A task list with some fitness symbols on it.

Why can’t I do it? Starting tasks

Starting tasks – So, have you ever tried warming up?

Here’s something to think about: If you hit the gym, you know it’s not a good idea to go immediately for your maximum reps or maximum weight. You just hurt yourself and have to go home early, possibly with some shame on your face. It would be best if you warmed your muscles up first.  I think this is true for our brains, particularly around tasks. We need to warm up first.

Reminded of this recently while doing an 800-metre set. That means running 800 meters multiple times, in my case, ten, which seems like a lot, looking back on it. It was killing me because I couldn’t run as fast as I wanted to in the first set, and my body wasn’t warmed up. On the second set, I went too hard, which hurt just as much. I noticed I didn’t allow myself time to warm up and reach my full potential to run my best 800 meters.

Tasks differ from running and physical exercise, which I accept, but that doesn’t mean the same principles don’t apply.

Here’s an example of starting tasks: My writing regimen

As someone with dyslexia, I’ve had to develop a structured approach to create written work effectively. This framework has become my go-to method for writing:

  • Stretching – do anything active to get the brain working.
  • Warmup: This is completing research. It could be something in my notes or something that catches my eye on the web.
  • Loading the body involves doing a rough draft, which is more of a brain dump of activity. Things are getting warmed up nicely now.
  • Starting to hit my stride – is to review the draft typically after resting after the intensive activity of the first draft.
  • Breather – is to send it to someone else to proofread. This is great because it gives another pair of eyes on my work, gives me a place to stop and allows me to reflect on their comments.
  • Final push – make any corrections or changes before publishing.

This approach might seem lengthy, but it helps me get moving effectively. Incorporating small accountability steps keeps me on track, prevents me from feeling lost, and motivates me to keep going. Of course, this method isn’t for everyone. Like any strategy, it’s worth testing to see if it works for you.

Building a supportive structure could make a big difference if you find it challenging to start tasks, stay on track midway, or finish them.

These challenges are often linked to certain neurodivergent conditions. Feel free to reach out if you or someone you work with could benefit from discussing ways to manage this. I specialise in helping individuals find effective strategies to move forward and tackle these obstacles.

Supporting lifestyle and personal development coaches in elite sport

The challenge

Practitioners supporting elite athletes face a unique challenge: how to help individuals maintain balanced lifestyles while navigating the demands of competitive sport, and the often difficult transition out of it. Increasingly, coaches and development practitioners were noticing signs of neurodivergent traits among the athletes they supported, but many lacked the confidence, knowledge, or clarity to respond effectively.

What we found

There was a clear appetite among practitioners to better understand how neurodivergence shows up in high-performance environments. They wanted practical insight into how traits such as ADHD or autism might affect focus, transitions, lifestyle decisions, and well-being. More importantly, they needed support in adapting their conversations and coaching relationships to be more inclusive and effective.

What we did

At the invitation of Liz Egan, who leads the International Lifestyle and Personal Development Practitioners’ Forum, Nathan Whitbread delivered a tailored session for coaches and practitioners working at the intersection of performance and wellbeing. The session was designed to be both informative and conversational, encouraging reflection and discussion alongside practical learning.

Rather than offering generic advice, we focused on the realities of supporting neurodivergent individuals through periods of change, identity shifts, and high cognitive load. Nathan introduced neurodiversity-informed concepts grounded in sport-specific contexts, offering real-world strategies for building stronger, more responsive relationships.

The results

Feedback from the session was deeply affirming. Participants appreciated the balance of insight and action, and left with practical tools they could use immediately in their work. Liz Egan shared the following testimonial:

“Nathan delivered a session this morning for the International Lifestyle and Personal Development Practitioners’ Forum, a group that I run for people working in sport. The session was informative and thought-provoking. Nathan took care to ensure that the session was pitched at the right level and relevant for the attendees. We all left with ideas on how we can make simple adjustments to the way in which we work to have a profound impact on those we support. I would highly recommend Nathan and the work he does. Thank you.

The session demonstrated the power of small shifts in awareness and approach, particularly in environments where performance and well-being must go hand in hand.

Partnering with Animas Centre for coaching

The challenge

Animas Centre for Coaching approached us with a clear ambition: to equip their coaches with a deeper understanding of how to work confidently and effectively with neurodivergent clients. They aimed to ensure coaches could build meaningful partnerships with neurodivergent individuals and leaders, while remaining aware of the broader organisational and societal contexts that shape client experiences.

What we found

Our initial conversations revealed that coaches were eager to better support neurodivergent clients but needed more confidence and clarity around how to do so. While they already possessed strong foundational skills, many were unsure how to apply these effectively when working with neurodivergent individuals. There was also a clear need for practical strategies, alongside space to reflect and explore this topic without fear of getting it wrong.

What we did

We designed and delivered a series of training sessions as part of Animas’s professional development programme. These focused on exploring coaching principles—such as partnership, listening, and contracting—through a neurodiversity-informed lens. We aimed to help coaches recognise what they already did well, while giving them the tools to stretch and adapt their practice.

As the programme evolved, our role expanded. We were invited to deliver further sessions focused on ADHD, autistic traits, and other neurodivergent presentations. These offered practical techniques coaches could apply immediately. We also introduced content on coaching neurodivergent couples, supporting practitioners to navigate the dynamic between two different processing styles within a single coaching relationship.

The results

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Coaches consistently highlighted Nathan Whitbread’s sessions as among the most valuable in the entire programme. The training was described as insightful, thought-provoking, and immediately applicable. Feedback showed that the sessions provided a rare combination of psychological safety, challenge, and clarity, deepening participants’ understanding of neurodivergence and boosting their confidence in working with complexity and difference.