Why Rushing Makes You Less Productive (and How to Stop the Cycle)

Have you ever noticed that when your to-do list feels impossible, your first instinct is to speed up?

It feels logical: If I work faster, I’ll get ahead.

But here’s the truth: that frantic pace often backfires—especially for ADHD entrepreneurs. Instead of moving you forward, it can throw you into a tailspin of starting but not finishing, rushing through the easy stuff while avoiding the important things, and ultimately feeling like you’ve failed.

Why Your Brain Goes Into Overdrive

When you start speeding up, your nervous system interprets that increase in urgency as a warning sign that something is wrong.

That subtle “I’ve got to hurry!” quickly triggers the part of your brain designed for survival—not deep focus. Your body thinks it’s protecting you, but instead, it floods you with panic and overdrive energy. You jump from task to task, frantically trying to do everything, while getting very little done.

And when you finally stop to breathe, you’re left staring at a pile of half-finished projects and wondering why you can’t “just get it together.”

This isn’t about laziness or lack of ability. It’s your nervous system overriding your logical brain.

The Shame Spiral

The worst part? When you realize how little progress you’ve made, shame kicks in. You feel like you “should have” been able to handle it. That guilt feeds the spiral, making it even harder to get back on track.

But you are not a failure. Your brain simply got stuck in its survival mode.

Breaking the Frantic Cycle

Here’s how to break free from the speed spiral:

1. Pause when you feel the panic.

   If you catch yourself rushing or feeling “frantic energy,” stop for a moment. Even 60 seconds of stillness can calm your nervous system.

2. Ask yourself two key questions:

   • Is rushing through this really going to make my work—or my life—better?

   • Is there a simpler, calmer way to get this done?

3. Breathe and trust yourself.

   Take a few deep breaths. Remind yourself that you are capable of producing quality work at a steady pace.

4. Work slower to work faster.

   It sounds backward, but slowing down lets you focus fully, complete tasks fully, and actually get more done in less time.

A New Way Forward

This isn’t about doing less. It’s about working in a way that actually serves you. When you give yourself permission to slow down, you won’t just finish more—you’ll finish the right things.

If you’re ready to build systems that work with your ADHD brain (instead of against it), I’d love to help.

Book a free clarity call and let’s create a roadmap that keeps you calm, focused, and moving forward.

You don’t need more speed. You need a plan that works for you.