Living with ADHD, I've discovered, is a journey of navigating a world that often feels like it wasn't quite designed with me in mind. But, over time, I've come to see my ADHD not just as a set of challenges to overcome but also as a unique set of strengths that I bring to the table, especially in creative and dynamic environments that allow me the space to be myself.
~ Incredible strengths that are powerfully impactful ~
I've found in my ADHD is the ability to hyperfocus on tasks that capture my interest. This level of concentration allows me to dive deep into projects, often leading to innovative solutions and creative breakthroughs. Being a natural out-of-the-box thinker, I can approach problems from angles that others might not see, generating a wealth of ideas that can drive projects and initiatives forward.
My strong sense of right and wrong guides my actions, ensuring that I'm not just pursuing goals, but doing so in a way that aligns with my values, as you may have guessed from starting DivergenThinking. This action orientation is very real when under pressure and I am able to harness my high energy to get things done at the last minute—though, admittedly, this often comes as a result of procrastination, a common challenge for those of us with ADHD.
💡 Inspiration and passion fuel my work, making me a motivating presence in the workspace. An energy, when directed, that lends itself well to entrepreneurial endeavours, physical activities, and sports, showcasing the diverse capabilities of ADHDers.
~ However, the coin has another side... ~
The very traits that empower me can also present significant hurdles. Busy thinking, for example, can feel overwhelmingly chaotic, making it difficult to focus on tasks that don't immediately capture my interest. This can lead to challenges with organisation and planning, just ask Susanne 😉 often causing me to leave things to the last minute or even miss deadlines altogether.
My tendency to lose track of time, or to be "time blind," affects not just my professional life but also my personal commitments, even the latest app Susanne has implemented is still a struggle to use! And while I'm known for my directness, I recognise that my bluntness when I am busy and habit of jumping into conversations when I am excited can sometimes be off-putting to others who do not understand. Managing my impulsivity, especially in conversations and decision-making, requires constant vigilance, I can assure you.
😣 One of the difficulties I have had to learn to navigate is my frustration and anger that can arise when things don't go as planned. My risk insensitivity, focusing more on potential rewards than on the risks, has led to both spectacular successes and notable failures.
"At DivergenThinking, we believe in embracing these complexities. "
We truly do understand that the "norm" is a myth and who wants to be bloody normal I say! Especially when the real power lies in maximising our unique strengths while managing our challenges and working with others who have different strengths to ours so we truly to bring out the best in each other. Our programmes and workshops are designed with this philosophy in mind, providing tools and strategies to help individuals with ADHD like you and me, and other ‘labels as I like to call them’, thrive in their personal and professional lives.
We have created a group programme for ADHDers to help better understand and learn how to nurture phenomenal strengths. Click here to find out more.
🤝 Together, we can redefine what it means to be successful and create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive throughout our lives.
