What do the following people have in common?
Terry Bradshaw, former NFL quarterback
Richard Branson, businessman whose Virgin Group comprises more than 400 companies
Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko’s
Alan Meckler, internet pioneer and publishing executive, current chair and CEO of Mediabistro
Dean Kamen, the prolific inventor
Jim Carrey, comedian, actor, and producer
Katherine Ellison, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author
They all have ADHD, and they all have been very successful.
The secret of ADHD –or even the tendency of a short attention span–is taking those qualities and not thinking of them as weaknesses but as strengths.
Here are some ADHD superpowers:
1. Unlimited energy
People with ADHD have an enormous amount of energy, and that is a good thing. If you can make a point of channeling the enormous energy into what you love, then you can do almost anything you want.
2. Hyperfocus
People with ADHD are often easily distracted, but they can also become so engrossed in something that they are oblivious to anything else around them. Being hyperfocused makes it easier for you to lose track of time and ignore those around you to do whatever it takes to get things done.
3. Abundant creativity
People with ADHD might feel burdened by constantly having a million ideas bouncing around in their heads, but this can be responsible for some of the most brilliant ideas and greatest innovations.
4. Simple solutions
People with ADHD often love to solve problems. When you can focus on creating a simple solution to a complicated problem, you have an inside track on doing almost anything better.
5. Risk without thinking
People with ADHD may find that impulsiveness can sometimes be a problem, but with the right instincts, it can spur you to greatness when you’re willing to throw yourself into what you’re doing with no reservations.
6. Multitasking
People with ADHD have a constant desire for stimulation, and that often means doing more than one thing at a time. Couple that trait with a limited attention span, and you get a dizzying display of multitasking ability. For most of us, that would impair our effectiveness, but it’s just a natural way of working for those with ADHD or a short attention span.
7. Stubbornness
People with ADHD are strong willed. When things go wrong, most people will be discouraged, but a person with ADHD tends to stick it out and find a way to make it work.
8. Sensitivity
People with ADHD think that sensitivity is a bad thing, but the best leaders and the most successful business people are those who have emotional intelligence–in other words, a sensitivity to themselves and others.
So if you have ADHD or even if you have some inclinations in that direction, recognize your gifts and strengths–and start doing the great things you are meant to do.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
THE LEADERSHIP GAP
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.