You Have A.D.D./A.D.H.D. and You Will NOT Be Rich and Famous this was a title of a blog post on Jeff's A.D.D. mind. The main point of the article was to debunk the myth that "ADHD is a gift". The article was well written and made some compelling arguments, but personally I felt the negative tone of the article clouded some of those arguments.
I commented on his blog post.
" ADHD should not be looked at either ” the scourge” or a “gift”. Most people need to make adjustments with how their mind works in order to be successful. People with ADHD typically need to make more adjustments.
With ADHD there are certain aspects where someone could use the traits associated with ADHD to be successful. Most entrepreneurs I know are impatient, manage multiple projects at once, and have a need for high stimulation. But, just because you have certain traits it does not mean that you have a higher chance for overall success than the general population.
Jeff responded " I think you would be hard pressed to find a single trait in Hallowell’s list that can be “repurposed” for success."
All of the traits that were listed could be a cause for failure. But it would be irresponsible to overlook that many of the same traits can be beneficial for success
While I can not "repurpose" every trait that Jeff listed from Dr. Hallowell, I will do my best to explain how several of the traits he listed CAN be beneficial for success.
A sense of underachievement, of not meeting one’s goals (regardless of how much one has actually accomplished).- Desire is a key element for success, When people feel that the have achieved their goals the lose this desire to succeed. A sense of underachievement is what drives many people to success.
Trouble in going through established channels and following “proper” procedure. - True innovation is achieved by not going through established channels and following procedure. Success is often had by changing the rules to do something better or by bending the rules to do something geared toward your strengths.
Many projects going simultaneously; trouble with follow through. - The more projects that you have going, the greater the chance that one or more of them is going to lead to something successful.
A tendency to say what comes to mind without necessarily considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark. - Saying what comes to your mind, can help you to get what you need faster. The need to consider appropriateness or timing can cost you time and money.
I have been following with interest the discussion regarding ADD/ADHD as a gift. I am 67 years old, diagnosed with ADD about five years ago. Although I have great regard for Dr. Hallowell, and appreciate enormously the work he has done, and continues to do regarding ADD, I agree with Jeff's A.D.D. mind. ADD's gifts (??!!) come cost dearly. I have been fired from every job I ever had. I continue to struggle with that accumulation of failure. Multi-tasking is a myth and a hoax - it is neither possible, nor desirable. And this pervasive feeling of always being out-of-step is at the root of life long depression. These feelings are further compounded by my failure to see ADD as a gift. I have never aspired to anything greater than peace of mind. That has proven to be an elusive goal.
Posted by: Jeanne Cronin | August 23, 2009 at 02:13 PM