June 12, 2025

107: Beyond Limits – Simon Blair’s Story of ADHD and Ultra Endurance

ADHD Goals
ADHD Goals
107: Beyond Limits - Simon Blair's Story of ADHD and Ultra Endurance
Loading
/

Show Notes

Turning ADHD into Strength: A Journey of Endurance with Simon Blair

Watch Beyond Limits: Into the ADHD Mind: Rising Above Failure

In this episode of the ADHD Goals podcast, Laurence talks with Simon Blair, founder of SHB, a successful London-based property company. Simon shares his experience of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life and how he has transformed this into a source of strength through ultra-endurance marathon running. The discussion delves into his new documentary ‘Beyond Limits: Into the ADHD Mind,’ which captures his participation in the Marathon Des Sables—one of the toughest races on Earth—while addressing ADHD and mental health stigmas. Simon provides insights into his upbringing, dealing with ADHD, coping mechanisms, and how running has helped him achieve mental clarity and personal growth. They also explore his journey towards being a successful entrepreneur with ADHD and future plans to raise awareness and improve understanding of neurodiversity in schools and workplaces.

00:00 109: Simon Blair

00:08 Introduction to the ADHD Goals Podcast

00:17 Meet Simon Blair: Entrepreneur and Ultra Marathon Runner

01:43 Simon’s Journey with Ultra Marathon Running

03:03 Life Before and After ADHD Diagnosis

04:28 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

12:29 Entrepreneurial Journey and Hyperfocus

18:29 Creating the Documentary: Beyond Limits

23:13 The Mental Benefits of Running

24:41 The Simplicity of Ultra Marathons

25:05 The Struggles and Rewards of Neurodiversity

31:17 Finding Balance with ADHD Medication

39:57 Raising Awareness and Support for ADHD

46:31 Concluding Thoughts and Future Goals

Join the FREE ADHD Goals Community

https://members.adhdgoals.co/communities/groups/adhd-goals-community/home 

Need Help with your ADHD?

Visit my website:⁠ ⁠https://adhdgoals.co/⁠⁠

⁠Book a FREE call intro call⁠ : https://adhdgoals.co/free-intro-call-booking/ 

FOLLOW ME

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_goals/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd.goals 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adhdgoals/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-goals/ 

[00:00:00] Introduction to ADHD Goals Podcast

 [00:00:00] 

[00:00:08] Laurence: Hello and welcome back to another episode of the ADHD Goals podcast. So have you ever sat there fully aware of what you need to do, but somehow just can’t get yourself to do it? Maybe it’s starting a task, sticking to a plan, or just figuring out what you need to do first, where you’re not alone. That invisible wall.

You keep hitting, that’s often executive dysfunction and it’s one of the most common struggles for people with ADHD. And today I want to introduce a framework to you that I use in my ADHD coaching practice that helps people break through that wall. And it’s called the U.M.P.A.R. Framework. And it’s designed to help you understand your brain, manage your challenges, and create [00:01:00] momentum that sticks.

So let’s break that down. 

[00:01:04] Understanding Executive Dysfunction

[00:01:04] Laurence: Executive functions are the mental processes that help us to get stuff done. They help us plan, start tasks, stay organized, control our impulses, manage our emotions. Basically, it’s all the behind the scenes brain stuff that keeps life running smoothly. Now, when you have ADHD, these processes can feel like they’re on a permanent coffee break.

That’s what we call executive dysfunction. It’s not that we don’t care, it’s not that we’re, it’s. It’s not that we don’t care. It’s not that we’re lazy, it’s that our brains are wired to struggle with things like initiation, prioritization, memory, and regulation. So if you’ve ever procrastinated on starting a project for.

S procrastinated on starting a project for weeks Forgotten. The one thing that you left the house to do. Gotten overwhelmed trying to organize your day, or bounce between 10 [00:02:00] open tabs without finishing one. Welcome to the club, and now let me show you the map that can help you get where you’re trying to go.

[00:02:12] Introducing the U.M.P.A.R. Framework

[00:02:12] Laurence: So I created the  U.M.P.A.R. Framework, which is. U-M-P-A-R.

Which is an initialization of U-M-P-A-R and it’s a practical framework to guide and navigate your executive dysfunction one step at a time. And it’s not about being perfect, it’s about progress that works for your brain. So let’s break it down. 

[00:02:35] Breaking Down the U.M.P.A.R. Framework

[00:02:35] Laurence: The U in,  U.M.P.A.R. Is to understand and uncover the first stealth.

The first step is self-awareness. Understand how your ADHD and executive dysfunction shows up in your life. Uncover your strengths and your stress triggers and your patterns because when you can name it, you can tame it. The M in,  U.M.P.A.R. Stands for [00:03:00] maintenance and movement, so your brain needs fuel.

Sleep, nutrition and movement and meaningful routines. But we often skip this, but we often skip this part, but it’s foundational without maintenance. Your brain’s trying to run a marathon with no shoes or no snacks, and this is about creating momentum. So this is about creating momentum one habit at a time.

The P in,  U.M.P.A.R.T is planning and prioritization. This is where structure comes in, breaking down big goals into small steps. Prioritize your tasks clearly and use tools like time blocking planners and visual task boards. And remember what gets written down, gets remembered. What gets broken down gets done.

The A in,  U.M.P.A.R. Is action and accountability. Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Taking action doesn’t mean doing [00:04:00] everything. It means doing something and having accountability, whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a check-in system, can be the key to staying consistent. And finally, the R in,  U.M.P.A.R. Is reflect and repeat.

Progress isn’t linear. That’s why we end with reflection. What worked, what didn’t? Where did you get stuck? Where did you get stuck? What helped? Then you adjust and go again. This isn’t a one-time loop. This is a lifelong rhythm.

[00:04:38] The Importance of Accountability

[00:04:38] Laurence: Now I want to highlight something really important. You don’t have to do this alone. Coaching and accountability help you stay in the game. When your brain wants to bail or gets distracted, a coach is there to help gently guide you back. It’s not about nagging, it’s about having a partner in your process, someone to reflect with, celebrate wins [00:05:00] with, and problem solve the hard bits alongside with you.

You can’t out executive function, your executive dysfunction, but you can work with it with the right support, whether that’s through coaching, a support group or a buddy system. Accountability brings clarity, structure and motivation. I. If this framework spoke to you, and if it feels like the kind of structure your brain has been craving, I’d love for you to dive deeper.

You can find a free breakdown of the  U.M.P.A.R. Framework over at my website, a ADHD goals slash  U.M.P.A.R..

You can find a free breakdown of the  U.M.P.A.R. Framework in the show notes. There’s a link to my website, a HD goals.co. And it’s a great place to start reflecting, tracking and building momentum. And if you’re cur and if you’re curious about ADHD coaching or want someone to walk this path with you, I’d love to chat head over to my web, sir.

Head over to my website and book a free call. 

[00:05:54] Recap and Final Thoughts

[00:05:54] Laurence: So let’s recap. Executive dysfunction doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means your [00:06:00] brain needs a different approach. And with the  U.M.P.A.R. Framework, you can begin to understand what’s going on, fuel your focus, create plans that make sense, take meaningful action and keep growing with every cycle.

So you’ve got this. Your brain just needs the right map. Until next time, keep showing up, keep experimenting and keep being kind to your mind.

[00:06:25] Closing Remarks and Contact Information

[00:06:25] Laurence: Well there, we have it. Thank you so much for listening this far. If you want to hear more episodes, then please subscribe on YouTube or whatever podcast platform you use. It really helps us spread the word. So if you know anyone, this episode could help, then please share it with your friends. If you want to follow me on social media, I am on Instagram at ADHD underscore goals. And you can find me on Facebook too. If you want to get into touch with the show, then you can email me at hello@adhdgoals.co And finally, if you’re struggling [00:07:00] to manage your ADHD and you would like me to be your coach, then please head over to my website and get in touch. Until next time. Bye for now.

Free Course

Understanding & Managing Your ADHD

ADHD Canvas

Visual Coaching System

ADHD Entrepreneur

Business Automation Blueprint