Experiencing ADDvantages

Video: Adult ADD (and me) On NBC's TODAY Show!

If you didn't catch me talking about Adult ADD on NBC's TODAY Show yesterday, here's the clip!

Just click the image below, or visit http://www.ADDmanagement.com/todayshow.html to view the clip.

So many of you have emailed me offering your congratulations, and I thank you all so much!

This has truly been a wonderful experience for me, and for so many adults with ADD that I've been hearing from.

There is something very powerful in sharing our stories, isn't there? I'm grateful to The TODAY Show for allowing me to share my story with millions of viewers whom I would not otherwise be able to reach. I think I'll be smiling nonstop for the next month. :-)

Enjoy the segment!

Michael Phelps - Can We Drop the Politically Correct Crap?

I really don't love sports. Never watch the Olympics. Couldn't care less about swimming. In fact, if Michael Phelps didn't have ADD, I really wouldn't care about him at all. But since he is a successful ADDer, he's on my radar, and I feel compelled to comment on the recent media attention he's received over being caught smoking pot.

Everyone seems to be so busy being politically correct and going on record to condemn Michael Phelps' behavior that no one is saying what many of us are thinking. So what?

Michael Phelps smoked pot. So what?

Did you ever smoke pot? I did. Granted, I haven't touched the stuff since college, but I smoked here and there, and I turned out okay. I also drank, smoked cigarettes, and had sex. I made good choices, and I made bad choices. And I turned out alright. In fact, I turned out pretty damn good.

I don't think Michael Phelps is a drug addict. I do think he's made some poor choices. When you're a public figure and viewed as a role model, you certainly want to be careful about what you do and who you do it with. And when you drink, you should NEVER drive a car. (I personally find this inexcusable.) But perhaps Michael Phelps' biggest crime in this pot smoking fiasco is quite simply being guilty of some ADD impulsiveness.

Is Michael Phelps still an ADD role model? Absolutely. His successes cannot be taken away from him. And his recent actions might even provide an excellent opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about drugs and drinking and the consequences of a person's choices and actions.

Need further convincing? See what Saturday Night Live's Seth Myers has to say about it. I couldn't agree more.

Recommended Resource: Finding a Job During a Recession

I'm in Texas this week for the Thanksgiving holiday, but I wanted to take a moment to tell you about an event that I know many of you will be interested in!

Career management expert Sital Ruparelia is hosting a free teleseminar next week on "Finding a Job During a Recession."

Sital is a personal friend of mine and he knows his stuff. This teleseminar will be a fantastic resource for any professional ADDer who has been (or fears being) laid off.

Register or find out more here!

Top 5 Ways to Have a Happy Thanksgiving for Adults with ADD

Well, the holiday season is officially upon us! And for some adults with ADD, this is the most stressful time of year. Here are a few practical tips for managing your ADD this Thanksgiving (or any holiday.)

1. Know Your Own ADD and Plan Ahead to Deal with It

You know yourself better than anyone, so ask yourself "How does my ADD affect me on the holidays?" Make a list of all the things that tend to stress you out, and make a plan to deal with them.

Here are a few examples:

Do you tend to say impulsive things that you later regret? Plan to take a deep breath before answering ANY questions so that you can think about your words before you speak them.

Do hyper kids or too many people overwhelm you? Plan to excuse yourself and take a brief walk when things start feeling chaotic.

Does a family member really make you mad when s/he starts nagging or becomes critical? Plan a simple response that won't fuel the fire, like "I'm sorry you feel that way. I'd rather talk about a great book I'm reading right now."

Do you get antsy after a long day? Plan to end the day early, so that you don't reach the point of irritability.

2. Don't Expect Perfection

Accept that the day won't be perfect. Nothing is! Whether you're hosting the holiday, staying with family, or visiting a restaurant, realize that something is bound to go wrong. That's life. Don't hold it against yourself, or the people around you. Whatever it is, do your best to move on and let it go.

3. Ask For Help/Accept Help

Whatever your role is this holiday, you don't have to do it all on your own. If you're hosting the holiday, ask for help in the kitchen. This is perfectly acceptable, and most people are happy to help out where they can. If you're offered help, accept it with gratitude!

4. Remember That People Do The Best They Can

Long days with family members often end in frustration and hurt feelings. Try to remember that people do the best they can with the skills and tools they have. Hurtful comments probably aren't meant to be hurtful. Don't hold it against friends and family members who may not have the necessary skills to express themselves effectively.

5. Smile!

Set the tone for those around you by being positive, smiling often, and enjoying yourself!

Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Take some time now to prepare yourself NOW so that you don't get overwhelmed later!

           

Have thoughts on this article? Want to share some of your own tips on ADD management during the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments field!

Webinar Tonight: The Maverick Approach to ADD Management

If you're a member of ADDA (the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Association), then join me tonight as I lead a members-only webinar!

Presentation: The Maverick Approach to ADD Management: How to Be Happy and Successful by Breaking the Rules
Led By: Jennifer Koretsky, Author of Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD
Time: 9pm EST
Access Info: Open to ADDA Members Only

Hope to "see" you there!

Howie Mandel Has ADHD

Howie Mandel "came out of the closet" about having ADHD today! 

Howie teamed up with ADDA, CHADD, ACO, and Shire to create TV and radio Public Service Announcements, along with an informative website, AdultADHDisReal.com.

To see the PSA on TV, tune into the following national TV shows (check your local listings):

• Friday, October 17:  "Live with Regis and Kelly," "Access Hollywood," OK! Magazine, and "ABC News Now"
• Monday, October 27:  "Extra"
• Wednesday, October 29:  "Bonnie Hunt Show"
• Tuesday, February 12, 2009:  "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

And here's some more info from the official press release:

NEW YORK, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Howie Mandel, host of Deal or No Deal and 2008 Emmy Nominee, is raising awareness about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults through the national multimedia public service announcement campaign Adult ADHD Is Real.  This campaign and its Web site, AdultADHDIsReal.com, have been developed by a coalition of groups dedicated to ADHD education and awareness and made possible by Shire.  As an adult living with ADHD, Howie will spread the word that ADHD is a real and treatable medical disorder and encourage adults who think they may have ADHD to seek diagnosis and evaluation.   

“When I was in high school, my impulsivity led me to all kinds of acts and pranks.  I had trouble sitting still and could hardly focus or pay attention in class.  It wasn’t until I was an adult that I was diagnosed with ADHD,” said Howie.  “I’m involved in the Adult ADHD Is Real campaign because I want adults to know that it’s never too late to seek help for ADHD.  I hope that sharing my story encourages people to seek help.  I didn’t let ADHD prevent me from achieving my goals and neither should anyone else.”

Many people may think of ADHD as a childhood disorder, but up to 65 percent of children with the disorder may still exhibit symptoms into adulthood.  In US adults aged 18 – 44 the disorder affects approximately 4.4 percent of this population based on results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative household survey, which used a lay-administered diagnostic interview to access a wide range of DSM-IV disorders.   When this percentage is extrapolated to the full US adult population, the disorder is estimated to affect approximately 10 million adults throughout the country.

“The symptoms of ADHD impact millions of adults at work, at home, and in relationships. The Adult ADHD Is Real campaign provides a much needed platform to educate people about the disorder,” said Lenard A. Adler, MD, Director of the Adult ADHD Program at NYU Langone Medical Center, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, and author of Scattered Minds: Hope and Help for Adults with ADHD (G. P. Putnam’s Sons 2006).  “Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are treatment plans available that may help successfully manage ADHD symptoms.  It’s important to speak with a doctor if you think you may have the disorder.”

The multimedia campaign features Howie in television, radio, and print public service announcements.  Howie will also share more of his personal story about living with ADHD through the campaign’s Web site, AdultADHDIsReal.com.  The Web site provides additional information and resources for adults with ADHD, and encourages those who think they may have the disorder to take the adult ADHD self-screener and speak with their doctor.

AdultADHDIsReal.com also offers:

· Information about the symptoms of ADHD in adults and how they manifest differently in adults than in children
· Resources to help people choose a health care professional
· Links to view and listen to the public service announcements
· Links to coalition patient support groups for additional information and assistance in managing ADHD in adults.

The Adult ADHD Is Real campaign is supported by a group of organizations to raise awareness of ADHD in adults and encourage people who think they may have the disorder to take an ADHD self-screener and speak with their doctor.  These patient advocacy groups include the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).  Shire also supports the campaign.

The leaders of the following organizations, ACO, ADDA, and CHADD, have joined together in making the following statement:  “It is imperative for the public to be aware that ADHD is a real disorder for those with ADHD, with potential consequences for adults with ADHD and everyone around them.  We commend Howie for sharing his story and hope that it empowers other adults who think they may have the disorder to seek out more information on ADHD by visiting AdultADHDIsReal.com.”

About The Coalition
The coalition for the Adult ADHD Is Real campaign consists of patient advocacy groups including ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD).  The coalition is dedicated to raising awareness about ADHD in adults as a real and treatable medical disorder.  Shire also supports the campaign.

Question: How is the Economic Crisis Affecting Your ADD?

The media is all doom and gloom right now. You can't turn on the news without hearing about the failed bailout plan or the falling stock market.

Even if you're not a chicken little, it's easy to feel like the sky is falling.

So how is all this affecting your ADD?

• Are you more anxious?
• Ruminating and falling into negative thinking patterns?
• Hyperfocusing on the news?
• Feeling pissed off and reactionary?
• Getting distracted by it all instead of doing what you need to be doing?

Please share your thoughts with me! I'll be addressing 'ADD and the Economic Crisis' in my next newsletter!

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:

Face-to-Face Coaching/Consulting for ADD Business Owners

I'll be presenting and exhibiting at the 13th National ADDA Conference in Minneapolis next month, and I'd like to try a little experiment.

I may have some time available on Thursday July 10th, and I'm considering offering some 1-on-1 coaching/consulting for ADD business owners.                      

This would be a chance for business owners with ADD to meet with me and:                     

1. Take a look at the big picture of your business to determine what's working and what's not, and outline a plan for moving forward.
2. Review your business revenue and cash flow, and create a plan to maximize income.
3. Review your role in the business, and the roles of your team members (or lack thereof) to ensure that the right people are in the right places for maximum efficiency and minimum stress.
4. Explore your vision  to ensure that your business is aligned with your dreams and goals.
5. Work on any combination of the above, or anything else you'd like to get help with.

Off course, the entire time we'll keep in mind the "5 Essential Skills for Managing Adult ADD" and ensure that you're working with your ADD in your business.

If you live in the Minneapolis area or are attending the conference, and you think you might be interested in some face-to-face coaching/consulting with me, then please email me at jennifer [AT] addmanagement.com and let me know.

You won't be under any obligation to book time with me, but a "show of hands" for those who are interested will help me determine whether or not to go ahead and clear my schedule for some face-to-cafe meetings while I'm in Minneapolis.

If I do open my schedule, time will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. So please be sure to email me if you'll be in the Minneapolis area on July 10th and think you might possibly be interested in some face-to-face business coaching/consulting with me!

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."