Experiencing ADDvantages

ADD Olympic Events

Alan David Stein offers this fantastic idea for ADD Olympics which absolutely cracked me up:

THE CLUTTERTHON: The Gold medal goes to the participant not who finishes cleaning up first, but who STARTS the cleanup first. This event will be the first to begin, right after the opening ceremonies. Two weeks later, if no one has stepped up, then no award will be given.

Check out Alan interviewing me about adult ADD on his former radio show last month:

ADDA Talent Show: Comedy

One of the best things about attending the annual ADDA Conference is the talent show. Adults with ADD share their talents and make us all laugh, cry, and enjoy ourselves.

This year, long-time client Barbara Bradford not only attended the ADDA conference for the first time, she also performed comedy at the talent show! Erin was able to get a few minutes of it on tape and, with Barbara's permission, I'm thrilled to share it.

Here is Barbara 'Living Out Loud.' Enjoy!

Mavericks in Action: Hillary Clinton

These words apply way beyond politics. This is the maverick spirit that so many of us (adults with ADD) share. This is living out loud.

"Now the journey ahead will not be easy. Some will say we can’t do it. That it’s too hard. That we’re just not up to the task. But for as long as America has existed, it has been the American way to reject “can’t do” claims, and to choose instead to stretch the boundaries of the possible through hard work, determination, and a pioneering spirit...

Always aim high, work hard, and care deeply about what you believe in. When you stumble, keep faith. When you’re knocked down, get right back up. And never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on...

So I want to say to my supporters, when you hear people saying – or think to yourself – “if only” or “what if,” I say, “please don’t go there.” Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward.

Life is too short, time is too precious, and the stakes are too high to dwell on what might have been. We have to work together for what still can be."

Great Client Quotes: Screw It

"I'm tired of feeling bad because I have executive function issues and other challenges. Who cares? If I can't do it, screw it!"

Private Coaching Client who recently passed the bar exam.

Great Client Quotes: ADDers

"I've read recently on a couple of blogs that the term "ADDer" has been deemed offensive by some folks...As you might expect, I also have an opinion on the subject: if you're looking for a cause to fight for, this isn't a worthy one."

- ADD-Libber
From the post Name it so you can claim it.

Great Client Quotes: Overwhelm

"I feel like I'm burning the candle at both ends...with a blowtorch!"

Steffanie, in the Odd One Out Coaching Program

Sound Advice for Achieving Goals

Today's the big day - the Pennsylvania Primaries! I'm already excited and you can bet that I'll be glued to the television tonight.

While we wait for the results, I thought I'd share some words of wisdom that I received in an email last week from none other than Bill Clinton. (More likely someone in Hillary's campaign pretending to be Bill, but whatever.)

I'm going to give you the same advice I give to Hillary: block out the distractions -- the skeptics, the media coverage, the beltway chatter -- and keep your eyes on the prize.

With the news media constantly poring over the minutiae of the campaign, I make sure Hillary never forgets to stay focused on what matters: telling every last American about her vision, her experience, and her commitment to bringing real change to people's lives.
[bolds are my emphasis]

Sound advice, no matter what your goal.

Great Quote: What Others Might Think

This week I found myself sharing a particular quote with a number of clients who were struggling with issues of criticism and judgment from others. This quote is attributed to my friend and fellow MasterMinder, Chris Barrow, and it goes like this:

In life, some people will love you, some will hate you, and most won't give a shit either way.

Very true, and always helpful to remember when you find yourself fearful of what others might think.