ADHD Success - Play then Pay then Play

Okay, what follows is cliche, but I know throughout my life I probably didn't really hear the message clearly enough to provoke lasting confidence, so I'm going to repeat it.


I went for a job interview the other day. I'd spent a lot of time preparing for it, anchored by the 100 lbs. stalagmites that form in my stomach drip by drip of self denegation as I prep for the anticipatory answer to the "why all over?" questions.


I got the job, actually a grander one than I applied for. I was as surprised as you are.


So, this morning, I started analyzing why I got the job. The simple fact is that these people have a small budget and a lot of work. A lot of diverse work, and I can do it all.


Because I'm so curious, craved sensory stimulation, couldn't make up my mind, I've tried a lot of things and learned a lot of skills. It's the "play" Dr. Hallowell references in "Delivered from Distraction."


Because I finally got a handle on all those experiences and narrowed them down to the subsection/interconnection of three interest areas, I was able to articulate my strengths and goals to the interviewer.


Because I was creative, I was able to find a job that matched that intersection, which other, more narrowly focused people, might not have recognized.


So, if you are going through a scattered period, remember this success story. You do have strengths, they just may look different than the "norm." Use your talents for big picture thinking and creativity and then buckle down to the analysis of your experiences (or delegate this chore - calling all partners!), make a reasoned commitment, and then go for it in your wholehearted, ADHD manner.