How Accountability Helped Emma Turn Good Intentions into Real Results

From REACH ADHD & EF Coaching | Perth, Western Australia

Emma was a second-year university student studying biomedical science. She came to REACH ADHD & EF Coaching feeling stuck and defeated.

“I know what I should be doing… but I just can’t seem to follow through.”

Like many students with ADHD, Emma had strong goals. She wanted to manage her schedule better, meet her deadlines, and stop avoiding difficult tasks. But week after week, her to-do list grew longer—and her motivation shrank.

The Real Issue: Lack of Accountability

Emma didn’t need more information—she needed accountability. She was struggling with task initiation, time management, and consistency—core executive functioning skills often impacted by ADHD.

At REACH, we helped her shift her focus from self-judgement to structure, from shame to support.

“Accountability isn’t about guilt. It’s about having a safe space to reflect, troubleshoot, and keep moving forward. That’s what coaching offers.”

— Fiona Alexander, Co-Director

The Coaching Process: Turning Plans into Action

Through coaching sessions with REACH, Emma and her coach worked together to build systems that stuck. Here’s how:

✅ 1. Collaborative Goal Setting

We didn’t start with “fix your life.” We started with one goal: submit next week’s lab report on time. Breaking the cycle of lateness built a sense of agency.

✅ 2. Regular Check-Ins

Each session, Emma reflected on what went well and what got in the way. We used questions like:

• “What helped you start?”

• “What felt hard and why?”

• “What’s one thing you’ll try next week?”

These gentle reflections created momentum—and uncovered patterns.

✅ 3. Supportive Tools

Emma used Motion to block time for study and Goblin Tools to break assignments into manageable steps. These tools kept her goals in sight and reduced the mental clutter.

✅ 4. Gentle Redirection

When Emma missed a deadline, we didn’t focus on the failure. We focused on why—and what could be adjusted. This shift helped her build resilience, not fear.

“When clients have someone who believes in them and checks in regularly, they start to build momentum. Accountability is the bridge between intention and action.”

— Debbie Hirte, Co-Director

The Outcome: Confidence and Consistency

Over the course of the semester, Emma:

• Created a weekly study plan she actually followed

• Reduced her assignment anxiety

• Started submitting work early

• Felt more in control—and less overwhelmed

Her words in the final session said it all:

“I don’t just feel like I have a plan now—I feel like I can actually stick to it.”

Real Change Starts With Support

At REACH ADHD & EF Coaching in Perth, Western Australia, we walk alongside our clients—not to push, but to guide. With structure, compassion, and tools that match their brain, we help them build habits they can actually stick to.

“Our job is to hold the space, hold the goal, and hold the hope. That’s what creates real, sustainable change.”

— Fiona Alexander, Co-Director