ADHD? Turn It into a Superpower
Imagine ADHD as a collection of unique traits rather than limitations.
It’s like having a superfast brain. A brain that is like a high-speed train racing through a bustling city. It zips past stations of thought, occasionally missing a stop but always discovering new and unexpected destinations, gathering fragments of brilliance along the way.
When you hear ‘’ADHD’’ you might think of it as a disorder. But what if we reframe it? Imagine ADHD as a collection of unique traits rather than limitations. I have lived almost my entire life with undiagnosed attention deficit, and to function somewhat ‘normally’ (whatever that means), I had to develop specific mechanisms that made it easier for me to cope with what I was dealing with. ADHD presents challenges, but some researchers find it also confers unique strengths and abilities that can be harnessed and leveraged for personal and professional growth.
Hyperfocus, Creativity and Divergent Thinking
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ADHD? Let me guess — inattention?
But is it really a lack of attention, or maybe something else? Perhaps it is a super attention to things that matter to you. I remember that I could never pay attention to things that did not spark an interest in me (hello, German language), but the things that interested me could absorb me completely. And the fact that there were fewer of those that engaged me than those that I should be interested in according to the rest of the world (integrals, formulas of chemical reactions, development of the Nile coastline in 100 BC, recent changes in tax law…) resulted in the stigma of being an intentioned person. How does this lack of attention relate to hyperfocus? Does it not exclude each other? Well, not necessarily.
In his 1997 studies*, Dr. Russell A. Barkley discusses the concept of hyperfocus in ADHD. He highlights how individuals with ADHD can concentrate intensely on tasks of interest, leading to heightened productivity and creativity. During these periods of hyperfocus, people with ADHD can achieve remarkable levels of productivity and creativity (even greater than people without this condition).
Dr. Holly A. White also explored the link between ADHD and creativity in her 2007 studies. They suggested that ADHD-related traits, such as divergent thinking, contribute to enhanced creative problem-solving abilities.
Hyperfocus skills can be incredibly productive when managed effectively. Engage in activities that allow you to express and utilize your creativity, such as brainstorming sessions, innovative problem-solving, creative writing, journaling, designing, and creating art, music, and content.
If possible, align your work with your passion and interest. Find ways to incorporate elements of what you’re passionate about into tasks you find less interesting. This can help maintain your focus and engagement. Direct your attention to the things you are drawn to, and whenever you can, choose what makes your eyes sparkle for a moment. Identify what you love and immerse yourself in it. This passion and enthusiasm can lead to a higher level of expertise and achievement in your chosen areas.
Quick Thinking and Decision-Making
Impulsivity can be challenging, but it also means you’re capable of quick decision-making and taking risks. In the right context, these traits are valuable. You can channel your impulsivity positively by seizing opportunities quickly and adapting to new situations with ease.
Distractibility = Curiosity
What if distractibility is actually curiosity in disguise? Your mind’s tendency to wander can lead to discovering new interests and opportunities. Embrace your curiosity to learn broadly and deeply across various fields, making you a versatile and knowledgeable person. Next time you catch yourself distracted, take a closer look at it, and follow it — it’s not about abandoning what you’re currently doing, but about being aware of what triggers your distractions. When you recognize the distraction patterns, it will be easier to avoid them, and it might even happen that what distracts you is worth a closer look.
Persistence and Resilience
Dr. Kathleen Nadeau in her 2006 studies*** encourages reframing ADHD characteristics, such as impulsivity and distractibility, as potential assets. For example, impulsivity can be seen as spontaneity and distractibility, as mentioned in the previous paragraph, a broad interest base or curiosity.
In the same paper, Nadeau states that people with ADHD are frequently required to navigate a world that doesn’t cater to their cognitive style, which can result in increased resilience as they continually adapt and overcome obstacles.
Hyperactivity = Energy
Hyperactivity is a common trait in people with ADHD. However, not all types of ADHS include it (so-called Predominantly Inattentive Presentation shows inattention symptoms without significant hyperactivity). It can manifest in different forms, not necessarily in those that are stereotypically associated, like inability to stay seated or constant movement, but also restlessness, excessive talking, fidgeting and squirming.
How can you make it work in your favour? Channel your energy into productive activities. Direct it where you can build your ‘well-being’ — it’s not just about sports, though that might come to mind first, but also about creating (maybe you’ll start learning to sing or play an instrument?).
Now You Know That You Can Harness Your Unique Traits — What Can Help With That?
Although the above considerations may encourage us, we all know that our mind can be a tough opponent when it comes to dealing with reality. It’s easy to write about superpowers and throw out slogans like “If Einstein had ADHD, what’s your excuse?” Acknowledging that ADHD traits don’t have to limit us, but remembering that living with them is challenging, one thing is important: self-awareness. Knowing yourself and what affects you, makes it easier to manage yourself. Additionally, there are three things I can recommend because they helped me tame the chaos of my life: planning and writing things down, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and mindfulness.
For many years, I struggled with everything that comes with ADHD without being diagnosed: lack of focus, disorganization, forgetfulness, impulsivity, doing a thousand things at once, short-term excitement about new things, or starting tasks and never finishing them. During this time, through trial and error, I created certain systems that helped me control my ‘unsettled’ mind and become a productive and organized person. Firstly, I started planning: the calendar became my best friend — I write in it what I need to do each day, including a list of goals (all goals: from grocery shopping for dinner to signing a contract with a prestigious publisher). To-do lists help organize the chaos in my head — moreover, a paper doesn’t lie, and what is written down won’t be forgotten. Holding a calendar with plans, goals, and to-do lists gives me a sense of control over my own life. And that’s what we often lack, we people with ADHD.
It’s okay if sometimes we can’t focus for long periods. In such cases, breaking the task into smaller parts helps so that completing it doesn’t seem overwhelming. Work in twenty-minute blocks with breaks or divide the task into several parts, each of which you allocate time for throughout the week (not everything has to be finished here and now — that’s another thing worth noting).
Learn to calm your mind. Practice mindfulness and meditation, and try longer walks, preferably among trees. Your mind needs soothing — give it that, even for a few minutes a day, and you’ll see it repay you with inner peace.
Remember, ADHD isn’t a limitation — it’s your secret weapon! Think of it as having a special brain for special things. Embrace your unique abilities, use these strategies to harness your strengths, and turn your ADHD into your superpower. You’re capable of amazing feats, so let your extraordinary mind shine!
sources:
*ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control” (Barkley, R. A., 1997)
** ”ADHD as a Double-Edged Sword: Testosterone and Cognitive Empowerment” (White, H. A., 2007)
*** “Understanding Women with ADHD: A Strengths-Based Approach” (Nadeau, K. G., 2006)
