Creativity & Big Picture Thinking

Our fantastic ADHD brains are simply naturally wired for divergent thinking. 

Seeing connections when others don’t.

Thinking outside the box when problem-solving.

Generating fresh new ideas and solutions.

You may excel in creative fields like art, music, storytelling, design, etc.

Ways You Might Leverage This Trait

 

• Brainstorm solutions
• Use mind-mapping tools, vision boards, etc to visually capture ideas at home or work
• Give yourself time unstructured time to be creative Explore creative outlets

 

We Are Resilient and Adaptable AF

We have faced challenges our whole lives and have learned to adapt in so many creative ways.

We bounce back from setbacks, we find alternative solutions when plans don’t go as we expected, and we sometimes thrive in unpredictable challenges. 

Ways You Might Leverage This Trait: 

 

• Remind yourself of all the past challenges that you’ve overcome
• Embrace change as an opportunity
• Refine your goals and strategies using self-reflection rather than seeing failure as final

 

 

Hyperfocus: Friend and Foe

ADHD brains struggle to regulate attention.

When engaged in something our brain finds interesting, we can hyperfocus to the point where we forget to take care of even our basic bodily needs – like eating. 

That’s the “foe” part of hyperfocus.

The friend part comes into play when we are able to get “into the flow”, often producing high quality work during this time.

We can sometimes master complex topics or new skills in short times.

We may be good under pressure and tight deadlines.

Ways You Might Leverage This Trait: 

 

• Identify things that trigger your hyperfocus and try to use them strategically Structure work and study sessions during typical hyper or higher focus times. 
• Embrace change as an opportunity
• Refine your goals and strategies using self-reflection rather than seeing failure as final

 

We Can Be Super Passionate

When we are interested in something, we can be highly energetic and passionate about it.

Our increased drive for dopamine seeking can lead to enthusiastic excitement.

We may bring this into conversations and projects which motivates others to be passionate too.

We are often willing to jump in and take action rather than overthink things.

Ways You Might Leverage This Trait: 

 

• Find the things that spark your passion and channel your energy into those things
• Surround yourself with people who appreicate your enthusiasm and passion
• When possible use your passions to identify your goals

 

 

Empathy and Intuition

ADHDers often experience heightened emotions and sensitivity to others’ feelings.

We tend to have a strong ability to read other people’s emotions and needs.

We may feel deep emotional connections with others.

We are often deeply compassionate, supportive people by nature.

Ways You Might Leverage This Trait: 

 

• Use your empathy to strengthen relationships
• Be aware and develop emotional boundaries to prevent burnout
• Work in roles and environments where emotional intelligence is valued. 

 

Spontaneity & Sense of Adventure

Those of us with ADHD brains crave novelty and new experiences. This makes us often more open to spontaneity.

We are often willing to take risks and try new things.

We can find excitement in every day life.

And we often thrive in fast-paced environments where things are moving and changing frequently.

Ways You Might Leverage This Trait: 

 

• Look for careers and hobbies that involve variety, excitement, and fast paced activities
• Plan structured spontaneity like impromptu trips and visits to new local places
• Balance spontaneity with a few anchor routines to maintain stability.

 

 

Embrace Your ADHD Strengths

While it’s important to recognize the challenges ADHD brings us, it’s also important to recognize that our brains are often wired for creativity, resilience, and passion.

I want to encourage you to start noticing your strengths.

When possible use them to your advantage.

What ADHD strengths do you recognize in yourself?