The Surprising Truth About the ADHD Mindset: What No One Tells You
Aug 25, 2024
By Will Moore
You know that feeling when your mind’s racing faster than a caffeinated squirrel on a sugar rush? Yeah, that was me for years. I’d be sitting there, surrounded by a tornado of half-finished projects, wondering why I couldn’t just focus like a “normal” person.
But here’s the kicker - it turns out that whirlwind in my head wasn’t just a jumble of random thoughts. It was a superpower in disguise!
After years of riding the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rollercoaster, I’ve uncovered some pretty wild truths about our uniquely wired brains. And let me tell you, it’s not all about forgetting where you put your keys for the millionth time.
In this brain-bending journey, we’re going to explore the hidden strengths of the ADHD mind. So, let's start!
By the end of this article, you’ll discover:
A new perspective on the ADHD mindset and its hidden potential.
Practical, personalized strategies to overcome common ADHD challenges.
A roadmap to transforming ADHD from a hurdle into a superpower.
Let’s dive in and uncover what no one tells you about the ADHD mindset.
What’s Really Going on in an ADHD Mindset?
When people talk about ADHD, they often focus on the challenges—distraction, procrastination, and that constant feeling of being overwhelmed. These challenges can make everyday life feel like a series of obstacles that are difficult to overcome.
However, the ADHD mindset is much more complex than just the difficulties it presents. It’s a unique way of thinking that influences how you perceive the world, how you process information, and how you interact with others.
ADHD Brain Vs Normal Brain
Understanding the differences between an ADHD brain and a normal brain is crucial, as these structural and functional distinctions impact brain development, cognitive abilities, and emotional regulation. Here is how they differ
Neurotransmitters: ADHD brains have lower levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, affecting attention and motivation.
Executive function: ADHD brains struggle with planning, organization, and impulse control due to differences in prefrontal cortex activity.
Reward system: ADHD brains are less sensitive to rewards, leading to seeking more intense stimulation.
Attention regulation: ADHD brains have difficulty filtering out irrelevant stimuli and maintaining focus on non-engaging tasks.
Time perception: ADHD brains often have an altered sense of time, contributing to procrastination and time management issues.
These differences explain why those with ADHD may struggle with tasks neurotypical individuals find easier, but also why they can hyperfocus on engaging activities.
The High-Speed Processing of an ADHD Mind
Think of the ADHD mindset as a brain that’s always on the go, like a car stuck in high gear, constantly revving without slowing down. This high-speed processing can make it incredibly sensitive to everything happening around it, often leading to feelings of being overwhelmed by stimuli. The brain involved in ADHD exhibits different connectivity and activity patterns, particularly in regions responsible for attention and emotional regulation.
The Creative Potential of the ADHD Mindset
Because of this heightened sensitivity, it can be tough to stay focused on just one thing at a time. Your mind might jump from one idea to the next with lightning speed, barely pausing long enough to explore each one fully. But here’s the flip side: that same sensitivity and rapid processing mean your mind is also exceptionally good at sparking creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
Read More: How to Build Habits with ADHD
How ADHD Shapes Your ADHD Thought Process and Perceptions
If you have ADHD like I do, you might find your thoughts racing from one thing to the next, like flipping through TV channels without ever settling on one show long enough to fully understand it. This rapid mental shifting can make it hard to get organized or finish tasks because your attention is constantly being pulled in multiple directions.
I vividly remember being up into the wee hours, mesmerized and inspired by the glowing orange letters against the stark black screen of my old TRS-80 Model III desktop computer. I'd be transferring my handwritten notes from the day - scribbled on anything from napkins to the back of my hand - onto the computer. These notes were a jumble of ideas, observations, and insights that had popped into my head throughout the day. My ADHD brain was constantly making connections, seeing patterns, and generating ideas that others might miss.
The prefrontal cortex, involved in planning, attention, and impulse control, plays a critical role in the cognitive tasks, and alterations in its structure and connectivity can lead to common symptoms of ADHD. I've experienced this firsthand - my difficulty with time management and tendency to squeeze in "one more thing" before it's time to go has led to some memorable incidents, like the time my mom dropped me off at Little Falls Mall and I ended up getting a haircut when I was supposed to be running a quick errand.
However, this same trait that kept me up at night also meant I was wired to think creatively and solve problems in ways that others might not even consider. This is partly due to differences in brain activity, where the brains of individuals with ADHD function differently compared to those without the condition. Certain brain regions, such as the frontal cortex, may be hypoactive, affecting executive functions like attention and impulse control.
My tendency to think in a non-linear, associative way is what made my ADHD mind uniquely suited for creative problem-solving. It's what allowed me to spot trends before they happened, like when I recognized the potential in the food delivery space and ended up forming a million-dollar company, Doorstep Delivery.
At the time, food delivery was mostly limited to pizza and Chinese food. But my ADHD brain, always jumping from one idea to another, made a connection that others had missed. I realized that with the rise of e-commerce and the recent release of the first iPhone, there was an opportunity to revolutionize how people got food delivered from their favorite restaurants.
I could envision delivery drivers using their phones for receiving orders, GPS navigation, and communicating with the office - all cutting-edge concepts at the time. This culminated in Doorstep Delivery merging with a similar company, Bite Squad, and eventually being purchased for a combined $323 million in 2019. This ability to see the big picture and make unexpected connections is a hallmark of my ADHD personality.
While it can sometimes feel like a burden, it’s actually a superpower waiting to be harnessed. By learning to manage the challenges of ADHD, you can tap into the strengths it offers, using your unique thought patterns to your advantage.
How Can You Turn ADHD Challenges into Strengths?
Believe it or not, your ADHD mindset can become your biggest asset if you know how to leverage it.
For me, the turning point came when I discovered the Pareto Principle, which states that 80% of the results typically come from 20% of the effort. After years of struggling with ADHD, I finally figured out how to use it to my benefit. Upon studying this principle, I taught myself to focus on the most important material, which led to my grades shooting straight up, eventually allowing me to graduate with honors.
This shift in focus wasn’t just about academics; it was about figuring out what really mattered in all areas of my life. I began to apply the same principle to my relationships, health, and professional life. I learned that to be seen as a loyal ally and amazing conversationalist, I just needed to ask questions and listen—really listen. It wasn’t about working out more often, but about working out smarter and fueling my body with the right foods. The more I helped others, even with small gestures, the more I realized that those actions came back to me tenfold.
And still, I kept reading. Books like The Four Agreements taught me that we live in a broken system that can easily mislead us, but by understanding immutable principles, we can rise above our challenges. I learned the power of emotional intelligence—not just being aware of my own emotions, but also being attuned to the emotions of others and responding appropriately.
Here’s how you can start turning those challenges into advantages:
1. Creativity
One of the biggest strengths of having ADHD is creativity. Your brain is wired to think outside the box, making you a natural problem-solver.
Here’s how you can take advantage of this creativity:
Embrace Brainstorming: Set aside regular time for brainstorming sessions where you let your mind run wild. Don’t filter or judge ideas—just let them flow. You might be surprised at how some of the more unconventional ideas can turn into innovative solutions.
For instance, if you’re struggling to organize your workspace, let yourself think of crazy solutions, like color-coding everything or using a completely new system. Sometimes, the wildest ideas are the ones that lead to breakthroughs. Nerve cells play a crucial role in transmitting signals in the brain, which can enhance your ability to generate creative ideas.
Keep a Creative Journal: ADHD brains are often flooded with ideas at the most inconvenient times—when you’re in the shower, driving, or falling asleep. Keeping a notebook or using a voice memo app on your phone can help you capture these ideas before they slip away. Later, when you have time, you can revisit these notes and see which ideas are worth developing further.
Experiment Regularly: Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s a new approach to a task or a different way to organize your space. For example, if traditional to-do lists don’t work for you, try a visual board, a Kanban system, or even a digital tool that gamifies task management. Your willingness to experiment can lead to discovering what truly works best for your ADHD brain.
2. Hyperfocus
Hyperfocus is another hidden gem of ADHD. When something really grabs your attention, you can dive into it with incredible intensity, often producing amazing results.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
Identify Your Triggers: Recognize what activities or topics naturally trigger your hyperfocus. These are the areas where you can excel, so try to align your work or hobbies with these triggers.
Here's how to understand and use this:
Pay attention to when you lose track of time or become deeply absorbed in a task. What are you doing during these moments?
Look for commonalities among these activities. Is it creative work? Problem-solving? Physical activities?
Note the conditions around you during hyperfocus. Is it quiet? Are you alone? Is it a specific time of day?
Consider how you feel before and during these periods of intense focus. Are you excited? Challenged? Relaxed?
Once you've identified your triggers, you can strategically incorporate them into your life:
Career alignment: If possible, seek roles or projects that involve your hyperfocus triggers.
Task scheduling: Plan your most important or challenging tasks during times when you're likely to hyperfocus.
Set Clear Goals: If you know you can hyperfocus for about 2 hours, set a goal to complete a specific project during that time. Breaking tasks into smaller, time-specific goals can prevent burnout and keep your focus sharp.
Create a Distraction-Free Zone: When you need to hyperfocus, eliminate distractions as much as possible. This might mean working in a quiet room, turning off notifications, or using noise-cancelling headphones. If you’re easily distracted by your phone, consider using apps that block notifications during work hours. Creating a workspace that minimizes interruptions can help you stay in the zone longer.
3. Resilience and Adaptability
Let’s face it, living with ADHD means you’re no stranger to setbacks. But every challenge you face and overcome builds resilience and adaptability.
For many years, I felt like I was constantly battling an uphill struggle with my ADHD, viewing it as a relentless opponent that kept knocking me down. During high school and even into my early college years, this battle left me feeling defeated. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom—when I was sitting alone in my dorm room, having been rejected by every fraternity I rushed—that I realized something needed to change.
Here’s how you can build resilience and adaptability, just as I did:
Practice Reframing: When faced with a setback, consciously reframe it as an opportunity to learn and grow. For example, if you miss a deadline due to distraction, instead of beating yourself up, ask, “What can I do differently next time to stay on track?” This mental shift can turn a negative experience into a good lesson.
Stay Flexible: ADHD often requires you to change course or adjust plans on the fly. Embrace this adaptability by staying open to new approaches and being willing to pivot when necessary. Just like I had to adapt my approach to life after hitting rock bottom, you, too, can find ways to turn unexpected challenges into opportunities for growth.
Celebrate Small Wins: Building resilience is about recognizing progress, no matter how small. Celebrate each step forward, whether it’s completing a small task or successfully staying focused for a set period. These small wins build momentum and confidence, reminding you that progress is possible even on tough days.
Conclusion
The key is to approach your ADHD not as a hindrance but as a unique set of traits that, when managed correctly, can lead to incredible personal and professional growth. By adopting a growth-oriented mindset, setting small but meaningful goals, and using the right tools, you can transform your life in ways you might not have thought possible.
You’ve just unlocked a new perspective on the ADHD mindset—now, it’s time to take control and transform that unique wiring into your greatest asset. The best part? We’ll make it fun, rewarding, and simple. Start by taking our Core Values Quiz to see where you stand in the 5 Core Areas of Life: Mindset, Career and Finances, Relationships, Physical, and Mental Health. It’s the perfect first step to understanding how your ADHD superpowers can help you thrive.
Taking the Core Values Quiz offers several benefits that align perfectly with the insights you’ve just gained about the ADHD mindset:
Personalized Insight: Identify which of the 5 Core Areas needs your attention the most.
Harness Creativity: Channel your ADHD-driven creativity into what truly matters.
Focus Your Energy: Direct your energy towards goals that align with your values.
Build Momentum: Start small and leverage hyperfocus to make significant progress.
FAQs
What Is the ADHD Mindset in Adults?
In adults, the ADHD mindset often includes difficulty with focus, impulsivity, and frequent shifts in attention.
How Do Adults with ADHD Think?
Adults with ADHD often have fast-paced, non-linear thoughts, which can lead to both creative ideas and challenges with organization.
What Is the Mindset of a Person with ADHD?
The mindset of someone with ADHD is typically marked by rapid thinking, impulsivity, and a tendency to be easily distracted.
What Are Examples of ADHD Thought Patterns?
ADHD thought patterns often include racing thoughts, jumping quickly between topics, and difficulty focusing on one task.
ADHD and Growth Mindset: Can They Coexist?
it’s true that ADHD can make it more difficult to maintain a positive mindset, it’s also true that embracing this mindset can lead to significant improvements in how you manage ADHD. It requires shifting your perspective from “I can’t do this because of my ADHD” to “I can learn to manage my ADHD and use my strengths to succeed.”