1. Multi-tasking! Have you ever tried to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time? Or maybe it’s the other way around… Well, I can’t do that! I can, however, watch tv/listen and write this blog, sing a song, and pet my dog! **It’s a myth that those with ADHD can’t focus. In reality, most of us struggle with focusing on one thing at a time or on something that isn’t so interesting. For me, that’s the laundry. It’s always the laundry.
2. Pushing through! People often ask how I do it all. Well, I don’t! You should come to look at my house! Yep, the laundry is everywhere. However, if I have a deadline--and I'm exhausted I will make it happen and it will be done well!
Notice a theme here? However, I can push through when I need to. Want to book me for a 10:00 pm podcast interview after I woke up at 5:30am with the dog? You got it, just give me some time to drink my evening coffee.
3. Creativity! I am an out of the box thinker. My brain works differently than others. That neurodiversity is a true gift. I think quickly and creatively.
4. FAST!! I process incredibly quickly. This is not the same for all ADHD’rs, of course. We are all humans and different. For me, this means I’m a great problem solver and can try new things quickly. One of the adult participants in the adult work training program I ran while on the director team at overnight camp gave me an award, "the best quick thinker-problem solver-friend," and it’s by far my favorite!
5. Great under pressure. Some would call me a procrastinator, but that has a negative slant to it. I would say I’m efficient and can harness all of the above skills to work quickly and efficiently when in a time crunch.
6. Understanding of neurodiversity. I don’t think I could be who I am, or have the career I have, if it wasn’t for my ADHD. I feel that I can truly empathize with my clients who learn and see the world differently due to my journey growing up with ADHD, anxiety, and differences.
7. Not taking myself too seriously. Dress up days—ok! Come as you are —yipee!! I think my ADHD brain lends itself well to the goofy personality that I’ve grown into. If you’ve ever worked at a camp, you know what I mean. #IFYKYK
8. Hyperfocus. Hyperfocus, when you can harness its wonders, is an amazing strength. When I am in the zone, good luck asking me a question. However, there is no one who will work faster and more accurately to get a job done!
9. Uniqueness. My ADHD brain, anxious mind, and individual combination of factors that makes me who I am, makes me interesting!
10. Impulsivity. Impulsivity gets a bad rap and it’s mostly discussed in terms of annoying behaviors! However, I harness that impulsivity and sometimes find that jumping into a new thing without thinking is an awesome skill. During my many in print, in person and podcast interviews many people have asked “How did you decide to write a book?” OR “Did you always know you wanted to write a book?” Nope! I didn’t really decide or plan to write a book. One day I had an idea and I looked at my husband Jeff and said, “I think I have enough to say to write a parenting book.” He looked at me and said, “I’m sure you do!” And the rest is history! Check it out here:
Want to learn how to harness your own ADHD strengths? I’m launching an ADHD group for elementary schoolers called ADHD Entrepreneurs. Fill out this questionnaire here to get on my list for registration (this will fill fast) and tell me what you are looking for in ADHD support for you or your kids!
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