My Journey: ADHD
From Struggles to Strengths
For the first decades of my life, I knew I was different, but I didn’t have the words to explain why. I excelled in certain areas but struggled immensely with others. I could hyper-focus for hours on things that interested me, yet simple tasks felt like insurmountable obstacles. At work, my creativity and critical thinking skills were undeniable, but my approach often clashed with rigid expectations. It wasn’t until my ADHD diagnosis in adulthood that everything finally made sense. This is my story—one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation.
Early Signs and Childhood Experiences
Growing up, I was a whirlwind of energy. My mom tells stories about how she hesitated to give me cough syrup, fearing it would send me bouncing off the walls instead of calming me down. Certain medications resulted in overstimulation, while others caused significant fatigue. Despite my boundless energy, elementary school felt effortless. I excelled in class easily, and my parents allowed me to stand in restaurants if I kept one hand on the table.
The Challenges of High School and College
Things changed in high school. Assignments were often late, and studying was difficult without the pressure of an upcoming deadline. I didn’t know it then, but I had unknowingly developed coping mechanisms—like studying with friends (now known as body doubling) to force focus. College followed the same chaotic pattern: bursts of hyper-focus at the last minute, barely scraping by with what I could pull together under pressure.
Workplace Struggles and Misunderstandings
The workplace brought new challenges. I was productive, innovative, and strategic—but I also struggled with executive dysfunction. Deadlines loomed, and procrastination was my constant battle. I masked these struggles by using my people-pleasing nature to fulfill tasks as obligations to others. This worked in startup environments and Chief of Staff type roles, where being adaptable and keeping others happy played to my strengths.
But there were also moments of deep frustration. I think differently. I solve problems creatively. If you tell me to build a bridge without describing what you expect it to look like, I’m going to build the best bridge I can envision. It will work, but it might not look the way you pictured. Instead of recognizing my ability to innovate, I often found my work undermined—not because it wasn’t good, but because it wasn’t what someone else expected, even if they never communicated their expectations clearly. Constructive feedback often felt shameful, a constant reminder that I was somehow wrong for thinking differently.
The Breaking Point and Diagnosis
Eventually, I reached a crisis point. I needed time off work and sought help through an Employee Assistance Program. This led me to a short-term program for severe anxiety and depression. In the process, a psychologist suggested I speak to a psychiatrist about ADHD. I found a psychiatrist specializing in anxiety—who also happened to specialize in ADHD. After addressing my anxiety and finding a long-term therapist, I underwent testing and scored at the highest level for combined-type ADHD. There was no doubt. I had ADHD.
Then came the moment that changed everything: trying medication for the first time. The relentless noise in my brain—the overlapping thoughts, the endless internal narration—suddenly quieted. It was the first time I had ever experienced mental stillness. And I cried.
Embracing My Strengths and Building Strategies
With my diagnosis, I began to understand myself in ways I never had before. I have always recognized patterns and strategized effectively. Now, I understand that ADHD gave me a unique way of thinking—one that could be a powerful strength if I learned how to work with my brain instead of against it. I started developing strategies tailored to my neurodivergence. Medication helped, but I also explored techniques like:
Using dopamine-driven motivation rather than traditional discipline.
Leveraging novelty and urgency to break through procrastination.
Implementing visual systems (because “out of sight, out of mind” is very real).
Letting go of neurotypical “shoulds” and embracing what worked for me.
From Self-Understanding to Coaching Others
As I navigated this journey, I found validation and support in online communities, books, and ADHD-focused creators. I learned that I wasn’t alone. That my struggles weren’t because I was lazy or incapable. The world is not suited for minds like mine.
This realization fueled my passion to help others. I pursued ADHD coaching certification, diving deep into the neurobiology and unique challenges of ADHD. I now understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is trial and error—learning to tap into what motivates and sustains us.
A Message to Those Struggling
If you’re reading this and feeling seen, know this: You are not alone. You may be different, but you are not deficient. The world wasn't designed for neurodivergent minds, but you don't have to conform to a mold that doesn't fit.
Be patient with yourself. Experiment. Find what works for you. Your brain is powerful, creative, and capable of incredible things—just maybe in a way that the world hasn’t learned to appreciate yet. And that’s okay.
Your journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It only needs to work for you.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your ADHD journey is unique, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you're looking for strategies to harness your strengths or guidance on overcoming challenges, I’m here to help. Schedule a session today and take the first step toward embracing your neurodivergence with confidence.
Share your Thoughts!
Have you experienced similar ADHD struggles? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
