My 10 Favorite Things About Having ADHD

Summary

In this heartfelt video, the speaker embraces their ADHD, sharing the unique strengths and challenges of living with the condition. From enthusiasm and risk-taking to creativity and resilience, they celebrate the 'Brain' community's ability to hyperfocus, find humor in adversity, and support each other. The speaker emphasizes that despite the struggles, they wouldn't trade their ADHD for anything, highlighting the sense of belonging and the potential for success that comes with it.

Takeaways

• 😄 Embracing ADHD: The speaker loves having ADHD and sees it as a unique trait that they share with others, including a favorite aunt.
• 🔍 Uncovering Challenges: Despite the love for ADHD, the speaker acknowledges after a year of research that it brings many unrecognized challenges.
• 🌟 Positive Mindset: The script emphasizes that focusing on what one does right rather than wrong can change one's perspective on having ADHD.
• 💡 Unique Strengths: ADHD is not a 'failed version of normal' but a different way of thinking that comes with its own set of strengths.
• 🎉 Enthusiasm: ADHD individuals are described as enthusiastic, which can lead to lively conversations and a lack of awkward silences.
• 🚀 Risk-Taking: The script highlights that ADHDers are more likely to take risks, such as starting their own businesses, which can lead to success.
• 💪 Resilience: Failing multiple times is seen as a path to becoming stronger and finding solutions when others might panic.
• 😆 Sense of Humor: The speaker mentions that having ADHD often comes with a good sense of humor, which helps in dealing with daily mishaps.
• 🤗 Generosity: The ADHD community is portrayed as generous, supportive, and willing to share experiences to help others.
• 🎨 Creativity: ADHDers are often creative, thinking outside the box and finding imaginative solutions to problems.
• 💕 Forgiveness: The script suggests that ADHD individuals are forgiving, understanding that nobody is perfect and valuing care over perfection.
• 🔍 Hyperfocus: While it can be a challenge, hyperfocus is also a strength that allows for deep concentration on tasks of interest.
• 😲 Full of Surprises: Life with ADHD is unpredictable and full of unexpected moments, making everyday an adventure.
• 👫 Community: The speaker values the sense of community among ADHDers, providing support, understanding, and camaraderie.
• 🏆 Pride in Identity: Despite the bad days, the speaker takes pride in being part of the ADHD 'tribe' and wouldn't change it even if they could.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to view ADHD positively when they were diagnosed as a child?

The speaker was inspired to view ADHD positively because their favorite aunt also had it, making it feel like joining a cool club.

What challenge does the speaker mention that they didn't initially realize was due to ADHD?

The speaker mentions that after a year of research, they discovered ADHD was responsible for many challenges they didn't realize.

What phrase helped the speaker change their perspective on ADHD?

The phrase that helped change the speaker's perspective is 'ADHD is not a failed version of normal.'

What is the speaker's attitude towards their ADHD even on their worst days?

Even on their worst days, the speaker is glad to have ADHD and appreciates the unique strengths that come with it.

According to the speaker, how much more likely are people with ADHD to start their own business?

People with ADHD are 300% more likely to take the risk of starting their own business.

What are two strengths of people with ADHD that the speaker highlights?

Two strengths of people with ADHD highlighted by the speaker are resilience and a sense of humor.

How does the speaker describe the ADHD community on YouTube?

The speaker describes the ADHD community on YouTube as generous and supportive, sharing their experiences and helping others.

What is one reason the speaker gives for why people with ADHD tend to be creative?

The speaker mentions that ADHDers tend to think outside the box and find solutions where others see walls, leading to creativity.

What does the speaker say about the ability to hyperfocus in relation to ADHD?

The speaker explains that hyperfocus, despite being an inability to switch attention, allows them to accomplish a lot of work when passionate about something.

Why does the speaker feel grateful for the ADHD community and its resources?

The speaker feels grateful because they are not alone, and there are doctors, champions, and friends with ADHD who understand and provide support.

Outlines

00:00

😄 Embracing ADHD: The Ups and Downs

The script begins with a personal reflection on the narrator's love for their ADHD, despite the challenges it presents. They liken their diagnosis to joining an exclusive club and acknowledge the difficulties that come with it, especially when sleep-deprived or overwhelmed by research on ADHD's negative impacts. The introduction of the video is set against this backdrop, emphasizing the importance of focusing on achievements rather than shortcomings. The narrator is reassured by the idea that ADHD is not a 'failed version of normal,' but a different way of thinking that comes with its own set of strengths. The video promises to explore the positive aspects of having ADHD, starting with a list of the narrator's top 10 favorite things about being an 'ADHD Brain.'

05:03

🙌 The Strengths of ADHD: A Community's Perspective

In the second paragraph, the narrator expresses gratitude for the support and community surrounding ADHD, which includes doctors, champions, coaches, teachers, and friends who understand and empathize with the condition. They emphasize the importance of not feeling alone in the journey with ADHD, highlighting the sense of belonging to a tribe that shares similar experiences. The narrator concludes by reiterating their pride in being part of this community, even on their worst days, and expresses their unwillingness to give up this identity. The paragraph ends with an invitation for viewers to engage with the content by commenting, asking questions, and subscribing, while also acknowledging the support of Patreon donors who enable the creation of more videos.

Keywords

💡ADHD

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. In the video, the speaker embraces their ADHD, highlighting it as a source of unique strengths and challenges. The script discusses both the struggles and the positive attributes associated with ADHD, such as enthusiasm, risk-taking, and creativity.

💡Enthusiastic

Enthusiastic refers to being full of excitement and eagerness. In the context of the video, the speaker mentions that people with ADHD are enthusiastic, which can manifest in their tendency to talk over others, but also in their ability to celebrate small successes and fill spaces with energy, making them great company.

💡Risk-taking

Risk-taking is the act of choosing to engage in an activity despite its uncertain outcome. The script emphasizes that individuals with ADHD are more likely to take risks, such as starting their own businesses, which can lead to significant achievements despite the potential for failure.

💡Resilient

Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. The speaker describes ADHD individuals as resilient, suggesting that they are able to bounce back from failures and continue working on solutions, which is a key trait for overcoming the challenges they face.

💡Humor

Humor is the quality of being amusing or funny. The script illustrates that individuals with ADHD often develop a strong sense of humor as a coping mechanism for their frequent mishaps, which not only helps them deal with their challenges but also brings joy to others.

💡Generosity

Generosity is the quality of being willing to give in a selfless manner. The video highlights the generosity of the ADHD community, showing their willingness to share experiences and support others, which contributes to a strong and supportive community.

💡Creativity

Creativity refers to the use of imagination or original ideas to produce something. The speaker mentions that ADHD individuals are creative, often thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions, which is a valuable trait that can lead to unique and interesting creations.

💡Forgiving

Forgiveness is the act of pardoning someone for their faults or mistakes. The script describes ADHD individuals as forgiving, not expecting perfection from others or themselves, and being understanding of the human tendency to err, which fosters a supportive and accepting environment.

💡Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration where one becomes oblivious to their surroundings. The video explains that while it can be a challenge to switch attention, hyperfocus allows ADHD individuals to immerse themselves in tasks they are passionate about for extended periods, leading to significant accomplishments.

💡Surprises

Surprises refer to unexpected events or discoveries. The speaker mentions that ADHD individuals are full of surprises, indicating that their unpredictability can make everyday life an adventure and bring a sense of novelty and excitement to interactions.

💡Community

Community refers to a group of people who share common interests or characteristics. The video emphasizes the sense of belonging and support within the ADHD community, highlighting the importance of having others who understand and can relate to the unique experiences of living with ADHD.

Highlights

The speaker embraces their ADHD diagnosis, comparing it to joining a 'cool club'.

A year of research reveals ADHD's challenges, prompting reflection on its impact.

A quote emphasizes that ADHD is not a 'failed version of normal' but a different way of thinking.

The speaker lists 10 favorite things about having ADHD, starting with enthusiasm and risk-taking.

ADHDers are 300% more likely to start their own business, showcasing their risk-taking nature.

Resilience in ADHD individuals is highlighted, showing strength in the face of repeated failure.

A sense of humor is developed due to the frequent mishaps experienced by ADHDers.

Generosity is a trait of ADHDers, as they are often willing to help others.

Creativity is a key strength of ADHDers, who think outside the box and find solutions.

Forgiveness is a virtue of ADHDers, who don't expect perfection from themselves or others.

Hyperfocus, a characteristic of ADHD, allows for intense concentration on tasks of interest.

ADHDers are full of surprises, making everyday life an adventure.

The sense of community among ADHDers is a significant source of support and understanding.

The speaker expresses pride in being part of the ADHD 'tribe' and wouldn't change it.

The video encourages viewers to share their favorite things about having ADHD.

Patreon supporters help the channel continue to produce content, with a sign-up deadline mentioned.

The speaker thanks the audience for their support, including liking, sharing, and translating videos.

Transcripts

Hello Brains!

I've always loved having ADHD.

My favorite aunt had it too,

so when I was diagnosed as a kid, it was like getting to join this cool club!

But after a year of research,

I've discovered it's responsible for a lot of challenges that I didn't realize.

I still love my ADHD brain but some days

when I'm sleep deprived, when my symptoms are worse than usual

and I'm buried under piles of research talking about the potential negative consequences of having ADHD,

I have to wonder...

Would I rather not have it...?

[Intro Music]

It's easy to fall into that kind of thinking when you're focused more on

what you've done wrong than what you've done right.

But as somebody told me recently:

"ADHD is not a failed version of normal."

Our brains just work differently,

and with those differences

come a lot of strengths!

So yeah! Even on my worst days,

I'm glad I have ADHD!

And here is why:

Here are my 10 favorite things about being a Brain.

Number 10.

We are enthusiastic!

Does this mean we might talk over you somet...?

ABSOLUTELY!

But it also means we give the biggest hugs,

get excited about smallest successes,

and you’ll never have to worry about awkward silence!

Number 9.

We're willing to take risks!

Yes this can mean we burn ourselves with steamers sometimes!

But it also means we jump head first

into challenges and opportunities when others would rather play it safe.

According to my research, ADHDers are 300% more likely to take the risk of starting their own business.

And sometimes, those risks pay off!

[Ding!]

Number 8.

We’re resilient.

Failing a million times means coming out stronger.

Things not going according to plan is just another day at the office.

So, when everybody else is freaking out

we’re working on solutions.

Number 7.

We are funny.

Failing a million times, also means developing a sense of humor.

You can't walk into walls,

pull your keys out of the freezer,

or show up 15 minutes late to work...

...on your day off...

...again

without learning to laugh about it.

That sense of humor not only helps us get through our challenges,

but makes life fun for everyone else around us.

Number 6.

We’re generous.

I’ve never met an ADHDer who wasn’t willing to help when somebody needed them.

You don't have to go very far to see that for yourself.

We have the best community on YouTube.

And that's because of your generosity

in sharing your own experiences

and helping other people through theirs.

Number 5.

We're creative.

We create stuff!

Whether this comes naturally

or is something we develop as a result of having to find our way

in a world that's not built the way we are,

ADHDers tend to think outside the box,

find solutions where other people see walls,

and are generally pretty imaginative.

We love to create

and our constant stream of ideas

might make it hard to finish any one of them.

But the fact that we get bored easily

and seek novelty

means the things that we do create, tend to be pretty cool.

Number 4.

We’re forgiving.

We aren’t perfect, and we don’t expect anyone else to be.

You’re running late? Me too!

Said something you didn’t mean?

It’s okay! I’ve been there.

Forgot to message me back?

[laughter] It’s fine.

I love you anyway.

We've learned, or are still learning

that being a good person, doesn't mean you never mess up.

So just let us know you care, and don't worry about being perfect.

[scoffs]...We'd probably get bored if you were.

Number 3.

We can hyperfocus.

Yes, technically hyperfocus is an inability to switch our attention

when we probably should.

It’s also how I can write for 10 hours straight

or stay up all night researching how

ADHD affects our ability to sleep.

Accomplishing anything worthwhile means doing a lot of work

and when we're passionate about something,

"a lot of work" is not a problem for us.

In fact, a lot of creative types

credit their success to their ADHD for this reason.

...and they say ADHDers are lazy.

Number 673.

We’re full of surprises.

You never know what we’re gonna say

and we never know what we’re going to find when we finally clean our room.

With us, everyday life is an adventure.

And my number one reason I love having ADHD...

Drumroll Edward!

[Drumroll]

Thank you!

Number 1.

We are not alone.

If I had to be the only person in the world with ADHD,

I might get tired of being singled out and feeling misunderstood.

But I'm not.

I'm not alone.

I have you.

We have each other.

We have doctors who have it and understand what we need.

There are champions who have it and can remind us that ADHD doesn’t have to hold you back.

There are ADHDers who coach,

who create organizational systems,

who teach,

who are friends that can understand.

So yeah, even on my worst days...

And yeah, I have them too.

...I’m proud to be part of this tribe

and I wouldn't give it up if I could.

That’s it for this week.

There are a ton more perks that come with having ADHD.

I will link to articles in the description below.

Let me know what your favorite things about having ADHD are!

Comment below, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter

and leave me questions for question time.

Oh and subscribe! Bye Brains!

Question time!!!

I finished watching all your videos, can you make more videos?

Thanks to the donations by our Patreon supporters,

it looks like not only can we keep making these videos,

we should be able to start making even more.

So if you’d like to join them in supporting us and want to be able to say you did it from the beginning,

you have until September 1st

to sign up. For those of you who can’t

don’t worry, you’re still supporting us by liking, sharing, commenting

watching and especially subtitling and translating

and I am so grateful to you for that because

it means I get to keep helping you and I really love doing that!

So thanks...

...for helping me...

...help you...

...help me...

...help you.

Hey look! More videos!!