MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel
Aug 11, 2026 · 12 min · 11 segments
“You’re not living up to your potential.” If those words have haunted you, you’re not alone — and the story you’ve been telling yourself about why might be wrong. Dr. J breaks down two patterns she…
Monica JohnsonHost
They're tormented by the shame of not achieving what their parents or their teachers wanted for them, or they're trying so hard to live up to some ideal that they sacrifice their health and their happiness.

Either way, this idea that you're not living up to your potential can be a toxic inner monologue that influences work, relationships, and self-esteem.

So today, let's unpack how this narrative derails folks with ADHD and learn some strategies to rewrite the stories that we tell ourselves about what we can and can't achieve.

I'm your host, Dr. J. I'm a licensed psychologist who works with those with ADHD.

If you feel haunted by the idea of living up to your potential, this one's for you.
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They're tormented by the shame of not achieving what their parents or their teachers wanted for them, or they're trying so hard to live up to some ideal that they sacrifice their health and their happiness.

Either way, this idea that you're not living up to your potential can be a toxic inner monologue that influences work, relationships, and self-esteem.

So today, let's unpack how this narrative derails folks with ADHD and learn some strategies to rewrite the stories that we tell ourselves about what we can and can't achieve.

I'm your host, Dr. J. I'm a licensed psychologist who works with those with ADHD.

If you feel haunted by the idea of living up to your potential, this one's for you.