SHARES
“I struggle with it. Even though ADHD contributes a lot to my achievements, it really does affect my life. I heard that many great celebrities, leaders and athletes with AHDH are able to manage themselves well. But, in my case, I’m facing crises with my work , family and marriage!” Kate, 33, runs her family business with great enthusiasm but with ADHD, her everyday life is challenging.
In fact many well known celebrities, athletes and CEOs have attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). For example, Bill Gates, Richard Branson, Adam Levine, Channing Tatum, Justin Timberlake, Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, George W. Bush etc. Whilst it’s true that there are some people with ADHD who are great and famous, yet many nameless persons are having difficulties in their life because of it.
Understanding ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactive disorder is a medical condition that affects children and adults too. Many children with ADHD grow up undiagnosed. This can affect a person’s career, marriage, and parenting skills.
Symptoms of ADHD includes distractibility, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The person can be highly energetic and finds it hard to control his behaviour, emotion and thoughts. Things seem to run a little bit wilder here. Often, the affected person is less patient and does not like to follow instructions nor fit into structure and order.
Nevertheless, this is a very manageable condition. Medical therapy and good management skills can help direct such high energies to improve concentration. Hence, noticing the symptoms early makes it more likely for people to get help.
Photo by Dr. Jonathan B. Lauter from Flickr
Secret Strengths of ADHD
1. Highly Energetic
With seemingly endless amount of energy, people with ADHD can be overachievers in many areas of life. One can excel in outdoor sports, in hectic workplace or even in harsh business competition. In a manner, they appear to be always on the lead, with an energy level that can outlast many and the wit to outsmart others.
Yet, when not careful, this can be their very downfall. For instance, venturing into new grounds without adequate preparation. Whilst some may break new grounds with great success, others suffer major losses. In addition, overcommitting to too many tasks and dreams can spread the person too thinly in every direction – that ends up nowhere.
2. Spontaneous and Witty
The upside of impulsivity is spontaneity. People with ADHD are free souls who break free from status quo. This makes them more open-minded and relaxed with a great sense of humour. But, at an extreme, when one is no longer guided by his/her own conscience, such spontaneity can easily turn into impulsive acts of violence and risk taking behaviours.
3. Calm and Collected
Research show that people with ADHD have more theta brain waves. This brain wave is responsible for both the relaxing and sleeping state. Therefore, it is not surprising that persons living with such medical condition are naturally calmer and cooler. These attributes make them able to function normally despite great fear, risks and crises that would normally shutdown the brain of many. Thus, we can see many ADHD working well in highly stressful environment as nurses, emergency department doctors, police officers, fire fighters, stock traders, entertainers, athletes, etc.
4. Creative and Intuitive
In a more relaxed state, the subconscious mind and memories are more accessible. When coupled with the energy and ability to process big data gathered through senses at very high speed, one becomes super intuitive. This gives them a different perspective on life and great insights. Hence, with their gifted talents, they are more likely to approach life challenges with a unique taste of creativity.
5. Focus
ADHD can have exorbitant focus and drive on intended tasks and goals. One can follow through a project till completion without quitting halfway. This is possible with great executive and management skills. In an interview with Richard Branson, he describes himself “have always lived my life by making lists: lists of ideas: lists of people to call; lists of companies to set up and lists of people who can make things happen”.
Indeed, structure and order, which are the common enemies to ADHD, are exactly what is needed to help their talents flourish. With great structure and order, we can take care of almost all routine maintenance and prevent major crises with minimum effort. These are what truly sets us free. As the downsides are taken care of, the upside will take care of itself.
Photo by Last Year’s Man from Flickr
Conclusion
Living with ADHD can have troubling symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. However, with treatment and good management skills, a person can harness great potential to benefit oneself as well as the surrounding community. Caregivers, teachers and therapists can play a role in noticing them early and offer help with intervention strategies of treatment and management.
References:
1. Legg TJ. The benefits of ADHD [Internet]. Healthline Media. 2020. (Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/benefits-of-adhd; last updated on 2020 Feb 13; last accessed on 2020 Oct 5)
2. Glazer J. ADHD can be a CEO’s secret superpower [Internet]. HuffPost.com. 2020. (Available from: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/jessica-glazer/adhd-ceo-career_b_8124154.html; last updated on 2016 Sept 13; last accessed on 2020 Oct 5)
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by Chang Xian
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