“I’m Not Lazy—I’m Fried”: Executive Dysfunction Through a Mom Lens

Written By Linnea Spillane

Let me be real with you—I used to think I was just bad at life. The laundry piles? Shameful. The forgotten appointments? Embarrassing. The to-do list I rewrote every day and still couldn’t finish? Proof, I told myself, that something was wrong with me.

But it wasn’t laziness. It was executive dysfunction. And no one had ever named it for me.

You’re not lazy. Your brain is tired—and so are you.

Executive dysfunction isn’t about being disorganized or irresponsible. It’s about how hard it is to initiate a task, remember all the steps, follow through—especially when your brain is juggling parenting, sensory overload, hormone shifts, and about 84 tabs of mental labor.

For neurodivergent moms, it looks like:

  • Starting five things, finishing none

  • Feeling like everything takes way too much energy

  • Freezing when your environment is too loud, cluttered, or chaotic

  • Sitting on the couch, knowing what you “should” do, but your body just…won’t

It’s not a lack of discipline. It’s your brain begging for a different kind of support.

Why everything feels harder (and what no one tells you)

If you’ve ever stared at the fridge wondering what to make, even though you just bought groceries, that’s not laziness.

That’s decision fatigue, mental overload, and probably a splash of sensory overwhelm on top.

When your brain is running on fumes, even simple routines can feel like climbing a mountain with no trail markers. You want to eat better, move your body, rest—but the execution part? That’s where the wheels fall off.

The truth is, most wellness systems weren’t built for brains like ours.

You don’t need more willpower—you need a system made for you.

This is the part that changed everything for me—and it’s what I help my clients with now.

You don’t need another color-coded planner or a 5 a.m. workout club. You need a routine your brain actually likes. One that honors your energy, your cycle, your sensory needs, and your capacity.

And it starts with dropping the guilt.

You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re operating in a world that wasn’t designed for how beautifully different you are—and that’s exactly why your healing gets to look different too.

Feeling fried and frustrated? You’re not alone.

This blog is called Running on Low Spoons & Big Feelings for a reason.

If you’re reading this and nodding along while staring at a cold cup of coffee and a half-folded load of laundry… I see you. And I’d love to support you.

🤍 Let’s build a plan that works for your brain, your body, and your bandwidth.
→ Apply for coaching here (You’ll hear back within 3 business days.)

Or if you’re not sure what you need yet, grab one of my free clarity call spots this week:
→ Book your free 30-minute call

Your energy is worth protecting. Let’s make it work for you—not against you.

Linnea Spillane