Why do I mentally prepare tasks but still fail to execute them?

Planning and execution are separate processes. In ADHD, planning can be intact while execution breaks down. You may know exactly what to do, but struggle to start or sustain action because initiation relies on dopamine driven motivation, not logic. This disconnect can feel confusing and shame inducing. It is not forgetfulness or lack of care. It is a bottleneck between intention and action. External supports often target execution, not planning, because knowing is rarely the problem in ADHD.