8 million – that’s the number of adults coping with their ADHD symptoms on a regular basis. ADHD coping can be daunting – symptoms like hyperactivity, inattention, and the inability to self-regulate i/o impulsiveness can derail the executive functions of the brain. The reverberating effect that follows can impair important pillars of life including work, health, and relationships.
On the upside, however, ADHD comes with incredible symptoms like hyperfocus – the ability of individuals to apply long, intense focus on subjects that are interesting to them. ADHD minds also have the ability to bring creative and original ideas to the fore. Here are some ADHD positivity stories to fill your day with inspiration.
Famous Entrepreneurs with ADHD
ADHD (and dyslexia) did not stop Sir Richard Branson from founding the Virgin Group which includes businesses in the music, travel, banking, cellular, health, and space industries. In fact, many entrepreneurs including JetBlue founder David Neeleman and Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad have become famous and also find themselves turning their ADHD into a driving force for success.
Famous Athletes with ADHD
The legendary Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 9 years old. As a school kid, Phelps faced behavioral issues and attention difficulties. However, swimming quickly became his therapeutic outlet and the rest, as we know it, is history. Simone Biles, one of the most popular American gymnasts admitted to having ADHD since she was a child. She said, “…having ADHD, and taking medication for it is nothing to be ashamed of nothing that I’m afraid to let people know”
Famous Celebrities with ADHD
Justin Timberlake – the superstar actor and recording artist – summed up his ADHD (and OCD) in just a few words, “you try living with that.” Celebrities like Adam Levine and Karina Smirnoff, to name a few, are also some of the famous people with ADHD who managed to eliminate obstacles and thrived despite their condition.
Going back a few centuries in history, even Leonardo Da Vinci may have displayed signs of ADHD, according to the Oxford University Press!
These famous people who have been diagnosed with ADHD prove that it is possible to carve a healthy (and successful) life despite your condition. The key is to observe yourself in action – become more aware of what you are doing and when you are doing it. This helps shift your focus on the symptoms and what outcomes you desire. This action can help separate you from shame and other negative emotions, allowing you to see ADHD and what it is – a condition and not a definition of who you are.
Connect with me today for a free coaching consult to learn more about ADHD and bring out only the best from your ADHD.
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