How Executive Functioning Impacts Motivation: What ADHD and Money Taught Me

Book Recommendation: ADHD Money by Tina Mathams

Recently, I attended the ADHD Conference 2026 and had the opportunity to hear from a range of incredible presenters. One speaker, however, stood out to me not only professionally, but personally — Tina Mathams.

Tina describes herself as a “reformed chronic impulsive spender” — and I loved that she included the word reformed. Her explanation was simple: she still experiences impulsive urges at times (including purchasing cherry blossom shoes while on holiday), but she now understands what drives those behaviours and approaches them differently.

Before attending her presentation, I had already purchased her book ADHD Money. Over the last few years, money has become an area I have increasingly valued, especially with rising living costs and thinking about creating opportunities for our children in the future.

What initially drew me to the book was actually something quite practical — the format.

Like many ADHDers, opening a book with dense paragraphs and small text can immediately activate my avoidance response. This book felt different. It was accessible, easy to read, and included reflection activities that helped transform ideas into action.

ADHD, Executive Functioning and Dopamine: Why Motivation Is Not Just “Trying Harder”

One of the concepts Tina explored was the relationship between ADHD, executive functioning, and money.

Executive functioning refers to the brain’s management system. These skills help us to:

• Plan and organise

• Start and complete tasks

• Manage emotions

• Delay gratification

• Monitor behaviour

• Sustain attention

• Make decisions

Research suggests ADHD is associated with differences in dopamine regulation and reward processing. Dopamine plays an important role in motivation, reward, attention, and supporting executive functioning.

One analogy I often use with clients is fuel.

Imagine two cars.

Both start with a full tank.

One is running on premium fuel and maintains energy efficiently. The other burns through fuel more quickly.

ADHD can sometimes feel like that second car.

There may be enough fuel to begin the day, but maintaining focus, inhibiting impulses, masking difficulties, and meeting expectations can require significantly more effort.

By the afternoon or evening, many people describe feeling mentally exhausted.

This is often when we start unconsciously seeking quick dopamine boosts:

• Snacking

• Scrolling

• Shopping

• Seeking stimulation

• Starting new projects

• Picking arguments or creating excitement

I recently had my own “aha” moment.

Almost every evening between 10:30 pm and 11:30 pm I would suddenly crave carbohydrates.

My initial thought was:

I’m impulsive and can’t control it.

But when I reflected more deeply, I realised something different.

Maybe I wasn’t lacking willpower.

Maybe I was simply running low on fuel.

Instead of asking:

“How do I stop wanting the sandwich?”

The question became:

“What is my brain actually asking for?”

Sometimes the answer is food.

Sometimes it is rest.

For me, implementing an earlier bedtime routine made a noticeable difference.

The Power of Understanding the “Why”

One of Tina’s strongest messages was this:

When we understand what is driving our behaviour, we can begin creating strategies that support us rather than criticise ourselves.

More importantly, we can begin changing how we view ourselves.

Not through shame.

Through values.

Acceptance Before Change

One of Tina’s first points was acceptance.

If you are one of my clients, you have probably heard me talk about this many times.

Acceptance does not mean giving up.

It means acknowledging reality without judgement.

Whether it is impulse spending, difficulty sticking to a budget, forgetting bills, or emotional spending — these experiences often bring shame, frustration, guilt, and self-criticism.

Changing the narrative might sound like:

“Yep, impulsivity is part of how my brain works right now. That doesn’t define me, and it doesn’t mean I can’t make changes.”

Research consistently shows that self-compassion is associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.

When we reduce shame, we often reduce the need to seek short-term mood boosts through unhelpful coping strategies.

What Is Your Money Story?

Another idea Tina introduced was understanding your money story.

Ask yourself:

• How did your family talk about money?

• What messages did you receive growing up?

• Was money associated with stress, security, guilt, reward, or fear?

• What beliefs did you absorb?

As we continue learning more about ADHD and genetics, many people begin recognising patterns across generations.

Some people grew up with impulsive spending.

Others experienced the opposite — very strict financial control.

Neither is right or wrong.

But understanding your money story can help you identify what actually matters to you.

When I reflected on mine, I realised something interesting.

I value creating opportunities for my children.

Yet when I looked at my spending patterns, I noticed a significant amount of money was being spent on convenience food while out.

That wasn’t aligning with my long-term values.

That does not mean never buying food out.

It means becoming more intentional.

This is where Tina’s book helped me.

It took all the thoughts floating around in my brain and organised them into something practical and achievable.

And if executive functioning difficulties affect planning and organisation — that structure matters.

What Does This Mean for You?

Having ADHD does not mean you will always struggle with money.

It does not mean you lack discipline.

It does not mean you cannot build systems that work.

It means understanding how your brain works and building supports around it.

Learning which parts of executive functioning impact you most can be one of the first steps toward making meaningful change.

As a Clinical Psychologist working with neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults, I often remind clients:

We all have different strengths.

We all already have strategies that work in some areas.

The goal is not to become someone else.

The goal is to understand yourself better.

If you are unsure which executive functioning areas are affecting you — or you know what is difficult but do not know where to start — support can help.

At MindCare Clinics in Paddington, Brisbane, we support children, adolescents and adults with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning differences and executive functioning challenges.

📞 0486 022 337
✉️ info@mindcareclinics.com.au

Book Mention

ADHD Money by Tina Mathams is available through multiple retailers including audiobook options.

Book cover: ADHD Money by Tina Mathams. Image used for review/commentary purposes.