Although we celebrate the ADHD / FastBraiin individual as being uniquely gifted, we understand that the issues and struggles are real. Calling ADHD FastBraiin and turning it into a positive, doesn't make the difficulties disappear overnight. So just like any good coach, we play to our strengths, but also want to spend intentional time realizing and improving our weaknesses.

Here is a list of 10 tips for ADHD weaknesses:

1. If you have difficulty with organization... 

Color code everything. If adolescent or adult, use app on phone such as Todoist or Omnifocus, or Evernote. Use binders or folders that require you to put things in a place. Everything has a place.

2. If you struggle to manage time effectively...

Realize this may really be because it is difficult to estimate how much “time” it will take to get a particular thing or project accomplished. The problem is not time management, but how much time it will take. Have a large board with tasks on them, a calendar, and write out a timeline for getting things done, i.e. 25% on Tuesday, another 25% on Wed, etc. Leave time for last minute things. Ask others how long did it take. Their input may be invaluable.

3. If you get distracted easily...

This almost goes without saying, but we ADHD folks are weak at fixating our attention on a given object over a period of time (unless it's super engaging like a video game, more on that in another blog). Attention is really not my ability to put my attention on things, but on others keeping me engaged. Attention described differently! So, this means you need to make things more engaging that are boring. Work in a new environment. Take frequent breaks. Reward yourself when accomplishing goals.

4. If you tend to seek immediate gratification...

ADHD children and adults have a hard time sequencing things out, putting the steps together in their head, and being patient to wait for the delayed gratification. The tyranny of the urgent is certainly an ADHD trait! Goal setting, timelines for attaining, and lots of discussion prior to activity taking place is paramount. This is even seen in young athletes who want to be good, NOW. Discuss that things are on a pathway, discuss and draw out the pathway prior to engaging. Understand that reaching goals take time. Don't criticize the path and give up, be patient on the path and persevere.

5. If you have trouble thinking about consequences...

This is similar to seeking immediate gratification, and built off a similar weakness in not being able to sequence events, but this has to do with specifically not being able to "play the whole tape", understanding that if I do this action it will merit a certain consequence. The word consequence is really foreign to most folks with ADHD, as we have some greater feeling of being invincible, that bad things will not happen, and that we can always figure a way out. We do not understand consequences, but we do understand rewards. Mainly use rewards for yourself or your children.

6. If you have another mental issue going on...

Over 70% of those with ADHD have some other comorbidity. That's a big word that just means something else is going on, such as depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, ODD, or OCD. This makes isolating the cause of any behavioral or educational difficulty more challenging.This is a main reason to see a health provider that is equipped with the knowledge of dealing with more than just someone with poor grades because they cannot focus. As a parent, know that more is going on with your child. If it's you, consider addressing these other symptoms along with ADHD. For example, if it's anxiety, consider mindfulness techniques or counseling to target that area.

7. If you tend to be impulsive...

This is activity that is not rationally thought through, it just happens. They struggle to have governing control over their actions. That's a great asset when one is flying up the basketball court and needs to make a immediate decision among a thousand variables, but in other cases impulsivity can get ADHD folks into trouble. There is an area of the brain that helps us control our impulsive thoughts and actions. The ADHD brain tends to have difficulty in this area, and it can cause them to be impulsive in not paying attention. Mindfulness in understanding when you are drifting, self monitoring your thoughts and actions, and reviewing what happened will help one grow to understand and control impulsivity. The drug seeker is responding to the impulsive part of the brain, the reward center, the same center that wants another sugar donut or more soft drink; it needs the reward and drives the brain to get it.

8. If you have relationship difficulties with family, peers, workers, or spouse...

FastBraiin individuals can be highly personable, but that doesn't mean there aren't difficulties in relationships. Lots of discussion, understanding boundaries, setting boundaries within a relationship such as pass codes on computers, phones, and always letting the other know where you are at all times. Boundaries, although they can be problematic, are imperative, and must be set together for the good of the relationship.

9. If you have difficulty learning...

A lot of this is due to the education system and how we are typically taught to learn. It's not that ADHD children can't learn, it's that they have not been taught how to learn in accordance with how their brain learns, and are often forced into molds that work against them. A few core principles of the FastBraiin learning methodology is to utilize speed, chunking, repetition, and review. Repeatedly go over short bits of information with speed. Review for four nights consecutively.

10. If you tend to internalize struggles, which leads to lower self-esteem and lower feelings of success...

Write down all your negative self-talk for 3 days. Then look at the list. Next write down 3 days of all your positive self-talk. Compare! Now the goal: 60% positive self talk; when you start in on  yourself, catch yourself, figure out how to turn the thought into a positive action moment. This will take time, but you are OK, know that! For the parents, this is a big one. How much positive affirmation are you giving your kids. Studies show it takes a wealth of positive statements to overcome just one negative statement toward your child.

This might sound like a lot to put into action, but you don't need to do it all at once. Take small steps. Work on one tip at a time, maybe for a whole week before moving on. You can do this. You are not alone. Converting ADHD weaknesses into strengths is possible with hard work, perseverance, accountability, and the right strategies. We see this play out daily in our FastBraiin clinics.