It’s Starting to A.D.D. Up

I probably have ADD or ADHD as it’s now known, without the H. I’ve never been diagnosed by a medical professional, but friends, family, and colleagues have made their own assumptions. They tease me about it. #heylooksquirrel 

As a child, I was curious and creative. I wrote poetry and did a stand-up comedy routine in the Heritage Elementary School talent show. As a teen, I had many interests and wanted to do every single activity in school — band, baseball, choir, theater, tennis, student government, etc. As an adult, I can be laser-focused on a project I’m passionate about, but lose focus in a meeting… especially if the topic is boring.

I’ve never really thought that I have a mental disorder until the last few years when people started pointing out characteristics or personality traits of mine and say “Oh, you’re definitely ADHD.” Perhaps they are right. I’ve always been a little nuts.

According to ADDitude, the magazine for people with ADHD, there are seven career fields that are good for folks with attention deficits; education, journalism, food service, hair care, high tech, first responder…and business owner. I’ve never been a barber, computer programmer, or fireman, but I’ve worked as a bartender, reporter, and college professor. I’ve also owned several businesses. 

So in a moment of “intense focus,” I did some research and found that people with ADHD are 500% more likely to be entrepreneurs. It is estimated that only 4-5% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD, but it’s prevalent in 29% of entrepreneurs. Some estimates suggest that as many as eight million American adults have ADHD, yet only 20% of them are officially diagnosed. (OK OK, the more research I do, it all A.D.D.s up.) 

I find many entrepreneurs have similar traits. They are friendly, generous, personable, talkative, positive, and upbeat. Most are creative problem solvers. Yes, they might forget where they put their keys, possess messy desks, and may start something new before they finish the first thing, but they’re usually successful. 

I guess that’s why it’s hard to look at ADHD as a mental disability. Can ADHD folks be happy and productive? Or do we need to seek treatment (and meds) because we don’t fit a particular social construct? I don’t know. Maybe I’m just in denial — or worse yet, delusional. 

As always, love to hear your thoughts. Is ADHD a “curse” or a “gift?”