🎯Harnessing Chaos: My ADHD Journey to Clarity and High Performance
Self Development # 16 - Transforming Distraction into Focused Achievement
For years, I couldn’t quite put my finger on it…
I was brilliant at pulling projects together and starting with a bang - ideas flowing faster than I could capture them.
But somewhere near the finish line? I’d struggle.
Sound familiar?
It turns out I wasn’t a lazy little shit (Fuck You so there, Captain Kremmen), and it also wasn’t a lack of ambition or intellectual capability (you patronising bastard chap, Mr P.).
I was at the top of my game in any high-pressure situation - I creatively problem-solve like a genius, contribute at a top level in the classroom, but never handed in my homework on time.
I thought faster than most, always had a witty comeback - and frequently earned a good ‘belting’ for speaking my mind.
Of course, I understand that as a teacher in the late 1970s and early 1980s - with full recourse to the right to clip an irritating little shit a child around the ear, give him six of the best across his backside, or deliver some other "attitude adjustment" - it must have been incredibly tempting when you had me pipe up…
It’s not my fault the way you teach this subject is so boring Sir!
With options like that available, I can see how my "helpful feedback" could have driven you nuts.
Understanding that all the traits I’d worked so hard to overcome since early childhood are today categorised as ADHD - and finally getting treatment after three years of waiting - has changed everything.
Whether or not you have ADHD, you’ve probably experienced moments of juggling too many things, spinning plates, and struggling to close the loop on big ideas. The truth is:
High performance doesn’t come from doing it all - it comes from harnessing your strengths and managing your focus intentionally.
Last year, I met up with someone I hadn’t seen since we’d played at dating in our teens.
A few hours in, she mentioned something I’d forgotten:
"When we first spoke on that catch up call two years ago (WTF) you interrupted me. Why?"
I looked at her intently - to check if she was being serious - and then explained it as best I could:
“The way I process information sometimes makes it almost ‘compulsive’ to speak.”
I smiled and added, "You know how, today, we’ve already had to pause three times so you could pop to the loo?"
She gave me the evil eye - but I never let a little thing like that stop me - 🙈🕺🏻🙈!
"ADHD is exactly like that," I said. "You can hold off going to the loo for a while, but after a point, ignoring it becomes impossible. My need to interrupt works the same way - the more I try to sit on it, the more irresistible it becomes to speak."
She changed the topic and since that day…?
We haven’t spoken again.
So, here’s what living with ADHD has looked like in my professional world:
Books: I’ve got three books in progress - one at over 80,000 words so far.
Film plots: Two film treatments, each 90% completed.
Podcast: An enviable guest list for a podcast series.
Day job: And, of course, everything I do in my executive coaching role.
The common thread? I find all of these projects fascinating. But when everything feels equally important, it’s easy to take on too much at once and then try to create artificial levels of stress to get shit done!
A few years ago, a client asked me to write up some research findings. I handed in the report, and I could tell they were... underwhelmed.
During the follow-up call, I gave them the same findings - but added the stories, the insights, and the context that made everything click.
By the end of the call, one of them said:
"Why didn’t you put all of that in the report? This is exactly what we needed!"
I didn’t have the heart to say:
"Because I found it fascinating to do but mind fuckingly dull more challenging to write down, so my brain switched off."
If you’ve ever struggled to finish something because it didn’t light up your brain, you’ll know exactly how that feels. If you haven’t, it probably sounds ridiculous. But that’s ADHD - it can make simple tasks feel monumental, while complex challenges feel exhilarating.
🛠️ What I’ve Learned - and How You Can Apply It
Understanding how my brain works - and making adjustments - has been life-changing. Here’s what’s helped:
Recognising Patterns: Knowing when I’m at risk of burnout and when I’m simply chasing novelty for the dopamine hit.
Creating “Hyperfocus Zones”: I use focused sprints to harness my creativity, followed by strategic breaks.
Simplifying Priorities: Ruthlessly narrowing down my focus to what truly matters.
⚡ Practical Tips for Navigating Chaos
“What’s My Real Target?” 🎯 If you’re doing 10 things at once, chances are you’re not making meaningful progress on any of them. Define your main goal and stick to it.
Know When to Stop Adding Layers: If you tend to over-research or overthink, set a clear finish line and avoid spiralling into perfectionism.
Set Up Dopamine Triggers: Break tasks into smaller wins that keep your brain engaged without overwhelm.
🚀 A Simple Reminder - and an Invitation
If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions, know this:
You’re not broken - you may be brilliant.
But brilliance needs focus, frameworks, and recalibration.
This is just my story - but I’d love to hear yours.
💡 Does this resonate?
Save this for when you need a reminder. Share it with someone who could use some clarity. Or drop a comment with your thoughts - whether it’s your own experiences, strategies that have worked for you, or questions you’ve been pondering.
Let’s stop glorifying busyness and start making meaningful progress - on the projects and goals that truly matter.
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It must be exhausting Mark ! But it’s great you have techniques and take practical steps to harness focus. Having read some of your projects , they are brilliantly written and I feel honoured to be part of one of them ☺️
Brilliant read - and haven’t thought about Captain Kremlin for 40 years… (and from memory this was no Russia reference, but came from the Kennedy Everett show?)