One of a number of forthcoming articles exploring what it is like to experience an ADHD diagnosis later in ones’s career, and how one might embrace the opportunities it presents.
Recently, a colleague reminded me of a past conversation where I disclosed my #ADHD diagnosis. She was surprised because her perception of ADHD – chaos, distraction, missed opportunities, and rejection – didn’t match what she saw in me: confident, at ease, and making a difference. She reflected on our talk, and five years later, she received an ADHD diagnosis too.
I wish I had known earlier; she’s faced challenges, running three businesses amidst scepticism from her family about her condition.
The deficit lens
She had viewed herself solely through a deficit lens, always in a hurry, overcommitting, and struggling to articulate ideas clearly.
Like many neurodivergent individuals, over many years she had absorbed and validated derogatory comments, resorting to masking to fit in. Despite increased understanding of neurodivergence, stigma persists, evident in the fact that fewer than a third of employees disclose their #neurodivergence.
New glasses
But now she sees herself differently; she’s wearing new glasses. She notices her extraordinary ability to see the bigger picture, spot connections, and create innovative solutions. She acknowledges that managing three businesses demands superhuman commitment and passion. While ADHD poses challenges, embracing her neurodistinct talents can outweigh any disadvantages.
The power of clarity
She’s still learning to consistently view herself through this new lens, battling the ingrained temptation to downplay her talents. But wearing glasses with the correct prescription is the first step toward thriving.
Our brief conversation had a significant impact. A few moments of listening and reflecting back what was obvious to me inadvertently provided a beacon of hope. Imagine if everyone felt empowered to openly discuss their unique strengths in the workplace!
Ready to try a new perspective?
Step 1: Reframe Your Traits: Take a fresh look at your characteristics through a positive lens
- Could a tendency to be distracted by small noises and movements be more accurately described as an ability to be highly alert and likely to spot details that others miss?
- Embrace the idea that your dislike of sticking rigidly to a plan could mean you’re adept at staying open-minded and adaptable to new ideas and opportunities
- Recognise that your tendency to share ideas and challenge conventional thinking is a sign of divergent thinking and a potential source of innovative solutions
Step 2: Document Your Value-Add
Start building a personal dossier highlighting instances where your skills have made a tangible impact on team performance. By owning your successes, you’ll bolster your confidence during moments of uncertainty.
Step 3: Create Optimal Conditions
Identify the environments where you excel and consistently leverage your ADHD strengths. Whether it’s through open dialogue, physical movement, or strict deadlines, find ways to replicate these conditions for sustained success.
Step 4: Use your creativity and passion to generate fresh solutions for the things that are harder for you
Refuse to be boxed in by how others define you: allow your enthusiasm to in turn generate wider team engagement and collaboration.
By following these steps, you can harness the power of your ADHD traits and unlock your full potential, both professionally and personally.