
When Michelangelo asked how he carved the statue of David he answered, “It’s simple, I just removed everything that is not David.”
What Makes You, You?
The real you might look like your unique strengths and talents, personal goals, your memories, knowledge and the experiences that have made up your life. Your beliefs and values are uniquely you.
The Real You and ADHD
You may have been diagnosed with ADHD as a child if you struggled in school. Maybe you had a hard time sitting still and were often yelled at (In reality, you were actually moving to help yourself pay attention). You may have heard negative messages like you were lazy because you forgot to turn in an assignment. You may have had a learning challenge that no one knew about, such as a problem with reading comprehension. You wanted to succeed and do well, and didn’t know why you weren't.
You may have been diagnosed with ADHD later in life, having done reasonably well. But maybe you still struggled in certain areas, such as in time management, planning and organization. Once you were diagnosed, you may have felt relief. Finally it was clear why you had these struggles. Medication helped but you still fell behind with deadlines at work, and had a hard time keeping up with tasks on the home-front. You want to do well, but you don’t know how. You beat yourself up and think, “Why can’t I be like everyone else?
The greatest side effect of having ADHD is the loss of self-esteem. Let’s see how the lingering effects of living with ADHD can influence how you view yourself.
The Impact of Living with ADHD
It starts With the Name: You were diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Note the word “deficit.” Not exactly a pleasant word, nor is it accurate. It is not that we don’t have attention, but where is it going? As we all know, we can hyperfocus for long periods on things we find interesting.
Get the diagnosis! You can call it Attention Difference Disorder.
The Cognitive Challenges: We can experience many challenges, due to the traits of ADHD, like hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. In addition, there are various executive skill areas that present difficulties such as planning, organizing, managing and estimating time.
Hire a Coach who can support you in creating a daily plan for success. Many ADHD professionals advertise on CHADD, ADDA and in ADDitude Magazine.
The Lack of ADHD Knowledge and Stigma: The lack of understanding about ADHD has a huge ripple effect. There are still people who do not believe ADHD is real. It is an ill informed and ignorant viewpoint, as ADHD is one of the most researched areas in mental health. Bottom line, if you don’t accept my ADHD, you don’t accept me. ADHD is not an excuse, it is an explanation.
Educate yourself and get connected to the ADHD Community at www.Chadd.org or www.ADDA.org. Be sure to subscribe to ADDitude Magazine.
The Intelligence Factor: There is still the perception out there that you couldn’t possibly have ADHD if you are smart. I can’t tell you how many people I have worked with over the past few years who have very high IQs. In fact, if you are smart and not succeeding, the gap is larger!
Attention deficit does not equal an intelligence deficit!
The Imposter Syndrome: No matter how competent a person is, they may have the feeling that they are fooling everyone due to the struggles they have had with ADHD.
When you move in your strengths you can never go wrong. Fake it until you make it!
You are Not Your Diagnosis!
No person wants to be objectified by their disorder. Having ADHD and being ADHD are two different things. The fact that you are successful in spite of certain challenges speaks to your strength, perseverance and resilience. Shut down the inner critic and draw upon the inner coach. Chisel away any self-limiting beliefs you have about yourself. Get rid of that weight and watch the real you emerge.
Embrace the Diagnosis and Watch the Real You Show Up
Reach out for the support you need. It is those who go towards the diagnosis that are successful.
When you advocate for yourself with ADHD, the bonus is that you begin advocating for yourself in every area of life. You find your voice. ADHD gets smaller and your life gets bigger. As a client of mine said recently, “ADHD no longer wins!” True, I said, “You do!”
Get in touch with the real you and let go of everything that is not!

Check out this image!
Schedule a free consultation and get support in navigating daily life with ADHD!
“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free”
- Michelangelo
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