I have some level of ADHD, and when I was younger, I thought that “something was wrong” with me. Why is it so hard for me to focus? Why can I not just stay still and concentrate on one thing? So, I tried to suppress it as much as possible.
Later in life, I started to embrace my mind more and more. Knowing how to use it now enables me to do all the awesome things I get to do today. It allows for super wide-ranging big-picture thinking, diving into the tiniest of details, and switching between these modes quickly. I’m glad I didn’t suppress my superpowers using medication because they are part of what makes me who I am. Historically, this adaptation helped people navigate outdoor environments and go hunting. The ability to focus on several things at once and switch quickly was very useful in the old world.
In our modern world, it requires special tools to manage. For me, running in parks is especially helpful. It harnesses my focus and gives me control over where to apply my thinking energy. The switch between stimulating environments with many inputs, like a green city park, and quieter, calmer settings to get things done, helps me listen to my inner voice. Other tricks include using the right level of music stimulation when I need to focus on a specific topic, with tools like Brain.fm.
Over time, I’m building my ADHD tool backpack, a concept I learned from GrowthMentor Nathan Sudds. As I do, I see more and more benefits to my way of thinking and meet more people mastering their own minds. It’s very encouraging.