Here we are at my first weekly post (not including the original one). It is a long one so please bear with me here! I would love to hear what you think and if you want to subscribe that too would be amazing! I hope you enjoy it because honestly it took way longer to write than the 10 minutes its going to take to read!
Living with ADHD is like navigating a chaotic, creative maze that I never quite figured out. There are days when the overwhelm and distractions get the best of me, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. But despite the challenges, ADHD has also shaped who I am in ways that I’ve come to recognise as strengths. These strengths are not without their own struggles but embracing them has given me a unique perspective on life.
Whilst I sometimes battle with inertia or struggle to get out of bed, it also means I’ve learned how to embrace the unexpected positives that come with ADHD. The impulsive bursts of energy, the creativity, the courage to take risks, and the ability to pivot in an instant these things have helped me achieve more than I could have imagined. Below are ten unexpected positives of ADHD that have shaped my journey:
- Problem Solving: Thinking Outside the Box
- Creativity: A Different Way of Seeing the World
- Deadline Mode: Working Best Under Pressure
- Risk Taking: Leaping into the Unknown
- Adaptability: Thriving in Change
- Power Hour: Hyperfocus at its Finest
- Deep Empathy: Feeling for Others
- Uniqueness: Marching to the Beat of Your Own Drum
- Spontaneity: The Joy of Living in the Moment
- Courage: Fearless in the Face of Adversity
1. Problem Solving: Thinking Outside the Box
ADHD often forces you to approach problems from a completely different angle. When conventional methods don’t work, it’s easy to start thinking outside the box. One area where I see this clearly is in my work as a teacher. I’ve had to be creative when coming up with lesson plans, finding new ways to engage students, and addressing challenges that arise in the classroom. It has taught me that every problem has multiple solutions, and it’s not always about doing things the traditional way.
Tip: When you’re faced with a problem, try stepping back and looking at it from a different perspective. Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think, you just need to see it differently.
2. Creativity: A Different Way of Seeing the World
Creativity is one of the most powerful gifts ADHD has given me. While it sometimes means I’m lost in a whirlwind of ideas and can’t focus on just one, it also allows me to think in ways that others might not. Over the years, this has helped me in everything from teaching to personal hobbies.
A good example of this is how I’ve always been into sewing. Even though I sometimes get distracted, when I focus on a project, my creativity takes centre stage. I might not always finish everything I start, but the joy comes from the ideas and possibilities. Recently, I started redesigning my dining room. The space was small and wasn’t originally intended to be a dining area, and I also needed to make it wheelchair accessible for my dad. I designed built in benches and a table on wheels, which can be moved around easily. The table also has a removable top so that it can double as a space for board games or jigsaw puzzles when needed.
Tip: Let your creativity flow, even if it feels scattered at times. Embrace the process, and you might surprise yourself with what you can come up with.
3. Deadline Mode: Working Best Under Pressure
Anyone with ADHD knows that deadlines can be a double edged sword. While they can bring about stress and anxiety, they also serve as an incredible motivator. In fact, it’s often under pressure that I do my best work. Take, for instance, last weekend. In just 24 hours, I managed to clean my entire house, bake a cake, and make a dress, all while juggling various tasks. The pressure of time made me focus in a way that I struggle to do when there’s no ticking clock.
It’s in those moments of high pressure that I can zone in and do things I might have put off for ages. It’s a whirlwind of activity, and while it can be overwhelming, there’s a certain rush to it and the satisfaction that comes with completing tasks I once thought would take weeks.
Tip: Use the power of deadlines to your advantage. Break large tasks into smaller chunks with set time limits, and you might be amazed at what you can achieve in a short time.
4. Risk Taking: Leaping into the Unknown
One of the more unexpected benefits of ADHD is the courage to take risks. Sometimes, it’s the impulsiveness of ADHD that pushes me to leap into situations I might not have otherwise considered. This ability to dive into the unknown without overthinking it has led to exciting opportunities in my life.
A perfect example of this was when I moved to Manchester as a student. I had never visited the city before and had no real plan, but I decided to take the plunge anyway. Looking back, it was a huge risk, but it paid off. Moving somewhere without knowing much about it might seem reckless to some, but to me, it was a perfect example of how ADHD has helped me take bold leaps that others might shy away from.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Even if things don’t turn out as expected, you’ll learn something valuable from the experience.
5. Adaptability: Thriving in Change
One of the unexpected benefits of ADHD is the ability to adapt to change quickly. While many people find change overwhelming or disruptive, ADHD makes me more flexible in navigating life’s twists and turns. Whether it’s a change in plans, a new project, or a personal shift, I often find myself thriving in environments that are constantly evolving.
I’ve experienced this adaptability in many areas of life. When plans change at the last minute, instead of becoming flustered, I find myself naturally adjusting. In my work, when I’m faced with a new classroom dynamic or a different group of students, I adapt quickly and find a way to engage them. It’s not always easy, but ADHD has taught me how to roll with the punches and make the best of any situation.
Tip: Embrace change instead of resisting it. The more flexible you are, the better you’ll be able to handle life’s curveballs.
6. Power Hour: Hyperfocus at its Finest
One of the more peculiar aspects of ADHD is hyperfocus. It’s like switching into a different mode entirely, where everything else fades away and I can dive into something with such intensity that hours pass without me realising it. I notice this the most during what I call power hour. I will be about to go to bed and suddenly from nowhere a wave of motivation hits and I suddenly can fold all those clothes I have been collecting by the bed, or I suddenly have a solution to a problem that has been bugging me for months. While this is sometime a negative, because I end up missing out on sleep, it also shows the immense potential ADHD has to help me achieve deep focus when the moment is right.
Tip: Take advantage of those hyperfocus moments but also be mindful of when to step back and take breaks. Harness the energy but avoid burning out.
7. Deep Empathy: Feeling for Others
One of the lesser discussed traits of ADHD is the deep emotional intensity and empathy that often comes with it. Because ADHD makes me feel everything more deeply, I’ve developed a powerful sense of empathy towards others. I can pick up on emotions and body language in a way that allows me to connect with people on a deeper level.
This has helped me in my personal relationships and in my work. As a teacher, I’m able to recognise when students are struggling, even if they don’t speak up. I’ve learned to offer a listening ear and provide support when they need it most. My heightened sense of empathy allows me to understand what others are going through, and it’s a gift that I’m grateful for, even if it sometimes becomes overwhelming.
Tip: Use your empathy as a tool for connection. Pay attention to the emotions of others and offer support where you can.
8. Uniqueness: Marching to the Beat of Your Own Drum
ADHD often makes me feel like I don’t quite fit into the traditional mould, and while that can feel isolating at times, it’s also a strength. I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness, whether it’s in my approach to work, how I engage with people, or even how I dress. I don’t mind standing out or doing things differently it’s what makes me, well, me.
Whether it’s my impulsive need to change my home décor or my tendency to take on projects that most people might shy away from, I’ve learned to accept that my way of doing things doesn’t have to be conventional. It’s a part of who I am, and I’m proud of it.
Tip: Celebrate your uniqueness. Don’t feel pressured to conform to anyone else’s idea of what’s “normal.” Your individuality is a powerful asset.
9. Spontaneity: The Joy of Living in the Moment
One of the most fun aspects of ADHD is the spontaneity that comes with it. While it can sometimes throw plans into chaos, it also brings a sense of adventure and excitement. I often find myself acting on a whim, whether it’s deciding to take a random trip, jump into a new hobby, or try something
entirely new.
That spontaneity is something that has brought joy into my life. Whether it’s a last minute coffee date with friends or a sudden desire to rearrange my furniture (yes, really), those impulsive decisions often lead to the most memorable moments.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to embrace the unexpected. Some of the best moments in life are unplanned.
10. Courage: Fearless in the Face of Adversity
Living with ADHD means constantly facing challenges, but it also means developing a certain courage to tackle them head on. I’ve learned not to shy away from challenges, even if they seem intimidating at first. It’s often the impulsive leap into the unknown that results in some of my most rewarding experiences.
Moving to Manchester without having visited the city first was a perfect example of this courage. It was a massive risk, but it worked out. That same courage has helped me push through personal and professional challenges and take on projects or goals that I might have otherwise avoided.
Tip: Embrace your courage, even if it feels scary. The fear is often just a sign that you’re about to push yourself in new ways, and that’s where growth happens.
ADHD is undoubtedly challenging at times, but it’s also filled with opportunities and strengths that are easy to overlook. By focusing on the positives, I’ve learned to accept and appreciate my unique way of experiencing the world. Yes, there are struggles, but there’s also a world of possibility if you’re willing to embrace the quirks of ADHD and use them to your advantage. (Disclaimer: I am still a hot mess 99% of the time, I am just a hot mess who appreciates everything I have achieved).
Love Kx
Uninspired | Unoriginal | Unhinged 
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