD: What An Aha Moment Looks Like for Real”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 16, 2024
As an ADHD and attention coach, it is my job to bring clarity to my clients by listening to what they are NOT saying (i.e., the unasked questions). I do this by asking questions that lead them through five simple steps designed to take them from stuck to aha. My goal today is to take the mystery out of the coaching process by showing you how my techniques move my clients forward by helping them choose their focus. Continue reading “ADHD: Hocus Pocus, the Trick Is in Choosing Your Focus”
By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – December 9, 2024
How can you successfully navigate a ship if you don’t know its current position, the course it’s set on, or the obstacles in its path? Similarly, understanding the stress and anxiety that come with ADHD is the first step toward managing ADHD effectively. Today, we are looking into this crucial aspect of our ADHD lives, because, first of all, it’s essential to understand what we’re dealing with. Continue reading “ADHD: Unpacking Stress and Anxiety”
