Managing ADHD The Right Way
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Managing ADHD The Right Way

Cringey title, right?

You've heard it before:

"It will work if you try this..."

You and I both know there's no correct method for managing ADHD.

And you already know conventional methods simply don't work well.

Yes, there are dozens of other options to choose from, so it's up to you.

But you know how that goes...

Literally me.

I'm completely biased when it comes to ADHD support:

  1. I'm a therapist
  2. I've got ADHD too
  3. I love helping anyone

If you'd like to figure it out on your own, more power to you.

But if you're one of the hundreds that DM me about this, I wrote this for you.


The Conventional Doesn't Align

Although there's good research showing how things like CBT can help support different skills for those with ADHD, there are many gaps.

Even with the most robust studies done to support ADHDers, there are still unmet needs, unfortunately.

(don't let this stop you from seeking therapy and coaching support still, there are millions that have done very well with conventional therapy methods and coaching techniques if accessible)

In the meantime, here are 3 things that I have noticed that may help you right now:


1. The unconventional aligns well with the ADHD mind.

These are special moments you come across by accident:

  • random spurts of motivation
  • periods of better moods
  • someone offers help

As short-lived as these moments are, you'll take them while you can.

Who knows, maybe you're more grateful for them than others.

It's in those moments you feel as if ADHD isn't as present.

A glimpse of order within the chaos.

Embrace these times.


2. The conventional punishments don't align well.

As soon as you lose your drive to complete important tasks, you:

  • beat yourself up
  • feel defeated
  • are alone

These sorts of punishments don't help you correct this.

It likely worsens it.

Instead, ask yourself if you can invite gratitude in these moments:

"I'm not motivated anymore, but I'm glad I was for the past hour."

Sometimes, this choice of attitude supports future behavior.


3. The anticipation perspective helps a lot.

The loss of focus or motivation is a tough pill to swallow for anyone, you:

  • expect it will happen all the time
  • anticipate a future feeling low
  • are tired of this process


But I think it's safe to say you're not alone with these expectations.

But the good news is that this works in the other direction.

Rather than only expecting times when you're without motivation, focus, etc.

Begin to notice a future when those good things will return once again.


Just as quickly as you lose these wonderful feelings you'd like all the time.

You'll probably re-experience them again soon enough.

I call this balanced anticipation. And it can work.


Remember, there's no one correct way to curb the impact of ADHD.

But there are many ways to learn from personal experience.

In that, you'll notice what works and what doesn't.

Trust yourself. Educate yourself. Find your way.

Take care.


P.S.… I share many resources in a pay-what-you-want digital library that grows monthly here.



Jacob Kountz

Got ADHD? Pay What You Want for my products. (ADHD at Work course coming soon)

1 年

Pay What You Want resources here for those struggling with ADHD: https://gumroad.com/thriveadhd

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?Nadia Di Vuono ?

??Strategic, ????Creative (D)OOH specialist l??DEI Advocate because humanity is THE most important agenda l Status Quo challenger (aka ADHD thinker)

1 年

After doctors deliver a diagnosis this is their next step - so here are some ways to manage it and this is the medication you can take. When I opened up the list of things, the first thing I saw was ‘meditation’ which made me want to throw my phone. The only way I can meditate is after a yoga/gym class when lieing down still is all I can do! Now help me find time/space to do yoga please! I know what is and isn’t good for me as I have experienced with and without all these things but I struggle to fit them in or achieve them such as a consistent bed time - I don’t want to do consistent and repetitive stuff. In essence it’s telling me to stop being me and I am terrified that medication will switch all my cool quirkyness off.

Harvey LeNar ???

ADHD Coach for Ambitious Procrastinators + AI Educator | Helping neurodivergent minds move into their highest timeline via authentic alignment, self-compassion, skill building & smart systems. | Growth at Saroca

1 年

Jacob Kountz Thank you for this thoughtful and compassionate take! I appreciate you highlighting the need for unconventional approaches and self-compassion. I'm all about being radically anti-shame as a key ingredient for helping my ADHD clients manage their symptoms. ?? One thing that has really helped me is really deeply reframing ADHD as a neurological difference, and not a moral failing or character flaw. That's allowed me to have more grace and anticipate challenges without self-judgment. One thing I've been trying lately is to start each day by listing a few things I'm looking forward to - it shifts my mindset. It's those small things that really add up!

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