I know it seems a bit crazy to think a distractible, hyperactive, impulsive person can be a millionaire, but that’s just what society has led many of us to believe. That’s part of the stigma around ADHD. The truth of the matter is that many wealthy ADHDers face the same challenges as you. Their interests constantly change. They get random spurts of energy and can’t sit still. They have issues with focus, organization, and procrastination. The difference is that many of them have looked beyond the negative aspects of ADHD and found a way to use it to their advantage.
Here is a quick summary of some well-known ADHDers who attribute much of their success to ADHD.
Forrest Griffin – MMA Fighter/Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion – Net Worth: $6.5 Million
Let me start by saying Forrest Griffin, a legendary mixed martial artist, is one of my favorite UFC veterans, and not just because of his comedic ring antics. In a 2011 UFC interview, the former light heavyweight champion revealed that he had ADHD and that when preparing for fights, he would drink 800-1,000 mg of caffeine a day, mostly in the form of espresso shots. Prior to becoming an MMA fighter, Forrest was a Georgia police officer, which is an interesting career choice for an ADHDer. Different people every day, different crimes, different alibis… However, as a UFC fighter, the possibilities for an ADHDer are much more expansive. MMA is constantly evolving and the best fighters these days are the ones who know a variety of different fighting styles (i.e., Brazilian jiujitsu, boxing, Muy Thai, etc.) This is very appealing to adults with ADHD, who have constantly changing interests. Not to mention, MMA fighters have to be in excellent condition. In the UFC octagon, athletes fight up to 3 5-minute rounds at 100%, with title fights being up to 5 5-minute rounds. Need an energy outlet for your hyperactivity? Be an MMA fighter!
Jim Carrey – Actor/Comedian/Producer – Net Worth: $150 Million
(Photo: Ian Smith)
Jim Carrey is one of the funniest comedians in Hollywood. If you’ve seen some of his most notorious movies, like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” or “The Mask,” you’ll probably pick up on some familiar ADHD characteristics. He had some humble beginnings, having to work as a janitor at the age of 15 to support his family. However, Jim Carrey’s highly-energetic slapstick comedic style is what ultimately made him famous. On the Celebrities with Diseases website, he claimed that his zany, “all-over-the-place” antics were a result of his ADHD, and that it’s hard for me to come down from what I do.” As you can see, Jim Carrey capitalized on his ADHD by following a career path that would allow him to be creative, spontaneous, and energetic. On a side note, he’s made it very clear that he takes no stimulants, which probably maximizes his creative potential.
Richard Branson – Founder & CEO of Virgin Group/Business Mogul – Net Worth: $4.6 Billion
(Photo: Jarle Naustvik)
Richard Branson is the epitome of a successful, wealthy ADHDer. Of course, his millions (err, should I say, billions) weren’t just handed to him. As a kid, his family was cost-conscious, having to turn off light bulbs to save money since his father didn’t bring in enough as a barrister. At 16, he dropped out of school and started his own magazine called Student, which was just the start of his entrepreneurship. By the time he was 25, he had made his first million and had officially become a millionaire! Richard Branson is now the founder of over 200 companies comprised within the Virgin Group and is worth billions. He owns his own space exploration company, as well as two private islands in the Caribbean. One of the key factors that got him to this point is his ability to innovate, which is a natural byproduct of the creative ADHD mind. Of course, he didn’t just think up crazy new ideas and let them sit. He took action and followed the interests or passions that drove him.
These three famous ADHDers all have one very important thing in common. They learned how to use ADHD to their advantage. Whether it’s through fighting, making people laugh, or starting their own businesses, they all accepted ADHD and used it to ride the wave to success. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what career path you’re currently following, even if it’s a dead-end 9-5 job that you hate. You can still make a fortune using this ADHD gift you were born with.
