🌟 This week, we’re talking all about ADHD.

Even if you don’t identify as having ADHD, we think it’s very useful to better understand this brain pattern — many of us in the community experience it, or have loved ones that do!

We’re going to unpack some specific traits of ADHD. The very traits that can make focus and structure difficult also come with powerful advantages. These strengths aren’t just for those with ADHD. They’re human strengths, available to anyone who learns to harness them.

This week, we’ll explore five unique traits often linked to ADHD and how anyone — whether you have ADHD or not — can cultivate them for greater creativity, adaptability, and impact. 

The Power of Hyperfocus

We often hear that ADHD means getting distracted, but it can also come with an incredible ability: hyperfocus.

When something is deeply interesting, an ADHD brain can often block out everything else and absorb knowledge at an astonishing rate. This is why many people with ADHD become experts in their passions pretty quickly!

💡 But hyperfocus isn’t just for those with ADHD. The ability to hyperfocus can be useful to tap into deep, immersive work by creating the right conditions: curiosity, challenge, and urgency.

👉 Hyperfocus Challenge:

• Identify one task or project today that excites you. Remove distractions, set a timer, and dive in.

• Notice what helps you enter a flow state — time of day, environment, or level of challenge.

• If you struggle with focus, try pairing focus sprints (e.g., 25-minute deep work) with movement or rewards to keep your brain engaged.

Creative Thinking

Next, let's zoom out to talk about another benefit that can come with ADHD: creative, big picture thinking. 

“Big picture thinking" refers to the ability to consider the overall context of a situation or problem, focusing on the broader aspects and long-term implications rather than getting caught up in minute details.

Essentially, it means looking at the entire picture instead of just individual parts, allowing one to make strategic decisions based on a wider perspective. ADHD minds can naturally jump between ideas, making unexpected connections. 

This can lead to breakthrough innovations because folks with ADHD can see patterns others miss. History is filled with ADHD thinkers who disrupted industries and continue to do so, including Einstein, Simone Biles, Trevor Noah, and Doja Cat, to name a few.

Big-picture thinking isn’t about following a straight line — it’s about embracing creative leaps.

Anyone can cultivate this skill by questioning assumptions, making unusual connections, and thinking in “what if” statements.

👉 Creative Thinking Challenge:

• Take a challenge you’re facing and brainstorm three unconventional solutions. No idea is too wild.

• Have a conversation with someone outside your usual circle. Different perspectives spark new ideas.

• Throughout the day, ask yourself: What’s the bigger picture here?

Adaptability and Flexibility

I’d like to remind all of us now that if you’ve met one person with ADHD… you’ve met one person with ADHD 😉

That means that everyone is different, and although there are some patterns shared among folks with ADHD, everyone experiences things in a unique way.

Let's hone in on another skill folks with ADHD can experience: adaptability and flexibility. 

People with ADHD constantly navigate shifting priorities, deadlines, and unexpected changes. This can build an important skill: adaptability. ADHD brains are wired to pivot, problem-solve, and move forward — fast. 

In a world that’s constantly changing, adaptability is a superpower for everyone.

The key is shifting from frustration to curiosity: What can I learn? How can I adjust?

And if you have ADHD and still experience frustration while adapting, that’s normal too! Constantly solving unexpected challenges builds flexibility and resilience, but it can also be highly stressful.

👉 Flexibility Challenge:

• Today, if something doesn’t go as planned, pause and reframe: How can I make this work in my favor?

• Do something out of your routine on purpose—a different route to work, a new food, or a spontaneous decision—and observe how you adapt.

• At the end of the day, reflect on one moment where you adjusted to a challenge. Celebrate that skill.

Passion

ADHD is often framed as a problem to be solved, and certainly it can come with challenges for folks, but it comes with incredible strengths too.

Today we are talking about passion, something many people with ADHD have in abundance.

When something excites someone with ADHD, their enthusiasm can be magnetic, pulling others into their orbit. This passion fuels creativity, leadership, and persistence.

💡 The good news? Passion is contagious. Whether or not you have ADHD, leaning into what excites you will not only bring you energy — it will inspire those around you.

👉 Passion Challenge:

• What’s something that lights you up? Talk about it today — with a friend, on social media, or even just in a journal.

• If you feel stuck, go back to a childhood interest. Can you reconnect with that spark?

• Bring extra enthusiasm to one task today — whether it’s a meeting, a workout, or a simple conversation. See how your energy shifts the experience.

Deep Empathy

We'll close with our our final ADHD strength: the ability to feel deeply and understand others.

Many people with ADHD know what it’s like to feel misunderstood, which makes folks with ADHD incredibly attuned to others' emotions.

People with ADHD often notice unspoken feelings, pick up on subtle cues, and can connect with others on a deep level.

💡 Empathy is one of the most valuable skills in life. It turns frustration into understanding, conflict into connection, and leadership into impact.

Anyone can strengthen it by actively listening, asking deeper questions, and tuning into the emotions beneath the words.

👉 Empathy Challenge:

• Today, practice active listening — try to fully focus on someone without interrupting or thinking about your response. If you struggle with distraction, sometimes it can help to ask questions to stay engaged in the conversation.

• Offer support to someone in a small but meaningful way — a kind word, a check-in message, or just holding space for them.

• Before judging someone’s actions, pause and ask: What might they be feeling?

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Thank you for reading!

✨ ADHD comes with real challenges, but it also brings unique strengths. And these strengths — hyperfocus, big-picture thinking, adaptability, passion, and empathy — aren’t just for those with ADHD. They’re skills anyone can cultivate.

Even if you don’t have ADHD, we hope you learned something from this week!

P.S. If you could use help accomplishing your goals this season, please join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions!

Take care,

— Megan, focused space host