From Bryan: This is a guest post by Dr. Rory F. Stern. He is an author, speaker, and therapist who specializes in working with families and children affected by ADHD to make sure their children have a chance to experience success. Thetruthbehindadhd
It’s a misunderstood condition.
For a long time now I have said, “ADHD is the most misunderstood condition of all time.” Everyone and anyone with an opinion thinks they understand ADHD. From your doctor to the Hollywood writer to the man on the street, and everyone in between, opinions widely vary depending upon who you listen to.
And yet one thing is certain, no one can agree on much of anything.
Some people believe ADHD is a gift, while others ask for a receipt so they can return this gift. Other believe ADHD is an illness, and that you or your child need to be fixed. Yet we know there is no cure. Still others believe that ADHD is about differences.
No matter your opinion, you’re not really wrong. You just might not be right…
As harsh as it sounds, there is one thing I have learned from my own childhood differences to my years now as an author, speaker, therapist and passionate advocate in this wonderful community.
What is your mindset?
That one thing is that your mindset and how you view your circumstances dramatically impacts your ability to overcome your challenges.
As a misunderstood child growing up, I knew I was different. I dreamed about what it must be like to be normal.
And yet I still have no idea.
Despite being identified, and testing out, as gifted and talented, everyone is convinced I have ADHD.
And maybe I do… But so what?
I learned growing up that my differences didn’t define me. They didn’t restrict me, and they didn’t prevent me from accomplishing what I wanted.
My parents taught me to set high standards and expectations, and made certain to give me the resources and support to accomplish whatever I set my mind to.
I am convinced that is what helped me become the man I am today, and it certainly drives my agenda as a child and family advocate for misunderstood children across the world.
We all have challenges in our lives.
Don’t be fooled that just because a person is diagnosed with ADHD, that you (or they) are the only ones with challenges around hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, time management, organization, and all the other trimmings associated with this condition.
At the end of the day, it is your differences that make you unique.
It is your differences that make you capable of accomplishing what others cannot. And yes, at the same time, it is these differences that likely keep you from doing what others can do.
Now I ask you, which area will you focus on in your life?
Will you focus on what you can do, often times better than others? Or will you focus on what you are not capable of doing?
If we cut through all the therapy and behavior modification, this is what we are left to consider.
That’s not to discredit the role of medication if you choose to use it, for yourself or your child. This is not meant to spark anger or suggest anyone is making excuses.
It’s just that I’ve found over the years, personally and in my work with others, what you pay attention grows.
With the right support, encouragement, and attitude, you can accomplish anything you want. (Click Here to tweet that if you agree.)
If you have the wrong support, lack of encouragement, and perhaps, a bad attitude, you will likely continue to struggle in almost everything you do.
You must understand yourself.
When all is said and done, my work with others depends on one principle, and one principle alone: You must understand yourself. You must know what you are capable of. You must know what your limitations are.
I for one know that I am no Michael Jordan. I am incapable of shooting a basketball. I am no Michael Jackson. I am not capable of singing, dancing, or acting.
But I am me, and I am really good at that.
Albert Einstein is attributed with saying, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live it’s whole life believing that it is stupid.”
I don’t know how you interpret that. But for me, I am going to continue focusing on what I can do and not letting my struggles stand in the way.
What are you focusing on? Share in the comments.
Checked out my new blog Positive Writer (not about ADHD). Latest post: Exclusive Interview With Seth Godin, The World’s Greatest Blogger! ~Bryan
