The Coaching ADDvantage
About ADD
What is ADHD?
It’s unfortunate that much of what we hear about ADHD these days is only a fraction of the truth about what this condition actually entails. In order to accurately asses whether you feel ADHD is something real or something that is overblown by the media, understanding all the facts associated with this condition is an important first step in gaining an accurate representation on what it is.
ADHD refers to the 8-10 percent of people whom experience the world in a different way than everyone else. Simply, they function the same, the only difference being their brains are uniquely wired. This "different" wiring leads to a situational challenge of boredom and stimulation in the brain.
To answer all questions you may have regarding ADHD; CLICK HERE to be directed to a fantastic resource from The NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health).
ADHD Treatment
Fortunately ADHD is a diagnosable condition today, and ADHD'ers benefit tremendously from a support team, which includes a coach. While doctors and psychiatrist concern themselves with diagnosis, medications, and understanding how ADHD occurs, coaches focus on how it manifests in their clients' lives, helping them to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of their ADHD, then assisting them to develop strategies to minimize ADHD challenges and optimize ADHD strengths.
When we hear the label "ADHD", people generally focus on the negative impact it's had in their life and how it’s affected those around them. What gets lost are the various positive qualities that have been overshadowed by the entire negative stigma surrounding this condition. The name itself leads to the negative since the terms "deficit" and "disorder" are not empowering terms.
Typically, adults with ADHD are unaware that they have this condition. They often feel like it's impossible to get organized, to stick to a job, to keep an appointment. The everyday tasks of waking up, getting dressed, going to work on time, and being productive on the job can be major challenges for an ADHD individual.
What we never hear about is that those who have a handle on their ADHD have the uncanny ability to hyper-focus well beyond that of the non-ADHD’er. A major challenge is overcoming the negativity and learning to use their strengths in order to find new ways to consistently be in an optimal zone. This is where working with a coach can really fast forward the process of getting yourself in motion and achieving the results you're after.
According to recent studies by The National Institute of Mental Health, treaing ADHD takes more than medication alone. People who are able to deal most successfully with ADHD are those who combine medication with education and therapy, such as coaching.
The ADHD Brain
The ADHD brain is actually more sophisticated than that of a non-ADHD brain. The main difference is that certain neuro-chemicals aren't being produced fast enough at times when the brain isn't naturally stimulated. When this occurs, the region of the brain that ADHD affects isn't receiving what it needs in order to function at a "normal" level. This is when the challenges associated with ADHD kick in (namely Inattentiveness and Hyperactive-Impulsive tendencies). People, who are chronically disorganized, impulsive, have attention and focus challenges, are often frustrated. They struggle with everyday demands, feel isolated, and just plain different from everyone else.
Having an ADHD Brain is similar to having a racecar engine that's running on low-octane fuel. It has the capability to run on all cylinders, but just isn't given the right amount of juice that's needed to run at an optimum level.
So what can you do in order to make this engine function better? For those diagnosed with ADHD taking medication is one option. What about those who don’t want to take medication?
Whether you take medication or not, the process is still the same. The medication pumps up the Octane so that the engine can run more efficiently. It can now function at a higher level. But simply using more efficient fuel isn’t enough. The car has had years of wear and tear resulting from running on the low-octane fuel, and the driver of the car has adapted around this, and in turn has underperformed for years.
Since each of us is the "driver" of this vehicle, doesn't is make sense to learn new ways to drive with this newly powered engine? Many might choose to try and learn to do this on their own. That could take a lot more time depending on their commitment to do so, OR by experimenting with the coaching option; they might be able to bypass a lot of time and aggravation than going about it on their own.
The choice is yours, but at least give yourself the chance to say yes or no to coaching after you at least experience how powerful it can be.
