10 Benefits of Having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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10 Benefits of Having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
By ADD Coach Jennifer Koretsky
© Copyright 2004
There is a common misconception in the world that having Attention
Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a bad thing. While the ADD-wired brain
certainly presents some challenges, it also offers some incredible
benefits. The following is a list of characteristics that I
consistently see in my clients, friends, and colleagues with ADD.
1. Compassion
People with ADD have a tremendous power to connect with other
people. But it goes a step further than that. We also have an
advanced ability to empathize with others, and to see many different
perspectives.
2. Creativity
I've never met an ADDer who wasn't creative! Writers, painters,
musicians, film makers, designers, sculptors, comedians - the list
goes on! Artistic talents are abundant. Composers Mozart and
Beethoven are believed to have had ADD.
3. Drive
When an ADDer is bored with a task, completing it can seem like
torture. But give an ADDer an interesting project to work on and
watch out! When we want to succeed, and we have the necessary tools
to do so, there is no stopping us!
4. Problem Solving Ability
ADDers thrive on solving problems and puzzles. Give us an
interesting problem to solve and we won't be able to drop it until
we've found the solution! Important historical inventors such as
Thomas Edison and Thomas Jefferson are believed to have had ADD.
5. Hyper-Focus
The ability to hyper-focus is something that ADDers can use to our
advantage. When kept under control and directed towards productive
tasks, like accomplishing goals and living dreams, it can be an
incredible asset that allows us to get the job done, and done well!
6. Sense of Humor/Comedic Flair
Most ADDers love to laugh, and many also have a knack for making
others laugh! Famous comedians such as Whoopi Goldberg and Robin
Williams are rumored to have ADD.
7. Resiliency
There's no denying that even though there are many great qualities
that come along with ADD, there are also challenges. But ADDers have
an incredible ability to bounce back from those challenges, and
others' criticism of those challenges that we've endured.
8. Intuition
ADDers have a sharp sense of intuition. This may be due to highly
tuned levels of perception, or great insight into the human mind, or
something else that we have yet to understand. Whatever the reason,
it's a very useful gift!
9. Idea Generating
ADDers are wonderful idea generators. We don't usually like to be
bothered with details, but we can come up with ideas at lightning
speed! We're a true asset in brainstorming meetings!
10. That "Special Something"
Many ADDers feel that they have a unique way of looking at the world,
a perspective that others just don't understand. That is, until the
ADDer meets other people with ADD! You might say that we're on our
own wavelength!
About the Author:
Jennifer Koretsky is an ADD Management Coach who helps adults learn
how to manage their ADD and move forward in life. She offers
individual and group coaching, workshops, and skill-building
programs. Her work has been featured in various media, including The
New York Times Magazine. Subscribe to Jennifer's free email
newsletter, The ADD Management Guide, by visiting
http://www.ADDmanagement.com/e-newsletter.htm .
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