Every artist, no matter how inspired, faces moments when their mind suddenly shuts down. It’s not laziness or a lack of motivation, but something much deeper—what feels like the brain hitting the pause button. For those of us managing ADHD and executive dysfunction, the internal battle between wanting to create and being unable to start is real. It’s like watching the ideas float by, but not being able to reach out and grab them. For collectors, understanding this mental block offers a rare glimpse into the highs and lows of the creative process—where breakthrough moments often emerge after intense, unseen struggles.

Last week, I hit a wall. Not just with my art, but with everything—commissions, admin, even basic tasks around the house. It wasn’t just your average bad week either; I was fully stuck in neutral, completely unable to get moving. By the end of the week, I was frustrated and having an argument with myself, battling this invisible block. When I mentioned it to my daughter (who was diagnosed with ADHD later in life), she said, “Mom, you might have it too.”

And honestly, the pieces started falling into place. Over the past year, as I’ve learned more about ADHD and something called executive dysfunction, I’ve begun to understand why I get paralysed like this. It’s tough, but also a bit of a relief to know there’s a name for it. I feel seen. And the good news? It’s not forever, even though it feels like it in the moment.

But what exactly is executive dysfunction? It’s not the easiest thing to explain, especially to someone who doesn’t have ADHD, but here’s the short version: executive dysfunction is when your brain’s “management” system—your ability to plan, organise, and start tasks—just breaks down. You know what needs to get done, but your brain doesn’t send the signal to start doing it. Instead, you sit there… on pause.

Let’s break it down a bit more simply:

What Executive Dysfunction Feels Like:

1. The Task Mountain: Imagine standing at the base of a mountain of tasks. Each one seems too overwhelming to even begin, so you don’t. Instead, you stare at the mountain, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration.
2. Time Blindness: Hours pass, and you realise you’ve accomplished nothing, but you swear you were just about to start. You lose track of time—time flies, but somehow nothing gets done.
3. Impulse Overload: Even simple things like scrolling on social media become a distraction vortex. You know you need to stop, but pulling away feels almost impossible. It’s like chasing dopamine instead of getting the real stuff done Mini ADHD Coach  Mental Health Center Kids
4. Memory Leaks: You have a brilliant idea, but by the time you grab a pen, it’s gone. Tasks you were excited about slip away, and details get lost in the fog.
5. Emotional Frustration: Sometimes, it’s not just about not being able to start—there’s an emotional toll, too. Executive dysfunction can make you feel angry with yourself, or like you’re failing in areas you know you’re capable of Cleveland Clinic

The Creative Person’s Dilemma

If you’re an artist or someone in a creative field, this feels especially conflicting. We thrive on inspiration, and when that spark is there, nothing can stop us. But during a bout of executive dysfunction, even that magical creative energy can’t break through. You want to create, you know you can, but the space in your mind just doesn’t allow it. It’s like trying to run while stuck in quicksand Mini ADHD Coach

The important takeaway is this: it’s okay to have weeks like this. You’re not lazy or failing; it’s your brain needing a break, or struggling to connect the dots. It’s not permanent, and you will find your flow again.

For anyone else out there who’s struggled with these “paused” moments, I hope this resonates. Don’t beat yourself up too much—it’s all part of the journey, and it’s something many of us experience more than we talk about. Share this with others who may need to hear it. After all, recognising the problem is the first step towards working through it.  Feeling stuck but still here.

Let’s connect in the comments! How do you manage those “paused” weeks?