(Photo: emdot)
It’s funny how much you notice people with a certain problem when you have that same exact problem. It’s just eye-opening. Take ADHD, for example. When my ADHD is treated and under control, I can easily spot other people exhibiting signs of ADHD, especially adults. When it’s not under control, I still notice things, but not as much. It’s just a general awareness that’s been developing ever since I was diagnosed.
I wouldn’t call myself an expert with the ADHD radar necessarily. However, having it myself, being aware of it, taking control of it, and continuously learning about it has certainly heightened my “spidey senses” in that regard. I am definitely more aware of it at home and at work. Do I let it affect me or my relationships with others? Certainly not, or at least, I try not to. In fact, I embrace it and try to use the benefits of ADHD to my advantage.
That’s right. I said benefits. ADHD is not all doom and gloom as many people make it out be. It definitely impacts multiple areas of your life negatively, but it also has some common positive aspects, such as creativity, enthusiasm, and intuition. How can you use these benefits of ADHD to your advantage? I’ll give you four easy, yet powerful ways to do so:
1. Channel your creativity into something that demands it on a regular basis. ADHDers tend to get more satisfaction from a profession that allows them to design and create things, like an artist or architect does. We feed on change and spontaneity and loathe constant repetition (at least when it comes to things we don’t enjoy). If you’re in a profession that allows for creativity, but are stuck doing repetitive tasks, free up your time with one of the following options: automation, delegation, or outsourcing.
2. Teach your coping skills to others. Many ADHDers focus on learning not just coping mechanisms, but general productivity and time management skills as well, which can be very helpful for not only fellow ADHDers, but also friends, family, and coworkers. The added enthusiasm makes people want to listen, so use it when you can. Don’t overdo it, though. Walking into an elevator full of strangers and asking, “Do you all know why I called this meeting?” might be an enthusiastic maneuver, but it may not provide the laugh-out-loud response you’re looking for (could make things very awkward).
3. Use hyper-focus to complete short-term projects. It’s no mystery that people with ADHD have problems with multi-tasking. On the bright side, though, we can focus on one single task and do it really well, especially if we’re “in the zone.” This is perfect for short-term projects like a 10-page college essay or rebuilding a transmission. Allocate as much time as you can in a single time-frame and remember to take breaks. For example, work 15-30 minutes, then take 5, and repeat. If it’s a big project, break it up into chunks and allocate windows of time within your schedule.
4. Follow your intuition. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between impulsivity and intuition. Think of it this way, though. Impulsivity is “spur of the moment”, “must have it now,” before even thinking about the rewards or consequences… Intuition is a feeling you get about something that sticks with you for a while… If I’m being impulsive, it could mean something as simple as acting on an urge to get an energy drink when I actually feel fine and don’t even really need it. Intuition would be something like following up on a book idea you’ve been contemplating for a while that you have a really good feeling about. Another real-world example: I’ve been working on an awesome, new software application that will help ADHDers improve their focus through tools like brain games, education, meditation and brainwave entrainment, and which will allow them to statistically track things like focus that correlate to certain behaviors or treatments. It may not seem like much, but these bits of intuition can often be the key to a major change in your life or maybe even finding your passion.
As you can see, ADHD has a lot of up-side. Sure, there are a few cons, but the stigma of years past has faded and people are much more open to it now. If you can just embrace the positive side of it, reducing the negative symptoms will be much easier. Plus, you’ll be able to take control. It may even change your life!
