Totally ADD – the ADD edition
The problem with a diagnosis
Speaking as someone with ADD, I take issue with the very name of this normal brain variation. It implies that I’m deficient in attention and that I have a disorder.
Compared to what?
Whether you have it, or just think you do, avoid the temptation to use it as a club to beat yourself with. Let the professionals say what they will, you’re still perfect. Your brain is perfect. Don’t let the diagnosis get you down.
ADD: A party in your brain
Thing is, there’s a lot to celebrate about having ADD. It brings assets and advantages to self-employment that some people can only dream of.
Want specifics? Here are a few:
- idea-generator
- connect the dot-er
- out of the box thinker
- vivid imaginer
- active do-er
ADD brains are fast!
If regular brains are like a VW bus, ADD brains are like a Lamborghini on high octane. They’re so fast and so wickedly creative that sometimes it’s hard for the brain-owner to keep up. What was I thinking a second ago? Whatever it was, it’s been quickly replaced by a dozen MORE thoughts.
Frankly, I celebrate my brain. Because it doesn’t work like everyone else’s, sometimes I like to give others a short tutorial on what kinds of things I need. For instance:
- I don’t remember what you tell me verbally. I have to see or touch it to remember. Send me an email – or let me get a pen.
- If I don’t share a good idea immediately, it will fly out the window forever. Sometimes it sounds like interrupting, but I just need you to help me remember it.
- If I can’t see my calendar, I have no idea what I’m doing tonight, next weekend, or next summer.
- I need context. When you ask, Did you get my email? I will have no idea what you’re talking about. I will definitely ask you: Your email about what?
- Basically, if it’s not right in front of me, it’s completely out of mind.
It’s so not personal.
ADD and small business
Starting Inspired Home Office and running it helped me get comfortable asking for these things without feeling ashamed. I’m at peace with how my brain works.
I’ve also set up lots of systems that put important stuff front-and-center, so I can remember to do it, follow up on it, complete it, and connect. I used to be on ADD meds, but I hardly ever need them now. Most of the time, I seem like a “normal person” because my systems are so effective.
Deep down inside, there’s still a big old party going on in my brain. It’s awesome.
Wants some truly positive info about ADD?
I can’t recommend the book by Drs. Hallowell and Ratey strongly enough. Delivered from Distraction is the go-to book for kids and adults alike. Both of the authors have ADD. I bought 8 or 9 popular ADD books when I got diagnosed and this is the only one I still own.
Another resource, much lighter, is a website by ADD coach, Pete Quily. I don’t know Pete personally, but I love his 151 Positive Characteristics. Check it out.
886 days ago,
JoVE said:
Great description. In fact, I wonder if that’s me? Well some days anyway.
I love the bit about not knowing what you are doing. I don’t know if it is a function of working for myself, from home, but I also have trouble even knowing what day of the week it is
.-= JoVE´s last blog ..You always have time for yoga, mama =-.
876 days ago,
Grace said:
I’ve got to kinda jump in here and say … I don’t know anyone whose brain works like anyone else’s.
Isn’t it all a matter of meeting ourselves and everyone else exactly where we are?
874 days ago,
Cecily said:
I have ADD (as does my older brother and father) and I’ve always found it to be more of a blessing than a curse.
This section, ADD: A party in your brain, especially is me. I’m tactile and I need reference points.
I just found your site and love it.
.-= Cecily´s last blog ..New Item for Sale and a completed order! =-.
873 days ago,
jennifer said:
@Jo – I know what you’re talking about. Sometimes having a busy life makes our brains go haywire – ADD or not. Having a sense of humor about it sure helps.
@Grace – Yes. It is about meeting everyone where they are. All our brains are unique – and that’s always celebrated at Inspired Home Office.
And. ADD brains have similarities that some view as deficient (including people with ADD), which is why I like to talk about the positives. The goal is healing.
@Cecily! Welcome!