When we’re growing up, there are all sorts of people telling us what to do when really what we need is space to work out who to be. –Elliot Page

Understanding Your ADHD Traits

It's common for young adventurers to display bouts of hyperactivity or harbor fleeting fascinations that fade as they mature. Yet, ADHD delves deeper than occasional restlessness or passing interests. It encompasses unique traits that can profoundly affect an adventurer's journey without the proper guidance, support, and understanding.

The wise scholars of the National Health Service (2001) in the United Kingdom describe ADHD as "a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating, and may act on impulse." This description highlights the negative aspects of ADHD, but despair not, for you can define your positive or negative traits. It's similar to embarking on a choose-your-own-adventure quest; you know what path best suits your journey.

Across the seas in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention relies on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to diagnose ADHD (Symptoms and Diagnosis, 2023). Quite the alphabet soup, especially for adventurers grappling with ADHD!

While receiving a diagnosis marks a significant milestone, it's essential to recognize the overlap between ADHD and other mental health conditions. Not every hyperactive or hyper-focused individual bears the mantle of ADHD; these are but a few symptoms that align with a potential diagnosis. Initiating a dialogue with a skilled doctor is a wise first step toward understanding whether ADHD underlies your symptoms. A qualified doctor can illuminate aspects of your condition that may have eluded your research, bringing newfound awareness and connecting the dots on your adventure.

Defining Your Traits

In the real world, chaos reigns, and patterns often elude even the keenest observers. Teenagers, whether afflicted with ADHD or not, find themselves grappling with flaws and negative attributes, striving to conceal them from the scrutiny of society. The pressure to conform to societal norms weighs on their shoulders; otherwise, they face rejection from authoritative figures or peers. Yet, this front of conformity leads to mental health challenges and the breakdown of self-worth throughout adulthood.

Have you ever experienced the frustration of misplacing something important, felt restless while engaged in mundane tasks, or found your mind wandering instead of focusing on your current task? These are but a few of the negative attributes associated with ADHD. However, they don't need to remain negative if acknowledged and addressed. When wielded in moderation, these traits can serve as valuable assets. Let's dive deeper into this dilemma.

Consider the action of repeatedly forgetting to tidy up after yourself—a common struggle among people with ADHD. How can you correct this situation? Allow me to offer some strategies:

Organize your surroundings by grouping similar items, making cleanup more efficient.

Adopt a clean-as-you-goapproach. Return items to their rightful places immediately after use, dispose of trash promptly, and deposit dirty laundry in the hamper.

Dedicate a brief daily period to tidying your personal space, employing a timer to ensure efficiency and focusing on key areas such as your bed, desk, and floor.

These simple strategies may seem easy, but they represent vital side quests that lay the groundwork for the grand adventure of adulthood.

Fear not, brave adventurer! A journey of growth and self-discovery awaits those who dare to embark upon the hero's journey. See yourself as a character in a grand role-playing game (RPG), with each skill a positive stat and each negative stat an opportunity for growth. The choice is yours—are you prepared to embark on this epic quest to design your character sheet?

Customizing and Selecting Your Stats

Have you ever lost track of time, immersed in a character creation screen, perfecting every aspect of your character's appearance, skills, and attributes? Just as you maximize a character to suit your playstyle, adapting to the world with ADHD requires similar customization. But beware—not everything is customizable, and you can't solve every problem with explosions!

While young adventurers often possess sought-after soft job skills like creativity and problem-solving, negative stats such as hyperactivity and difficulty following instructions can impact their quest.

Positive Stats

Positive stats shine brightly in the middle of challenges posed by negative stats. While negative stats may pose obstacles and foil progress, positive stats serve as beacons of strength and resilience for young adventurers.

Young adults with ADHD possess many positive stats that elevate their journey through life. You are known for your creativity, spontaneity, and boundless energy, which often garner praise in the workplace and school and foster a vibrant social life. You excel at problem-solving and can hyper-focus on your passions and interests, propelling them to great heights (Millennium Medical Associates, 2021).

Moreover, the journey of ADHD brings forth virtues of resilience, empathy, and compassion, qualities that forge deep connections with others (17 Things ADHD, 2023). People with ADHD possess a keen understanding of the struggles faced by others, often finding themselves surrounded by loyal companions and friends.

Much like crafting a character in an RPG, people with ADHD may exhibit these positive stats or seek to enhance them further on their journey to adulthood. Embrace these strengths, adventurer, and embark on your quest with courage and determination!

Negative Stats

Let's clear up a common misbelief: Having negative stats doesn't mean you're a weak player. Consider them abilities you need to level up or skills you haven't unlocked yet due to your current level. Sometimes, these negative stats might not even be abilities you're interested in mastering, and that's totally fine! How you navigate your quests and use your energy is up to you.

According to the Millennium Medical Associates (2021) guidebook, people with ADHD might have the following negative stats:

daydreaming

distractibility

excessive talking

hyperactivity

impatience

impulsivity

inattentiveness

Decoding how to enhance your skill set can feel like a massive quest without a starting point. But remember, every epic journey starts with a tutorial stage. So, let's consider identifying and sharpening your abilities as the tutorial stage for leveling up and conquering the challenges of adulting with ADHD.

Defining Your Character

Imagine your favorite character from any piece of media. Are they the valiant hero charging into battle, the cunning villain plotting their next move, or perhaps the loyal sidekick always there to lend a hand? Even the complex anti-hero, thrust into the role of the protagonist despite their flaws, could capture your heart.

Now, think about the traits that define your beloved character. It's not just about their heroic deeds or villainous schemes but also how they interact with those around them. How does the villain treat their minions? Is the hero a bit of a goofball?

As you think about these character traits, reflect on your own. How would you describe yourself as a character in a video game, considering your ADHD? Your character traits are like your unique abilities in the game. Nurturing and understanding them helps you level up and decide where to invest your skill points wisely.

Let's frame your character traits in statements:

I am creative and wise.

I am resilient in the face of adversity.

I approach challenges with unconventional solutions.

I possess a multitude of talents.

I am generous with my time and resources.

Writing down your character statements and aligning them with your self-image or aspirations fosters a deeper understanding of yourself. Without this self-awareness, leveling up and navigating adulthood with ADHD can be challenging. As Ari Tuckman (2023) points out, "Individuals with ADHD are stuck in the present and have a hard time doing what will benefit them later." Defining your character traits and setting goals, you understand why those long-term benefits are crucial.

To truly understand yourself, you must acknowledge that your identity is multifaceted. Being authentic means embracing all aspects of yourself, even those you may be reluctant to confront (Wright, 2008). Are your interactions with others, self-care practices, and worldview aligned with the person you want to become? These are profound questions, but don't worry; you have plenty of time to explore them before facing the ultimate boss battle of adulthood.

Getting SMART About Leveling Up

Alright, adventurer! You've created your adult character, fine-tuning their attributes and plotting the course of their heroic journey with resolute character statements. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Fear not, for I sense the blossoming power of a hidden skill within you: SMART goals.

As you travel through this introductory stage, allow me to unveil the secrets of SMART goals, a potent tool in your armory. What does SMART mean? Behold its meaning (SMART Goals, n.d.):

Specific: Define your quest clearly. What deeds must you accomplish? What steps will you take?

Measurable: Gauge your progress. How will you track your feats along this journey?

Achievable: Assess the feasibility of your quest. Do you possess the required abilities and resources? What trials await on the path to triumph?

Relevant: Align your quest with your grand purpose. Does this attempt serve your greater ambitions? What about the long term? What about the short term?

Time-Bound: Set a timeline. Does your quest demand immediate attention? Do you have a couple of months to achieve this goal?

With these principles etched upon your mind, imagine how SMART goals empower you to fragment colossal quests into manageable side missions. As you navigate the chapters of this book, you will witness the familiar influence of SMART goals across various scenarios, each exploration guiding you toward victory. This remarkable system works wonders by helping your working memory, allowing for seamless strategy shifts and pursuing new objectives without the burden of forgetfulness.

SMART goals are the beginning of a grand adventure toward structure and adaptability. Noelle Daoire (2023) reveals the sacred principles to lay a sturdy foundation for your ambitions:

Start With the Why: Dive into the depths of your motivations, for there is a trustworthy source of your strength.

Begin With Broad Strokes: Sketch your grand design's outline before exploring the specifics of detail.

Support Your Weaknesses: Strengthen the frail links in your chain, for a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Infuse Joy: Let the fires of joy illuminate your path, for true fulfillment lies in pursuing happiness.

Use Endcaps: Fortify the boundaries of your aspirations, or else the storm of uncertainty will sweep them away.

Plan for Interference: Anticipate the plots of fate and prepare your defenses against unforeseen obstacles.

Navigate Distractions: Steer clear of the siren songs that lure you from your course, for focus is the compass that guides you through the storm.

Embrace the wisdom of these teachings, for they will empower you to adapt to the ever-changing currents of your journey. Remember, my fellow adventurers, you possess the resilience to overcome a road filled with challenges.

And now, as you stand upon the edge of your next side quest, ask yourself this: Is your goal within reach? If it looms too large, you will carve it into bite-sized morsels until even the mightiest of objectives bends to your determination. So, muster your courage, sharpen your resolve, and venture into the unknown, for destiny awaits those bold enough to seize it.

What to Get SMART About

As you prepare to exit the tutorial stage and start on your main quest, a lingering question arises: How can I wield the power of SMART goals to its fullest potential? These newly unlocked abilities will prove invaluable not just in academia but also in the realms of finance and social endeavors. Transitioning from the halls of high school to the grand stage of college can be daunting, but don't fear. SMART goals stand ready to guide you through this journey.

Envision SMART goals as the basic jump function. Without it, you'd struggle to jump over obstacles, navigate dangerous chasms, or dodge foes blocking your path.

For people with ADHD, mastering time management becomes vital. The structured framework of SMART goals serves as a tool, allowing you to manage multiple goals successfully despite the chaos of timed trials. SMART goals provide the balance needed to thrive by harnessing your ability to hyper-focus, ensuring you can tackle tasks with precision and efficiency.

Moreover, integrating SMART goals into self-care routines becomes a vital strategy. Even if your day is busy, attending to your well-being can easily slip through the cracks. Establishing SMART goals around sleep patterns, physical activity, and meal preparation fosters a sanctuary of balance among the disturbances of daily life.

As the tutorial phase draws close, I wish you good luck on your forthcoming odyssey. With the tools and expertise acquired within this book, you will sow the seeds of self-discovery and be poised to embark on a journey of unparalleled growth. Don't fear the specter of failure, for each step forward brings forth the blossom of newfound skills. Embrace the adventure that lies ahead, for destiny awaits your bold strides.