I'll never forget how I felt after being clinically diagnosed with ADHD. The conclusion provided answers to countless questions and also let me know that my brain operated differently — not incorrectly. I wasn't a bad person, a lazy person, or a shameful person. I simply had an affliction that rendered my attention span and sensory threshold a bit lower than everyone else's.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder manifests itself in almost every aspect of life; however, your symptoms don't have to become excuses for a sub-par work ethic. With either the help of medication, cognitive intervention, or some combination involving an incredible amount of self-discipline, your symptoms do not have to become your excuses. Below, I've listed five ways you can prevent classic ADHD hallmarks from interfering with your personal goals.
1. Know Everything You Can About Your Diagnosis.
Having ADD/ADHD does not make you any less capable or any less worthy of success than your neurotypical peers. Knowing the pathophysiology, treatment options, and implications of your diagnosis grants you a high level of understanding. Gather an appreciation for your limits, your resources, etc. Knowledge is the greatest asset you can have in terms of achieving greatness regardless of (and because of) your wonderfully unique brain.
2. Fight The Stigma.
Only boys have ADD or ADHD. People with ADHD don't actually have any neurological dysfunction; it's a made up disease. Individuals diagnosed with attention problems are nothing more than impulsive distractions in academic settings. Prove everyone wrong. Aspire to be well above average. Put in twice the effort to reap twice the reward.
3. Remain Open-Minded And Be Patient With Yourself.
Perhaps Adderall or Vyvanse is the best option to help you manage your symptoms. Maybe a combination of vigorous exercise and clean eating helps you to feel your best in spite of the ADHD label. Above all, practice the art of being open minded because your symptoms (and the best treatment options) may vary over time.
Furthermore, know that during periods of intense hyperactivity, immediately sitting down with a book may not be the most useful approach towards studying. Utilize your energy in an intense workout or creative frenzy first in order to prime your brain for something requiring a large amount of self-discipline. Take the time to practice being patient and kind with yourself.
4. Educate others.
Maybe a professor's lecture style isn't the most efficient way to help you learn. Instead of blaming your decreased ability to focus solely on yourself, reach out to your mentors and provide them with insight on how to make classes more engaging for your learning style.
Alternatively, seek ways to learn in more enriching ways. Make learning a kinetic activity. Scribble mind-maps on chalkboards. Show others what works best for you. This allows your peers to understand that you are not learning-disabled, but you are learning-enabled. You have the potential, but you need to learn with a bit more drive (and movement and passion.)
5. Know That Your Symptoms Are Your Superpowers.
ADHD is associated with high levels of intelligence and creativity for a reason. Your inability to focus on a single idea at a given time can actually be morphed into an ability to focus on a variety of tasks at once. Impulsive behavior can be reduced to raw passion, Hyperactivity can be transformed into gifted athleticism. Remember that the world's greatest heroes all had to learn how to control their abilities.
Managing ADHD symptoms requires constant maintenance, self-care, and discipline. Nonetheless, the features of the "disorder" permit nearly limitless possibilities.
