The Flip Side of ADHD
I am not someone who paints ADHD as a superpower. However, I am not someone who sees it as the worst thing in the world either. It simply is what it is. It can wreak havoc in your life, but the big three characteristics of ADHD have positive sides to them. Each one has a “flip side.”
Impulsivity = Creativity
Dr. Ned Hallowell describes creativity as “impulsivity gone right.” Impulsivity can generate all sorts of creative ideas and solutions to problems. When an ADHDer leans into their impulsivity, great things can happen. Harnessing that impulsivity can lead to new ideas, creative solutions, and breakthroughs.
Inattention = Hyperfocus
Inattention is just one aspect of an ADHDer’s battle with attention. A better way to describe the relationship between an ADHDer and attention is a lack of attention regulation. ADHDers can focus. It’s a struggle to control what they focus on. This sometimes leads to hyperfocus, an intense state of focus. It’s quite common for an ADHDer to hyperfocus on the wrong thing. However, we ADHDers can hyperfocus on the right thing, and when we do, it’s incredible. Our productivity goes through the roof.
Hyperactivity = Spontaneously Fun
When ADHDers get hyperactive, it can be seen one of two ways: As an annoyance or as a fun spark of energy. Hyperactivity can make an ADHDer the life of the party. People view spontaneity as a good thing. That is an area where we ADHDers can thrive.
In Conclusion…
How you use the traits of ADHD will affect how they are perceived. If you let them control you, ADHD will most definitely be a cross for you to carry. But, if you harness your high-powered brain, your ADHD traits will be seen as strengths. How you go about harnessing your brain will depend on your unique circumstances. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. One great way to learn how to harness your brain is to hire a coach. A coach can help you use your unique strengths to overcome any challenges you face and become the best version of yourself you can be.