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CHALLENGE THE ‘SYSTEM’

 Understanding the Neurotypical System:

The neurotypical system refers to societal structures, norms, and expectations designed predominantly to accommodate individuals with typical neurodevelopment. It often emphasizes linear thinking, sustained focus, conformity, and adherence to established routines. This system can pose challenges for individuals with ADHD who thrive in different ways. 

Embracing Neurodiversity:

Neurodiversity recognizes and celebrates the natural variations in human brain functioning, including ADHD. Rather than viewing ADHD as a deficit or disorder, the neurodiversity perspective sees it as a unique neurological variation. Embracing neurodiversity encourages acceptance, appreciation, and understanding of diverse cognitive styles. 

Celebrating Unique Strengths:

Challenging the neurotypical systems view that ADHD is a weakness allows us to recognize and embrace our unique strengths and skill sets that can lead to innovative ideas and creative solutions.

Harnessing Hyperfocus

While ADHD is associated with difficulties in sustaining attention, individuals with ADHD can experience periods of hyperfocus, intense concentration, and productivity in areas of personal interest. Learning to selectively harness and maintain extended periods of hyperfocus and intense concentration can lead to remarkable achievements.

 Ability to Thrive in Dynamic Environments:

ADHD individuals tend to thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments that provide stimulation and spontaneity. This adaptability can be highly valuable in jobs requiring quick thinking and impulsive responses.

 Flexible Work and Learning Environments:

Promoting flexible work and educational environments that allow for breaks, varied schedules, and incorporating different learning modalities can accommodate the diverse needs of individuals with ADHD. 

Alternative Assessment Methods:

We need to review neurotypical assessment methods that heavily rely on sustained attention and time constraints and provide alternative evaluation methods that highlight creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking that can better represent our abilities.

Shaping a More Inclusive Society:

By challenging the neurotypical system, we play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive society that values diverse cognitive styles. Our unique perspectives can contribute to innovation and creative problem-solving and promote empathy in all divergent fields.

Alcohol Detox

• Challenge: Go one week alcohol-free.

• Benefit: Test your reliance on alcohol to get through the week.
  
  

I am currently writing this book, and I would like you to share the journey with me. I would love to hear your story and, with your consent, include it in the book, newsletter, or articles.

Peek Inside My Book…here is an unedited extract from Chapter 6

 BUILDING YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEMS

 - Connecting with Other ADHDers

- Structure and Systems.

 - Strategies, Tactics and Tasks.

STRUCTURE

As much as I disliked structure and being told what to do, I finally had to accept it was a very necessary part of managing my ADHD. 

However, I had to design a simpler and ADHD-friendly framework. Most people with ADHD struggle with being too structured, we feel confined and restricted. 

I wanted more freedom and flexibility than neurotypical structures and systems, yet I still needed to be tethered to reality. 

Structure allows you to start with a big-picture view and then focus on more detailed, actionable items, making it easier to manage and execute.

 By starting with the broader context, it becomes clearer how each subsequent element fits into your overall plan, providing a structured approach to achieving your life goals.

Your structure is just a set of principles or guidelines that provide direction on how to approach a particular issue or project. It is like a template or a roadmap. 

It essentially outlines the "big picture" and offers a generalized approach that can be tailored to specific situations. Your structure provides the foundation for strategies, systems, tactics, and tasks.

 The structure creates the bridge that takes you from where you are to where you want to be. By creating a predictable and organised structure, you can experience a sense of control, leading to decreased procrastination, less stress, improved efficiency, and well-being.

 Creating an ADHD-friendly structure and system that cater to your unique needs is crucial to helping you simplify and manage your ADHD.

When framing a hierarchy to organise your ADHD life, it could be beneficial to think of it in a way that begins with the broadest element and narrows down to the most specific. Here's a breakdown that might make better neurodivergent sense:

1. STRATEGIES 

These are your overarching plans to help you achieve your ‘ONE” major goal. They define what you hope to achieve in the broader sense—be it improving focus, managing time better, or becoming more organized in your personal or professional life.

2. TACTICS 

Tactics are the specific actions you take within those systems to make your strategies come to life. They are often more immediate and smaller scale than the broader system. For instance, using a timer to work in short bursts (Pomodoro technique) is a tactic within the system of time optimisation.

3. TASKS

Tasks are individual steps or activities. They are the smallest units in the hierarchy and are the specific, actionable steps you need to complete. For example, writing an email, attending a meeting, or reading a chapter of a book.

4. SYSTEMS

 A system is a set of principles or procedures designed to achieve these strategies. For someone with ADHD, a system could be a particular organizational method or routine that supports their strategy—for instance, a structured daily routine to improve time allocation.

be continued next week………

Let me know what you think, the good, the bad and wtf?…link to comments on website

PS Love to hear your story if you want to share.

READERS REVIEWS

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“However, if you are like me and are still looking for real people who can communicate clearly, effectively, creatively and in a genuine, real, encouraging, helpful, and inspiring way, then I highly encourage you to pick up ADHD ADULTS: The Ultimate Success Guide, by Jim Livingstone”.

Download your complimentary PDF of the first couple of chapters.

Or, if you want to buy a copy. 

 https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0BHKQV96M

Expect the Best,

If you’ve got a second, I would love to hear your thoughts and comments. [email protected]  I reply to every email.

This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content in this newsletter is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional help if you believe you may have Mental Health Issues.