Your Environment Can Make or Break You
Dear Friend,
An interesting and encouraging study was released this week that all adults with ADD need to know about.
The study suggests that a gene linked to ADD actually helps carriers in nomadic tribes in Kenya stay well-nourished, while it does the opposite for carriers in settled tribes.
If that seems slightly convoluted, it can be simply summed up in this way: The findings seem to indicate that ADD can be either an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on one's environment.
A nomadic lifestyle, in which people are continually on the move, is arguably more stimulating than a settled lifestyle. And we all know that the ADD brain (and/or body) needs stimulation to be happy. Boredom is like torture for an ADDer.
So How Do These Findings Affect You?
Of course, different conclusions can be drawn from this study. However, everyone seems to agree that it suggests an evolutionary benefit to ADD. (We're wired this way for a good reason!)
To me, the data supports the idea that environment can "make or break" a person with ADD. An ADDer with a job that bores them will not be as successful as an ADDer with a job that challenges and excites them.
Similarly, an ADDer that leads a rich and stimulating life outside of work by engaging their interests, making time for their hobbies, and enjoying their friends and family will be much happier than an ADDer who comes home from work, stresses about how dirty their house is, and then checks out and retreats to the computer for hours.
Hold Your "Yeah, but..."
If you're reading this and thinking to yourself, "Yeah, but it would be too much work to find a better job" or "Yeah, but my house IS really dirty and I can't possibly do something fun until I clean up," then you're missing the point. And you're missing out on life!
Here's a little secret that I'd like to share with you: when you create an environment that works with your ADD (not against it), your self-esteem increases, which in turn increases your motivation to accomplish the smaller and more boring tasks (like updating your resume or cleaning your house). This is one of the big themes that runs throughout my book, Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD.
Creating more stimulating and supportive environments for yourself, like a challenging job, a night out with friends, or a class on an interesting topic, will lead to getting more stuff done in the long run.
If you don't believe me, try it. I dare you.
Have thoughts on this article or the study referenced? I want to hear them!
Please don't respond to this email; rather, share your thoughts on my blog at http://www.experiencingaddvantages.com/2008/06/adults-with-a-1.html#comments.
Join Me At The ADDA Conference Next Month!
The 2008 ADDA Conference is taking place July 10-13 in Minneapolis, and it's a can't-miss event!
Honestly, I look forward to the national ADDA conference every year because in addition to learning a lot and connecting with great people, I know I'll have a fantastic time.
Many participants have said that attending an ADDA conference for the first time was a “life-changing experience.” No other conference makes it so easy to connect with people who face many of the challenges of living with AD/HD, as well as interact with outstanding professionals and presenters.
This year’s conference features some of the biggest names in AD/HD, including keynote presentations by:
- Sari Solden, MS, LMFT, on “A ‘Whole’ New View of Success – Aiming for Wholeness Instead of Perfection”
- Ned Hallowell, MD, on “Unwrapping the Gifts of the Mind”
- John Ratey, MD, on “The Spark for Success”
Attend My Session On "Overcoming the Chronic Overwhelm Associated with Adult AD/HD."
The ADD Management Group will have an exhibit booth at the conference, and I'll be presenting on one of my favorite topics, breaking the overwhelm-burnout cycle that so many of us fall victim to. I've prepared a fantastic presentation that will be highly interactive. Rather than just lecturing, I'll be leading participants through the creation of a personal action plan for overcoming overwhelm.
I highly recommend this conference for every adult with AD/HD who is looking to learn practical information and make valuable connections. This is truly a conference where people of differing interests and backgrounds can be empowered to learn and to share in a wealth of current ideas and information.
Please see the conference website at http://addameeting.com for registration information.
And if you plan on attending, do let me know! I always like to organize a social gathering for ADD Management Group clients, customers, and newsletter readers. I hope you’ll join us there!
Last Chance To Save On The ADD Management Membership Program!
The ADD Management Membership Program provides information, tools  and resources, coaching support, and an interactive community for adults with ADD. Next month, the Membership Program celebrates it's 3rd birthday!
We recently upgraded our software, as well as our format, to present highly structured content that follows the chapters of my book, Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide to Adult ADD, including:
- Breaking the Cycle of Overwhelm
- Working With Your ADD, Not Against It
- ADDjusting Your Attitude
- Taking Control of Your Space and Time
- Living Out Loud
The lessons in these topics are interactive and most are presented with both visual and audio components for ADD-friendly learning. Recent lessons include:
- Slowing Down and Reducing Stress Through Mindfulness Meditation
- Learning About ADD and Executive Functioning
- ADDjusting Your Attitude by Focusing On Your Strengths
- ADD-friendly Travel and Packing Tips
In two weeks, the ADD Management Membership Program fees are increasing from $27 per month to $37 per month. We'll also be providing quarterly and yearly payment options, although we require absolutely no minimum commitment when you join.
If you've been thinking about joining the membership, now is the time. Current members will not be subject to the fee increases when they take effect in two weeks.
And if you'd like to try out the program before committing to it, then you'll be happy to know that you can get your first week for just $4.95. Even if you decide to leave us after that week, I guarantee you'll find some helpful information and strategies for your $4.95!
To join, visit: http://www.addmanagement.com/coaching/membership.html
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Have a great weekend!
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