ADHD has nearly ruined my life several times over. 

At times, living with ADHD has felt like being caught in a perpetual whirlwind of chaos, where maintaining focus and managing daily tasks seem like insurmountable challenges.

For years, I struggled with the overwhelming impact of ADHD on my life, unknowingly letting it dictate my relationships, career choices, and overall well-being. 

However, as more and more people have shared their ADHD journeys on social media, Reddit, and other online platforms, I’ve realized all of these struggles I’ve dealt with are anything but unique.

I’ve also realized how many people with ADHD are stuck in survival mode, experiencing struggles without tapping into their ADHD superpowers. 

My goal for this article is to transfer the principles and processes that have made my life better — and to give you hope.

At different points in my life, I felt lost, confused, and directionless. In spite of that, I make my living as a writer and digital marketer, doing the things I love most. 

I’ve created mobile apps, written books, founded a book publishing company and a content marketing agency, and have lived a passion-led life. 

The Struggles and How ADHD Was Ruining My Life

Before I developed effective strategies, ADHD was wreaking havoc in various aspects of my life. 

Emotional dysregulation was one of my biggest hurdles — mood swings and heightened anxiety made it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and stay committed to jobs. 

I didn’t know how to identify the root cause of that nearly ever-present anxiety and I always felt that something was wrong with every romantic partner, every job, and just about every situation I found myself in. More often than not, that feeling — mostly an anxious one — was coming from me.

I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere. 

Anxiety isn’t necessarily caused by an external factor. Sometimes, it’s just there, lingering. 

Studies find that anywhere from 20 to 30 percent of individuals with ADHD will struggle with a clinical anxiety disorder in their lifetime.

I found myself quitting jobs impulsively, unable to cope with that gnawing feeling. 

It wasn't until I started to understand how pervasive the effects of ADHD had been in my life that I was able to start consciously developing techniques and systems to deal with it. 

I decided against medication, a personal choice rooted in my preference for holistic approaches. 

While medication works wonders for many, I found solace in structure and self-discipline. 

Research indicates that non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and lifestyle modifications, can be incredibly effective in managing ADHD symptoms.

Turning ADHD into a Superpower

The turning point came when I learned that with the right systems and processes, ADHD could be harnessed as a superpower rather than a setback. 

Here are the principles and practices that helped me regain control and thrive:

1. Writing To-Do Lists

One of the most effective strategies I've adopted is writing to-do lists. 

But it matters how you write them. 

Keep a short list of essential priorities — 44% of people who do this feel like they have enough time.

On the other hand, only 14% of those who make lengthier to-do lists feel like they have enough time to accomplish their tasks. 

I keep a master document that houses an ongoing to-do list — and one for urgent, next day tasks, written the night before. 

Leaving nothing to memory ensures I start each day with a clear plan and momentum. 

Writing everything down helps me track tasks and goals, making it less likely that I forget important commitments. 

This simple practice has dramatically improved my productivity and reduced anxiety.

2. Creating a Personal Council

I established a council — trusted individuals I can turn to for advice and support in different areas of my life. 

With ADHD, you’ll often find yourself easily engaged by certain types of subject matter. But the strain of focusing on other areas leads to blind spots. 

Your personal board of advisors will help keep you from getting side-swiped or t-boned by life. 

I have trusted advisors for different areas of my life…some people are excellent creative collaborators, some provide brilliant business advice, and some are empathetic because they’ve been on a similar journey. 

But when you find people you want on the board of directors of your life, you have to demonstrate a willingness to implement the advice they give you.

People do not want their time wasted. They’re willing to be generous with it as long as they know you will not squander the wisdom they impart. 

Remember, it’s okay to seek help. Curate people around you who are strongest in your areas of struggle. 

3. Paying Attention to Time

People with ADHD experience “time blindness.”

Time blindness often looks like this: 

• Misjudging how much time has passed, the duration of a task, or the time remaining until an upcoming event.

• Habitually missing deadlines or being late, even for activities you’re enthusiastic about.

• Struggling to create a practical schedule or adhere to one.

• Regularly "losing track" of time.

• Often feeling as though time is "slipping away."

And the fact is, time does slip away. Be intentional about how you use yours. 

Document how you spend yours. 

I measure mine based on whether or not it’s bringing ROI on time spent, helping me progress toward my goals, or actively working on big, bold dreams like writing fantasy novels and completing creative projects. 

Researchers believe time blindness in ADHD populations is based on the need for strong emotional stimuli. Without intense emotions, individuals with ADHD cannot subconsciously or passively measure time the way that non-ADHD populations can. 

In a way, this begs the question of whether or not time is as objective as we tend to think it is or if perhaps we should measure it by big emotions, memories, and impact. Just a thought. 

4. Being Clear About My Needs

ADHD impacts my life most significantly in permission-based environments like schools and offices.

In these settings, unlike at home or on the go, I can't freely self-regulate. 

Simple activities such as going for a walk, taking a 20-minute nap, or grabbing a snack require permission — activities that neurotypical individuals might not need to function effectively.

I used to feel ashamed or inadequate for needing these accommodations to function.

However, after diving into numerous studies about ADHD, I’ve learned that my needs are rooted in science and not just unfounded beliefs. Understanding this has helped me embrace my neurodivergence without shame.

At home, I often work more efficiently and have outpaced the demands of any job I’ve ever had, delivering more outputs because I can control how I work. 

The flexibility to change my environment, turn on music, or take a break when necessary is crucial for my productivity. The office environment, however, tends to favor those who need more oversight and hand-holding, which can be stifling for someone with ADHD.

To thrive professionally and creatively, I work to put myself in deliverable-based and value-driven cultures. Being a Value Creator minimizes the need for frequent meetings and syncs, giving me the flexibility I need to manage my ADHD symptoms, particularly my erratic sleep patterns. 

5. Letting Ideas Marinate

Impulsivity is a hallmark of ADHD, but I've learned the value of letting ideas marinate before acting on them. 

This practice allows me to nurture passion and curiosity without being swept away by impulsive decisions. By taking time to let my ideas develop, I can assess their alignment with my long-term goals and values, a concept known as ikigai.

Ikigai, a Japanese term meaning "a reason for being," represents the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. 

This concept is particularly relevant to creative writing and book ideas. Allowing my ideas to marinate helps ensure that they are exciting, sustainable, and meaningful. 

If an idea continues to excite me over time, it’s a clear signal that it’s worth pursuing.

In the context of business ideas, career moves, and side hustles, ikigai serves as a guiding framework. 

By evaluating potential projects against these four pillars, I can make more informed and fulfilling decisions. This approach helps me avoid jumping into ventures that may be lucrative but are not aligned with my core values or long-term aspirations. Instead, I focus on opportunities that resonate deeply with me and have the potential for sustained success and personal satisfaction.

For instance, when considering a new business idea or side hustle, I ask myself if it aligns with my passions and skills, meets a genuine need in the world, and offers financial viability. This holistic assessment prevents me from wasting energy on pursuits that might lead to burnout or dissatisfaction.

Letting ideas marinate and using the ikigai framework allows me to channel my ADHD-driven creativity into projects that are both personally and professionally rewarding. Whether it’s crafting a new story, launching a business, or exploring a side hustle, I look for my endeavors to be rooted in passion, purpose, and practicality.

6. Developing Systems and Processes

I utilize tools like Google Docs for detailed documentation, creating interlinked documents that streamline my workflows and make information easily accessible. 

Additionally, I maintain regular text communication with accountability partners, ensuring I stay on track and create an exchange of positive, creative energy back and forth.

For tasks that don't interest me or are too repetitive, I delegate or outsource them. One of my favorite tools for this is Loom, where I create videos to explain workflows and repetitive tasks clearly. This saves time and ensures that whoever takes on the task understands exactly what needs to be done.

I’ve also invested time in learning essential skills like basic SquareSpace website building and creating landing pages. This foundational knowledge is crucial when outsourcing because it allows me to communicate my needs more effectively with the real experts.

When it comes to outsourcing, platforms like UpWork are great for leveraging talent. They offer access to a vast pool of freelancers with diverse skill sets. 

Outsourcing through UpWork allows me to focus on high-value activities that align with my strengths and interests while ensuring that other important tasks are handled by capable professionals. 

7. Leveraging AI for Organization and Clarity

As someone with ADHD, I am constantly brimming with ideas, but organizing them effectively can be quite challenging. 

This is where I use AI tools like ChatGPT as strategic partners in my workflow. 

For instance, when I have a flood of thoughts or detailed notes on a topic, I use ChatGPT to help me transform this raw data into a structured outline or a comprehensive content brief for an article. 

8. Embracing an Unorthodox Career Path

My journey as a writer and entrepreneur has been anything but linear, and I've fully embraced this antiniche approach. This flexibility has allowed me to thrive despite my challenges and adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of online writing, digital marketing, and SEO.

Throughout my career, I’ve engaged in many projects that have contributed to my growth and precision. For instance, I developed a mobile app for students to find study buddies, which taught me valuable lessons in user engagement and marketing — and what not to do when you’re trying to scale an idea. I also created a virtual typewriter app, which was a tad more successful than the study app.

I’ve authored an autofiction novel set in Los Angeles, California, and a young adult fantasy novel, "Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss," set in Savannah, Georgia. 

At about that time, I founded Lucid House Publishing, an independent book publishing company (because I was not interested in pursuing a traditional book publishing path), and Publish Profitably, a content marketing firm. 

By being passion-led, I’ve developed a non-linear career path that works with my personality type, ADHD symptoms, and leaves enough room for my dreams to still grow. 

Over time, I have been able to fine-tune my skills and become more precise, with less wasted motion. 

In my case, I identify primarily as a storyteller. My preferred method is book writing, but staying somewhat in the pocket of written communication is when I’m happiest and at my best. 

I work in marketing, SEO, blogging, freelance copywriting, and take an anti-niche approach because it is the only way I can thrive with ADHD. 

Conclusion

Living with ADHD can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be debilitating. 

Whether you're living with ADHD or supporting someone who is, these strategies can help navigate the complexities of this condition and unlock its potential as a superpower.

Remember, every individual’s experience with ADHD is unique, and it's essential to find what works best for you.

There’s no room for shame. None for judgment. And you don’t have to justify being you.