Have you noticed that ADHD and Success and Happiness are not synonymous?
Why aren’t they?
( )
Between the above parentheses is all the space allotted to you for giving an explanation as to why ADHD and Success and happiness are not synonymous! Doesn’t seem like that is a fair enough amount of space? Then read on.
Since we all love rules so much, here are some rules for this exercise:
1st: The first rule is that you may only go by your personal definition of success and happiness. (If you don’t have one, that could pose as a problem, but perhaps this assignment will free you enough to create your very own, personal definition.)
2nd: The very important second rule is that you may not identify success and happiness with what others would have you identify them with or as. This means you may not use rules (this rule is the exception), regulations, standards, expected norms, what teachers have told you, what partners or family members want from you, or expect from you, and any friend’s good advice or expectations are out the window for this exercise too. Forget about all types of peer pressure, especially that which is perceived from society, or any other messages revolutionists may be trying to get across to you (including me), for better or worse. (This rule is absolutely essential, before writing anything down, remember to consider this rule in all its meaning! Take a moment to read it again carefully, because it actually requires a great deal.)
3rd: The third rule for this exercise is that you may not allow guilt, regret or missed expectations to define your answer.
I know, the rules kind of stink because we know all too well what is left to choose from, but hopefully they will help.
Now that we have the rules explained, take a few moments to consider them very closely. If you can still come up with specific reasons as to why ADHD and Success and Happiness are not, or should not be synonymous (again, with very, very careful consideration of the rules), then you may have finally discovered what it is that is really holding you back!
Far too many of us tend to put ahead of ourselves what others want or need, or what we perceive is expected of us from society etc. And, even if we do consider all that stuff, it doesn’t mean we address any of it, but it may mean something else entirely – and that my dear friends, is where I am trying to get you to venture.
So, you’ve got the question and the rules? Good, then give it a shot!
– You might be surprised!
Bryan
*The above (blank) parentheses are just a distraction. Also, I am not saying here that ADHD, Success and Happiness are, or should be, synonymous. And, I am not saying they shouldn’t be. However, I am saying something that I believe is important, can you figure it out?
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Can’t win or lose, if ya don’t play.
That’s a fact, Scott!
This is really spooky… I’ve just begun Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way”! I’m daring to believe that I could be an artist, a poet… who knows? I’m just beginning the journey (started 2 days ago) and I am very keen to venture into your challenge above and share my thoughts… as well as read others’ thoughts on this also!
My biggest challenge is the “rules” I tell myself that really come from other peoples expectations of what I “should” be and do.
BSc Hons, Univ Medal, PhD Scholarship, ARC Post Doc, BTeach, Physics teacher… Now single mum to two girls, after two marriages, diagnosis ADHD, anxiety, depression… I’m daring to believe that things could be really different. Whose rules am I following anyway? Could I really make a career out of my art/drawing? I’d love to!
I put up a drawing in the artists discussion group a while back… no comments yet
… But is it a luxury to explore my creativity and the possibilities this may open up? The voices inside my head say “be sensible” you have two young girls to care for and provide for! Be wise with your resources, invest wisely…. what does that mean? … invest wisely…
Investment of money? investment of time? investment of self, soul, heart? Big things to contemplate. What rules am I following?
Bryan, you’ve nailed it again… examine the “rules”… which spookily is the journey I’ve just begun!
Hi Wendy,
Invest wisely? Never heard of that – what do you mean? Just kidding, but on a serious note, I really should eventually start… I said that before, of course
(soulthatloves by Wendy)
On a more serious note, I love your art! OMG, so real and with so much depth. You could create an online gallery or even offer paintings for sale online… My books, although very serious, are in reality a hobby that I do on the side and sometimes not as seriously as I would like… eventually, we shall see. Anyway, what you may consider is getting together an online portfolio and having your art work included on specialty sites, get it out wherever you can – don’t worry too much about the money at first, because that will only hold you back. It’s more important at first to get yourself known and your work shown. I have an idea for you and will write you a separate email. About comments, try not to consider comments as a measure of how folks like or do not like your art or posts – the reality is over 90% of readers do not comment, but rather enjoy reading or looking and there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes online it is too easy to get caught up in the ‘number of comments’, but that’s not a true measure of your views or who liked it or not.
Bests,
Bryan
I think they can be. I have to keep striving to do better, to have a positive outlook, and take care of mind/body. With these three things I think that happiness and success will be synonymous with my ADD.
Its so much easier to fall back into the negativity because its waaaay more comfortable and secure but not very successful. I strive every day to not fall back into negative ADD symptoms – I guess you could say that makes me an adrenaline junkie then =O) standing on the edge of an abyss and wanting to take that plunge towards the unknown. I’m not where I thought I would be at when I started taking working towards a bachelors degree 10 years ago ( didn’t know about the ADD then) but I have to say I feel like things have a more positive spin and mentally I feel happier.
That’s Great Cookie! Taking that plunge towards the UnKnown! I do that every day. Will I be able to mow the lawn, plant all the pepper plants, practice playing my guitar, wash and wax my truck, and….? Today?
Not if I say I can, but if I try to…then Ya know what? So what! I tried! That’s Success for me. Maybe not for others. It all comes down to> “Live Fast Or Die Slow”…For Me.