Do You Make These 9 Adult ADHD Mistakes?

Back in December, I ran a survey asking you, my fellow ADHDers, what your best and worst ADHD-related moments were for 2013. As expected, I received some interesting responses. A few were pretty extreme, but most were fairly humbling.

Many of the “worst ADHD moments” were actually glimpses into my own life. In fact, many adult ADHDers that I’ve talked to lately have experienced similar situations and made many of the same mistakes. Does it mean that ADHDers are walking time bombs or even abnormal? Nope.

Adults with ADHD make mistakes just like non-ADHDers. However, there are certain mistakes that they’re more susceptible to than others. These are simply byproducts of the primary ADHD symptoms – inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Take a look through the 9 adult ADHD mistakes below and tell me if any look familiar.

1. Showing up late.

There’s no denying that many ADHDers have issues with punctuality. We know it stresses us out and we know it can hurt our relationships, our jobs, and social lives. Yet, many of us still do it until we hit a breaking point…

2. Interrupting others.

Have you ever been so excited to get your point across that you blurt out responses before people can finish? Do you feel like you need to get your ideas out so you don’t forget them later?

3. Failing to follow through.

So you got started on this awesome project and you were really excited about it… Then, you hit a wall, lose interest, and switched to something else, never to return to that previous project. Does this sound familiar?

4. Constantly making messes.

Besides distracting you and making it difficult to find things, clutter can also affect your job performance and personal relationships. If you’re the type that thrives on organized chaos, then please disregard!

5. Forgetting important dates or people.

With all the thoughts we have racing through our brains, it’s easy to let the important stuff slip. Unfortunately, this can become a big problem in the workplace or at home.

6. Shopping impulsively.

Screw financial responsibility, right? We must have it now! I’ve been guilty of this before. Buying stuff I don’t really need, looking for that instant gratification… The sad thing is that this leads back to clutter, which is mistake #4 on the list.

7. Blurting out inappropriate comments.

Another byproduct of impulsivity, blurting out inappropriate comments is an instant way to offend someone. Doing so, especially on a repeated basis, can lead to job termination, law suits, broken relationships, and even unnecessary stress on yourself.

8. Filling time with unhealthy behaviors.

Many adults with ADHD, especially the types with hyperactivity, are always moving. If there isn’t a productive outlet for that energy, it’s easy to pick up unhealthy behaviors like drug addiction and alcohol abuse. Some studies show co-occurring alcohol abuse disorders in ADHD adults at rates ranging from 17 to 45% and drug abuse/dependence rates ranging from 9 to 30%.

9. Taking on too much.

Besides creating an insurmountable work load, many adults with ADHD also have a tough problem saying no. We unrealistically think we can take on the world and solve everyone’s problems. Eventually, we take on too much and hit a breaking point. We become overwhelmed and stressed beyond belief. This puts our relationships, careers, health, and businesses at incredible risk.

Have you made any of these adult ADHD mistakes? Do you make any of them on a regular basis? If so, I’m here to tell you that it’s not the end of the world. Many adults with ADHD make the same exact mistakes and still make them today. Even I’ve done every single one of them at some point or another.

The awesome thing is that now you’re a little more aware of the mistakes caused by your ADHD and you can now begin to accept ADHD for what it is. Once you do, you’ll feel an instant sigh of relief. Then, you can start putting your focus on minimizing your weaknesses and optimizing your strengths. Not only that, but you’ll be able to see some of your mistakes as actual blessings in disguise!

Have an interesting story about an ADHD mistake you’ve made? Feel free to share in the comment section below!