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- ADHD: Roadblock or Expressway- Jim Livingstone - ADHD Optimist
ADHD: Roadblock or Expressway- Jim Livingstone - ADHD Optimist
ADHD: Roadblock or Expressway- Jim Livingstone - ADHD Optimist

![]() | G’day, I struggled with undiagnosed ADHD for forty-six years, feeling like I didn't fit in anywhere. Since my ADHD diagnosis, I have spent the past twenty-six years reading, researching and testing every aspect of adult ADHD with the desire to become the very best version of myself. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way…. |
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ADHD: Roadblock or Expressway?
Your New ADHD Identity: From Surviving to Thriving
What if I told you that your ADHD isn't something to overcome, but something to work with? What if those very traits that have felt like roadblocks are actually your unique traits and talents waiting to be unleashed?
It's time to reframe and rewrite your ADHD story.
The Identity Shift That Changes Everything
For too long, you've probably seen ADHD as the villain in your story—the thing that makes you late, scattered, or "different." But here's the truth: your ADHD brain isn't broken. It's beautifully, brilliantly different. And you can use that difference as your competitive advantage.
Your hyperfocus isn't a problem—it's your ability to dive deeper than most people ever will. Your creativity isn't chaos—it's your brain making connections others miss. Your need for variety isn't a sign of instability—it's your natural drive for growth and exploration. It is a natural part of evolution and self-development.
The moment you stop fighting your ADHD and start partnering with it, everything changes.
Mastering the Challenge, Not Eliminating It
Here's what nobody tells you about personal transformation: it's not about making life easier. It's about making yourself stronger, more adaptable, and more resilient. Your ADHD presents unique challenges, yes—but challenges are simply opportunities wearing work clothes.
Every time you struggle with time management, you're developing your systems-thinking skills. Every time you navigate emotional regulation, you're building emotional intelligence. Every time you work with your scattered attention, you're learning to be more intentional and present.
The goal isn't to become neurotypical. The goal is to become the most powerful version of your neurodivergent self.
Systems and Routines: Your Transformation Tools
Your ADHD brain craves structure, but it rebels against rigidity. The secret is creating flexible systems that work with your natural rhythms, not against them.
Morning Launch Sequences: Instead of a rigid morning routine, create a flexible sequence of 3-5 essential actions that prepare you for success. Maybe it's medication, movement, and one small win before 9 AM.
Energy-Based Scheduling: Forget time blocking. Try energy blocking. Schedule demanding tasks when your brain is naturally alert and save routine tasks for lower-energy periods.
The Two-Minute Rule: If something takes less than two minutes, do it now. This prevents the accumulation of small tasks that create overwhelm.
Dopamine Bridges: Link necessary but boring tasks to something rewarding. Listen to your favourite podcast while doing dishes or reward yourself after completing administrative tasks.
No Extra Time Stacks: Combine two or three tasks together, not multi-tasking, just listening to podcasts while driving to work or waiting at the airport. I listen to YouTube videos while I’m at the gym.
Your 30-60 Day Transformation Challenge
Ready to step into your new identity? Choose one of these challenge frameworks:
Option 1: The Focus Master (30 Days)
Week 1-2: Establish one consistent "power hour" each day for your most important work
Week 3-4: Add a simple evening reflection practice to identify what worked and what didn't
Option 2: The System Builder (60 Days)
Days 1-20: Design and test three core systems (morning routine, task capture, weekly review)
Days 21-40: Refine these systems based on what you've learned about your patterns
Days 41-60: Add advanced elements and teach your systems to someone else
Option 3: The Energy Optimiser (45 Days)
Week 1-2: Track your natural energy patterns throughout the day
Week 3-4: Redesign your schedule to align with these patterns
Week 5-6: Experiment with different ways to boost and sustain your energy
Week 7: Document your optimal daily rhythm
Option 4: The Habit Stacker (30 Days) NET: No Extra Time
Start with ONE tiny habit and stack new behaviours onto existing routines:
Week 1: Choose your anchor habit (something you already do consistently)
Week 2: Add one 2-minute behaviour immediately after your anchor
Week 3: Stack a second micro-habit
Week 4: Celebrate and plan your next stack
Your Challenge Toolkit
Daily Check-ins: Rate your energy, focus, and mood on a 1-10 scale. Look for patterns.
Weekly Wins: Document three things that worked well each week, no matter how small.
Obstacle Inventory: When something doesn't work, ask, "What can this teach me about how my brain operates?"
Support Systems: Share your challenge with one trusted person who can provide accountability without judgment. (Use an AI accountability if you don’t have anyone to support you.)
The Truth About Your ADHD Identity
You are not screwed. You are not "too much" or "not enough." You are beautifully complex, endlessly creative, and capable of extraordinary things when you stop fighting yourself and start re-designing a life that fits your unique brain.
See your ADHD as an opportunity, not an opponent or adversary.
Every challenge you face is sculpting you into someone stronger, more compassionate, and more innovative. Every system you build is evidence of your problem-solving abilities. Every day you show up despite the difficulty is proof of your remarkable resilience.
Your Next Step
Choose your challenge. Set your start date. Tell one person about your commitment.
But most importantly, make this decision from your new identity: you are someone who transforms challenges into opportunities, who builds systems that work with your brain, and who shows up consistently for your own growth.
Your ADHD journey isn't about fitting into someone else's mould. It's about becoming so authentically, powerfully yourself that the world has no choice but to make room for your brilliance.
Your transformation starts now. Not when you're "ready," not when you have it all figured out, but right now, exactly as you are.
Your better, brighter self is counting on the decision and actions you take today.
Grab your copy of ADHD Challenge Worksheet
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“Structure calms chaos.
Structure is required for creativity.
Structure is essential in building anything that thrives ” —Jim Livingstone
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