If you have ADHD, you can’t sit still, are disruptive, and act like a kid on a trampoline right?

I never understood ADHD. Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

I had stereotypical images in my head about what it meant to have ADHD. All of which were negative.

Then I received my diagnosis.

If it hadn’t been for Peter Shankman I would still be none the wiser.

Serial entrepreneur and Marketing Guru Peter Shankman founded one of my favorite companies: Help A Reporter Out. HARO matches journalists with experts to quote in their TV, Radio, and print publications.

His podcast and book Faster Than Normal explains how to live with an ADHD brain or a loved one with ADHD. This led me to realize maybe I too have a neurodiverse brain.

I have since been assessed and diagnosed with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Since then it caused me to reflect:

• My ability to focus intensely for periods of time and create unusual levels of output has a name - hyperfocus - that is why I could write my first book in four months and my second one in three.

• There is a reason why I can’t remember the names of people or places easily.

• I can “hear” mistakes I make when writing much better than when I read them - text to speech is a lifesaver for me checking my own work or reading documents.

• Now I know why taking tests at school was so hard, my ability to retain information, follow traditional testing environments is just not how my brain works.

• I am a creator not a finisher, that is why I rely so much on my brilliant assistant and social media guru to keep me on track in my business.

• …yes I might have written the book on being Thoughtfully Ruthless, but what I didn’t realize was how the energy I expend managing my life is because of how my brain is wired, and not everyone’s brain is wired the same.

In the last six months I have had priceless conversations with brilliant executives at the end of my talks, over dinner after strategy retreats, or text conversations about diagnosis, adaptations, and living with ADHD.

If I hadn’t listened to Peter’s podcast and read his book I would still believe it is completely normal to have 17 voices in my head all suggesting 17 different things I could be doing right now.

It is why I dedicated my new book Rapid Growth, Done Right to Peter, to thank him for bringing awareness to Neurodiverse brains.

This is one of my favorite websites if you have a child, loved one, or team member that might learn and think differently.

I have discovered it is one of the most common/least talked about topics of how we learn, live, and focus. I am writing about this to share my experience and to be available if anyone is going on a similar journey, I am happy to listen or answer any questions.

The more we share, the more vulnerable we are, the more we help others going through similar journeys.
Dedicated to growing your business,

Val

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