Module 14 – Success Stories

Success Stories

Estimated Time: 15 minutes

In this module you will learn

·    Examples of success stories of those with ADHD.

·    The key lessons to take from these success stories.

·      How to take those lessons – and put them into action.

·      A step by step breakdown on how we can improve the lives of people with ADHD, based on these lessons.

Success Stories – 5m47s

14.1 Examples of Success Stories of People with ADHD

The aim of this module is to provide people who have the condition with some positive achievements of others like them – this will help if people sometimes feel defeated by ADHD.

We will look at some success stories of people with ADHD, to act as examples of how it is possible for an individual to have a wonderful career and life despite being faced with barriers.

It is important to remember that people who are dyslexic and may – in some cases – have severe difficulties with reading and writing, have gone on to become leaders of business, actors, musicians, sports people and hold positions of power. Why should this be different for someone with ADHD?

Ty Pennington

We mentioned Ty Pennington in an earlier module, but we will mention him again here. He was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 17, but now, more than 30 years after his diagnosis, he has established a great career as an interior designer and TV presenter, as well as having his own furniture range and working as a male model, travelling the world.

His ADHD was used to his advantage, as he had a passion for carpentry and is known to have built his own tree house as a teenager. This passion of his, that was also his strength, was one area where he clearly was able to concentrate and focus. By applying his strengths and talent, he was able to create an extremely successful future for himself.

Peter Shankman

Peter Shankman is now a successful businessman and entrepreneur, who had the typical early life of a child with ADHD. He accepts that at school, he was forever being taken to the head teacher, due to disruption in class, and his grades were considerably at risk of dropping due to his behaviour. However, he has since gone on to be a major success within his field and industry.

In his case, the insistence of his teachers that he was a slow learner was able to spark a rage and fire within him to prove them wrong. The irritation and agitation that he was feeling in response to those accusations were then put to good use – and ultimately led to him receiving his degree in journalism.

Furthermore, he accepts that even in his late 20s, he was still not the success that he is now – with him often going to McDonalds and smoking – whereas now he runs marathons and sky dives. Aside from being a success on a personal level, he also spends time talking to people with ADHD, in order to provide them with a sense of what they can achieve despite the condition.

Robin Black

The reason why we are using the story of Robin Black as an example, is because this novelist from Philadelphia was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Until that point, she had always understood that she was struggling with so many different issues and aspects of life – and yet there appeared to be no real explanation for this.

She herself notes how she was always viewed as being one of the ‘weird kids’ who stood out, apparently, for the wrong reasons. As a child, Robin Black was forever getting into trouble for her bedroom being a mess. She talks about the way in which hyperactivity and her lack of impulse control was something that plagued her, even well into adulthood, making work and married life extremely difficult to cope with.

However, she maintains that her diagnosis made a huge difference to her life and the way in which she was able to understand why she acted in certain ways or thought along certain lines. Being prescribed Ritalin and working closely with a psychiatrist who helped her with the fact that she was diagnosed so late in life, has supported her in becoming a successful novelist. In actual fact, she has taken her sense of hypersensitivity and has used it to her advantage; her novels are recognised for their emotional astuteness – and understanding the novelist’s background makes readers fully appreciate her work.

This in itself is a wonderful example of how you can take aspects of the condition that used to be troubling – and make life difficult – and turn them into a positive. However, at the same time, Robin Black is also a prime example of how there are always going to be challenges, as she still has difficulties with organisation and has admitted to losing files before she was finally able to find coping strategies that made her life that little bit easier.

Dave Farrow

The story of Dave Farrow is certainly an interesting one, when looking at what is possible with a diagnosis of ADHD. There is often the belief that this diagnosis means that the individual will find it hard to stay focused and their concentration levels will be poor. However, when you discover that Dave Farrow has twice been in the Guinness Book of World Records because of his amazing memory, then you will see how the condition really can impact in different ways.

As with the others, he was told that he was a slow learner and with this thought sticking in his mind, it led to him to develop the desire to prove people wrong. He was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 14 and instead of feeling that this would confine him to a restricted life, it actually led to him deciding that he had to find something that could be a goal for him to attain, in order to prove people wrong about ADHD.

For him, the problem was concentrating in the classroom due to the various distractions, but he did discover that he was able to concentrate in the library where it was quiet and he could keep his thoughts under more control. He was also aware that his levels of concentration could dip, so he created his own solution, which involved learning how to speed learn and speed read, so he could absorb as much information as possible, in the shortest period of time.

After this, he then worked on his own memory system, in order to retain all the information he was learning, and to ensure that this transferred to his long-term memory. This eventually led to him achieving his records, which would be achievement enough for anyone, but for someone with the inattentive form of ADHD, is was a major accomplishment.

His approach was to avoid the more common issues, which are fatigue and losing focus, when you are forced to study for an extended period of time. This is often difficult for an individual with ADHD, so by creating a shorter study time, which is high in intensity, it meant that he immediately removed this obstacle.

From his story, we are able to see the importance of understanding your needs and finding a strategy that works for you. This is about being intelligent in your approach and also spending time getting to grips with the way in which the condition affects you, so you are then better placed to deal with barriers as soon as possible.

Below, we mention other celebrities that you may have heard of, who also have ADHD in some form, as this can also show you how it is possible to become successful – even when you have to deal with the different symptoms associated with this condition.

• Justin Timberlake
• Jamie Oliver (who focuses on diet to help combat the symptoms)
• Will Smith
• Michael Phelps (Olympian swimmer who proves the theory that sport and exercise helps)
• Jim Carrey (Actor who used his energy to turn it into comedy)
• Richard Branson (people with ADHD are 300% more likely to be their own boss)
• Paris Hilton
• Emma Watson
• Mel B
• Louise Mensch
• Caitlyn Jenner
• Trudie Styler

As you can see, there are a number of very successful individuals who have gone on to have magnificent careers, even though they have ADHD. These include top musicians, top actors, businessmen – and the list goes on and on. However, it is also important for people to understand how they are then able to take the key lessons from the stories that we have mentioned above.

FACT

The Black Eyed Peas star Will.I.Am has ADHD – but revealed he thinks it works well for when he needs to be creative.

Source: capitalfm.com

14.2 The Key Lessons to Take From the Success Stories

So what do we take from these success stories and how can we pass that knowledge on to those individuals who have the condition itself?

As we work through the different stories above, the one thing that really does come across loud and clear is that either the individual or their family spent the time getting to know the condition and sought to use different parts of it to their advantage. They looked at how they could use that energy in a more positive way.

Throughout the stories there are different issues that materialise, which we have discussed in the various modules leading up to this point. What we have discussed on this course should allow you have a greater awareness of ADHD and how you can support individuals to possibly make more sense of their situation and succeed in life. Of course, many people with ADHD will already know how to utilise their strengths and it is important not to approach people in a patronising way. They will certainly have a better idea than you what their strengths and weaknesses are. It is important to work with people and to learn from them.

There is a tendency to want to prove others wrong

In more than one story, there was the point made that the individual in question wanted to prove their teacher wrong and prove that they were not a slow learner. This is something that not everybody is going to be able to do, simply because it does take a great deal of self-confidence and determination. It should be noted that this does not have to just apply to school, but can be used in every aspect of life, although it does require an understanding that there is a need to be organised from start to finish. Such life-changing actions should not, however, be left to individuals, as we all have a duty to adjust our way of thinking so that people with chronic conditions such as ADHD have the same opportunities – through reasonable adjustments – to a successful and happy life.

There is a tendency to seek a strength and work on it

Another common thread is the way in which a strength is identified, either by the person with the condition, or somebody close to them. This strength is then utilised to its fullest, even leading them to being able to build an entire career around it. The lesson from this is exactly what has been repeated throughout the different modules, whereby there is a real need to know what the person is good at and then to develop these skills and take them further. However, you need to make sure that the correct help is in place, to make this a reality.

There is a tendency to find a solution and plan ahead

Another important lesson to be taken from the stories is that people with ADHD are able to identify a solution that is workable and can be put into action – and there is a need to plan ahead to the best of their ability, along with sometimes getting help from others.

Understand that a weakness can be worked on and is not just ignored

When you consider that it sounds almost impossible for an individual with ADHD to become a world record holder in memorising facts, it does show you how having this disorder or any other condition does not exclude future possibilities. Indeed, as Dave Farrow spent time trying to come to terms with the condition and tackle his major weakness head on, it shows how perseverance can achieve results. We all have weaknesses, yet it is the desire to change things that then drives people to turn them into strengths. This rule applies to everybody, including those with ADHD – and it is an important life lesson that has to be shared with others.

Age is no barrier to improvement

In the stories that we mentioned above, you may have noticed that we are talking about a wide range of ages and this, in itself, is an important lesson for anybody with the condition. No matter the age when they are diagnosed, there will still be ample opportunities for them to achieve in life. It is accepted that change may be harder to achieve for older people, but it is certainly not impossible. Indeed, if you can be diagnosed at 42 and then go on to become a successful novelist, then it shows you that age really is no barrier.

We are sure that as people read the different stories, they will be able to take various lessons from them – and yet, it is essential to understand how those lessons can then be put to good use, as there is no point in learning them if no action can be taken. However, no matter if you are the individual with the condition or are trying to learn more about it to help others, there are certain steps that can be taken, which will make life that little bit easier.

14.3 How to Take Those Lessons and Put Them into Action

80% of people with ADHD become entrepreneurs and like working for themselves.

Sir Richard Branson, Ingvar Kamprad (IKEA Owner) and David Neelman (founder of JetBlue) were all diagnosed with ADHD. These super-achievers laughingly tell people that they were successful because of their ADHD and not despite it as we may believe.

It’s worth noting that ADHD’s most notorious traits: Hyperactivity, high energy levels, resilience, risk-taking and multi-tasking are all strengths when it comes to the art of entrepreneurship. Many high achievers are beginning to embrace their singular ADHD traits and attribute their success to their ADHD personalities.

For example, think of it this way: Low boredom threshold is a singular trait of ADHD and may apply to sitting still in a classroom or office for eight hours straight. However, this is often the precursor for thinking of innovative, novel and exciting ideas for business. A very useful ADHD characteristic is to look for new and better ways to do things.

Their tendency to be bored with status quo also helps them thrive during times of crises.

There are a number of lessons that can be taken from looking at the success stories of other individuals with ADHD – but how can they be put into action?

This is clearly something that is very important, simply because you surely want to emulate the way people have made such great achievements, or even emulate the achievements themselves; after all, if they have been able to do it, why would you be unable to follow?

Understand how the condition affects the individual

The first thing here is to make sure that you know how the individuals in question are affected by the condition. This is the only way in which you can then hope to go on and provide some useful assistance and guide them towards a better future, as well as help them to overcome the various problems linked to ADHD. Failing to get a grasp of the condition and their lives, will only lead to misguided help – and that will only make life harder.

Be prepared to work with people on a plan

If you are supporting someone with ADHD, you can only help the person if you work with them and they know their aims and want to implement a plan of action. Clearly, plans and solutions can only succeed if the individual concerned is the driving force of the strategy. However, so you can facilitate the progress that you are aiming to achieve, it is always important that you use the technique mentioned earlier, whereby the decisions that have to be taken include options that are beneficial, no matter which ones are chosen.

Remind them of the success stories

It is important to remind them of the different success stories that you have read, because this will make it easier for them to acknowledge the positives associated with the stories – and then be able to apply those same actions to their own life.

See it as a work in progress

If you explore the stories noted above in more detail, you will see that another common theme is that people understand they are a ‘work in progress’. They see that they have taken steps forward in some areas, but they still struggle to focus, be organised – or whatever else it may be. It is important for them to be shown that people should continue to use their strengths to overcome areas of difficulty, and that this applies to all people, regardless of ADHD or any other condition.

14.4 A Step by Step Breakdown of How to Help People with ADHD

Finally, in this module we are going to look at how you can help those individuals with ADHD progress in life, so that they can follow their own ambitions and goals.

To do this, we recommend the following step by step guidelines, although do remember that life cannot be followed with regards to a list. You may have to adjust things slightly depending on the individual and the circumstances that they are facing.

Listen to the individual and their problems

This may sound obvious, but you should always be directed by the individual and you should address their concerns, as this is the only way in which anything can be resolved. Never just guess at what you think should happen, as this will always end up in failure on your part. You can never generalise about people, rather you can learn from the person with ADHD. You should certainly not try and take over their lives.

Discuss a plan and never just guess at it

Having a plan is the only way that things can move forward, but at the same time, a plan also requires a certain degree of organisation. This is something that some people are generally going to find difficult when dealing with ADHD, so sit down with them and talk it over, before any plan is finalised.

Tell them that it is fine to make mistakes

The potential for disappointment is often a trigger for an individual with this condition, so preparing them to make mistakes will make life easier. Mistakes happen – what is important is how these are dealt with, hopefully in a positive way.

Use reminders and have goals

Goals vary, can change, and can be achieved by all. In addition, you can also spend time reminding the individual what they are aiming for, in order to help keep them stay on track – as you have to accept that they may be finding it difficult to maintain focus, although it would be wrong to make assumptions about people without treating them as individuals.

Reward them for their achievements

As each step or goal is achieved, if appropriate, it is important to reward the individual for sticking to the plan. Also, you should help the person be in control of the plan although you can be there to support. There are enough instances where the person with ADHD will feel alienated, so you do not want to add to it.

Show them what other people have done as inspiration

Although you must be careful not to seem patronising, it may be useful to refer to the famous people above and discuss their difficulties and achievements. You show them what people have achieved, so that it works as inspiration. Being inspired can make a difference to the person, especially when it is somebody that they have heard about – and even better still, is if they have something in common. If you feel it might help, you can discuss the achievements of those with ADHD above to let them know that ADHD is not a complete barrier to success.

SUMMARY

In this module, we have focused primarily on looking at those individuals who have been able to show that being diagnosed with ADHD can also be a part of their success.

The famous people discussed above have taken their diagnosis and changed their lives – and they have done so in a variety of different ways. One is having their boundless energy channelled in the correct way, and a second relates to those who were able to take their agitation and irritation and utilise it to their own advantage. It is always possible for people with ADHD to make what they want of their life – and the idea that there will be restrictions placed upon them is inherently wrong.

In the next and final module, we are going to recap on the most important lessons that you should learn regarding ADHD.

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