Tag: superhero

When I was growing up I loved superheroes. Whether it was Superman or Batman, I would run through the house and around the outside thinking I could fly. Just about every little tyke wanted to be invincible and have lasers for eyes with superhuman strength. Then we were told that no one could be superhuman like that. But what if they were wrong? What if you had a superhero tendency that the world called a disorder?

I’ve never been clinically diagnosed as having ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) but when I look at descriptions I’m pretty much a textbook case. I was never medicated for being fidgety in school or unable to focus in class. For that I thank my parents! The more I read, the more I believe that ADHD is grossly misunderstood. The very name implies a problem—a “deficit” or “disorder” that needs treatment or management. But what if we’ve been looking at it all wrong? What if ADHD isn’t a condition to fix but a superpower to harness?

Some of the world’s greatest innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives exhibit the very traits associated with ADHD. Their ability to think outside the box, generate ideas rapidly, and adapt to changing circumstances has propelled them to success. What some people see as chaos is the very environment in which some of the greatest innovations have been birthed. The key isn’t suppression—it’s learning to channel this incredible energy in the right direction.

Embrace the Gift of Hyperfocus

While ADHD is often associated with difficulty concentrating, it also comes with the remarkable ability to hyperfocus. When something captures your interest, you can become so deeply immersed that hours fly by without notice. This level of intense focus can lead to extraordinary creativity and productivity.

The trick is to set yourself up for success by working on tasks you’re passionate about and structuring your environment to minimize distractions. When you find your flow, let hyperfocus propel you forward. What can you do for hours and totally get lost in the moment? What types of activities can you do without even having to tune out the world?

Creativity Without Limits

People with ADHD are wired to think differently. Their minds make connections that others might overlook, leading to fresh ideas and innovative solutions. In creative fields like design, writing, or problem-solving, this ability to think outside the box is a game-changer.

I tend to call myself a chaos creator. A willingness to fail a million times in an effort to see the one direction I’m really supposed to move is a gift that I attribute to this ADHD tendency to have limitless creativity.

If you have ADHD, don’t stifle your creative impulses. Lean into them. Brainstorm, sketch, experiment, and create without self-censorship. Your unique perspective is a gift the world needs. This “disorder” is not a disease when it’s harnessed for productivity.

Boundless Energy: A Source of Momentum

From fidget spinners to stress balls to bouncing knees incessantly, this restlessness and need for movement are often seen as challenges for people with ADHD, particularly in structured environments like classrooms or offices. But that energy can be a huge asset when channeled properly.

Use physical activity as a way to reset and refocus. Take breaks to move your body, go for walks, or engage in activities that help you release energy. Many people with ADHD find that incorporating exercise into their daily routine supercharges their productivity and mood. Think outside the box a little. If you’re a restless fidgeter, do your meetings while taking a walk. Take phone calls while strolling through a park.

I work at a church that has a decently long driveway. When the weather is nice, I’ll walk to the mailbox 3-5 times a day just to get up and move. I’ll tap into a podcast or listen to a chapter in an audiobook while on the stroll. It became a joke whenever I’d get up to step out to “check the mail.” My coworker would laugh when she realized I was just a tad restless and simply needed to walk.

Resilience and Adaptability

Living with ADHD often means facing and overcoming challenges that others may not experience. But these challenges build resilience and adaptability—two essential qualities in a fast-changing world.

People with ADHD are often skilled at thinking on their feet and finding creative solutions when plans go awry. Their ability to adapt quickly to new situations can make them invaluable in dynamic environments.

I remember the starting days of the pandemic of 2020. We had a word that we used all the time in our context – pivot. We would pivot a dozen times a day. Pivot was a nice way to say what we were trying wasn’t working so we tried something else. This resilience and adaptability was demonstrated with each pivot on the leadership journey.

Building the Right Systems

Harnessing the power of ADHD requires finding tools and systems that work for your unique brain. Traditional methods of time management, like rigid schedules or to-do lists, may not be effective. Instead, here are a few strategies I find helpful:

• Visual reminders and calendars
• Task management apps
• Breaking tasks into smaller steps
• Using timers to stay on track
• Working while moving

Finding the right system takes experimentation, but once you do, it can transform your daily life.

Rewrite the Narrative

The most important shift is in mindset. ADHD doesn’t have to be viewed as a disorder that holds you back. It’s not a disease that you have to medicate your way out of. It’s a different way of experiencing the world—a way that comes with its own strengths and advantages.

When we stop trying to “fix” ADHD and start harnessing its unique gifts, we unlock potential that can change lives, careers, and communities.

Superpower Activated

The world needs innovators, dreamers, and people who think differently. ADHD gives you a perspective and energy that can move mountains when harnessed effectively.

Don’t try to fit into a mold that wasn’t designed for you. Instead, lean into your strengths, celebrate your uniqueness, and unleash the superpower within you. The world is needs a superhero like you.