Beyond Resumes: The Missing Ingredient in Your Post-Teaching Job Search

f you’re the type who wakes up at 5 a.m., runs three miles, meditates, showers, downs a protein shake, and is out the door in 27 minutes flat—
Yeah, this post might not be for you.

But if you’ve ever sniffed shirts from your laundry pile because you forgot to wash clothes last night and you’re already late?
Welcome, friend. You’re in the right place.

I’m Christine Dunning—Master Certified Life Coach, cat owner, and solo human behind A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD. Around here, we believe routines don’t have to be rigid to work. Sometimes, "kind of order" is more than enough.

🧠 Why Are Routines So Hard for ADHD Brains?

Let’s talk executive functioning. Starting, switching, and sustaining tasks for ADHD folks is like trying to herd cats. (And trust me, I own two cats. Chaos is their brand.)

Routines require consistency, but consistency feels… well, boring.
Still—routines are really just systems.
And systems = less chaos.

The beauty of systems is they reduce decision fatigue—the mental exhaustion that comes from making 2,348 tiny choices before lunch. If you automate some things (meals, clothes, morning flow), you free your brain for bigger decisions.

That’s why Steve Jobs wore the same black turtleneck every day. Not because he lacked style. He just outsourced the decision.

🌀 But Here’s the ADHD Twist…

Our brains crave novelty. Dopamine is our fuel, and repetitive routines kill the buzz.

So when we break a routine, what happens? Enter the shame spiral.

Instead of chasing perfection, I suggest something different:

✨ Practice vs. Routine

A routine is rigid.
A practice is flexible.

Think of it like music (I’m a pianist, so naturally I go there): I don’t play a piece perfectly the first—or even fifth—time. The point isn’t perfection. The point is returning, again and again.

With practices, you can pause and restart without shame. The success is in the returning.

🧩 Try a Micropractice

Instead of overhauling your entire morning routine, ask:
👉 What’s one small thing I can do today?

I call this The Power of One.

• Just. One. Thing.

• It reduces overwhelm.

• It builds momentum.

• And yes, it gives you that dopamine hit.

Big thought: You already have habits. They might not be intentional, but they exist. The trick is tweaking them into practices that serve you.

📘 A Nod to Atomic Habits

James Clear (in Atomic Habits) says:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

One of my favorite techniques from him? Habit stacking.

• Already making coffee? While it brews, empty the dishwasher.

• Always kick shoes off by the door? Put a rack there instead of forcing yourself to walk them to the closet.

It’s about making your new practice convenient and obvious.

🛠️ Real-Life Practices That Work for Me

• Keys: Always on a hook by the back door—or in the same pocket of my purse. I haven’t truly lost them in years.

• Bills: Used to be terrible at paying them. Now I sit down once a month, pay them all, and my credit score thanks me.

• Parking lots: I always park in the same aisle at the grocery store. Because yes, I have absolutely lost my car while having imaginary conversations in my head.

Do these systems fail sometimes? Constantly.
Do I keep trying? Absolutely.
Because when they stick, my life gets noticeably better.

📌 Practical ADHD-Friendly Takeaways

1. Start Tiny
   What’s the smallest version of the habit you want?
   Example: After brushing your teeth, do 5 wall push-ups. Still counts, even if you stop there.

2. Make It Visible
   Sticky notes, alarms, trackers—keep mixing it up so your ADHD brain doesn’t tune them out.

3. Try the Power of One
   What’s one thing you want to accomplish today? Write it down. Writing helps your brain remember.

4. Forgive and Restart
   Missed a day? No shame. Just restart. Failure is part of the ADHD system. The wins that stick? Life-changing.

💌 Your Turn

What’s one micropractice you can start today?
Drop it in the comments or email me at christine@twocatscoaching.com—I’d love to hear from you.

And if this post made you feel a little less distracted, share it with another solo ADHDer. You’re not as alone as you think.

👉 Want more? Listen to A Solo Person’s Guide to ADHD wherever you get your podcasts.