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I could never understand why I struggled in school and life in general. Impulsive behavior often led me to believe I was just "bad." I often wondered how I got a college degree or led multiple teams making a 6-figure income. Despite the outward "success," I still felt stupid, incompetent, and "less than". I concluded that, although I was not "book smart," I was clever enough to find, latch on and soak up what I could from the people who were…like a leech. Little did I realize I was using creativity and resourcefulness in ways others could not. I created workarounds in school, at home, and at work for the tasks that were uniquely difficult for me. I frequently received high praise for my accomplishments but always had a relentless fear of exposure as an imposter tormenting me every step of the way.
For years I spent numerous late nights in the office feverishly working on completing projects wondering why I was the only one there. Although I excelled at specific skills, the things I did not do well constantly kept me struggling for air. I was doing whatever I needed to do to "survive." I missed countless dinners with the family and bedtime stories with the kids. (Thank goodness for my incredibly understanding husband!)
Throughout that journey, coaching and mentoring team members and colleagues was something I always loved about my job…. something that naturally energized me.
A year after my daughter was born, I received an ADHD diagnosis and began taking medication. I finally felt normal and competent. Unfortunately, the normalcy did not last long. Why? Because I didn't prioritize getting the supplemental coaching I needed. I didn't see the need to make the investment at the time. So, the behaviors and habits I developed due to my ADHD challenges were never addressed. Although the medicine and "workarounds” I created allowed me to cope, I still struggled. After 20+ years in corporate life with no professional coaching, I finally reached burnout and decided I had to do something different.
I happened upon an audiobook entitled “Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life" by Sari Solden. After devouring that book, I dove into hyper-focused research for the next couple weeks and attended a 3-day virtual Annual International Conference on ADHD hosted by CHADD (Children & Adults with ADHD). This event was a life-altering game changer for me. For the very first time, I heard people describing the same frustrations and challenges I experienced for years in a way that was so relatable it made me cry and laugh in the same breath. I got a taste of just how powerful and effective coaching could be for me and others who may be having the same experience. That was the moment I decided I wanted to help people avoid the years of self-deprecating struggles that consumed me and realize their full potential, hopefully, sooner than I did.
I enrolled at the International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACT) and received specialized instruction on how to use fail-safe, tailor-fitted methods designed explicitly for managing ADHD challenges. I now know the tools and strategies for success and am eager to help those in need of help to reach their goals, regain confidence and decrease stress.
What are some of your ADHD struggles?