Over the years I've learned a lot about myself
I always knew I was a gifted learner and now I have been diagnosed with ADHD.
(There's an actual term for this, too: Twice Exceptional!)
(There's an actual term for this, too: Twice Exceptional!)
Now I know that my ADHD "hid" until my ability to create systems to help me thrive....imploded.
I'm realizing a lot of my struggles, aren't really me not "trying hard enough" but more of how my brain is wired. Systems breaking down, or my brain not being INTERESTED in what I am doing. Try prioritizing important tasks when there's something else interesting PULLING AT YOUR BRAIN...it's exhausting!
(ADHD'ers have an interest based nervous system... where most of the world has an importance based one...)
This is a 'best/worst' quality. In the right context, my "fast brain" -- ADHD impulsivity-wired brain -- helps me make some great business decisions and take risks that have had huge payouts (and sometimes failures), but it also comes with huge struggles especially with managing finances and maintaining a myriad of personal and business relationships.
I also know great leaders communicate in a multitude of ways. But...because I keep trying to accommodate other people...I kept struggling with my own success and systems to help me succeed.
Trying to accommodate everyone else was actually doing a disservice to those around me--I'd be super frustrated on the inside but trying to be amazing on the outside and it was a constant inner struggle.
Just like a person without an arm might request a work accommodation, or I tell my swimmers with special needs to advocate for what they need (Ie: "Hey coach, I was listening to you but I don't understand. Can you draw me a picture?") ...I had this epiphany one day that maybe I should advocate for the accommodations I need to be successful. That I was doing the people I was working with a disservice by not being direct with what I needed. ("Clear is Kind"-Brene Brown) That...if I took a little time to explain who I was, how I was wired, and what I need to THRIVE that others would have a deeper understanding and/or patience with me as I grow.
Trying to accommodate everyone else was actually doing a disservice to those around me--I'd be super frustrated on the inside but trying to be amazing on the outside and it was a constant inner struggle.
Just like a person without an arm might request a work accommodation, or I tell my swimmers with special needs to advocate for what they need (Ie: "Hey coach, I was listening to you but I don't understand. Can you draw me a picture?") ...I had this epiphany one day that maybe I should advocate for the accommodations I need to be successful. That I was doing the people I was working with a disservice by not being direct with what I needed. ("Clear is Kind"-Brene Brown) That...if I took a little time to explain who I was, how I was wired, and what I need to THRIVE that others would have a deeper understanding and/or patience with me as I grow.
So... I started creating a 'manifesto' of all things Caroline. What that turned into was a three-part infographic series.
After the series are my gallup strengths because I just love them and want to keep them housed in this post ;)
Also of Note:
Strategies I use to manage my ADHD
GALLUP STRENGTHS FINDER
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