It’s 3:30 PM. You have a hard deadline to complete a project by 5PM. You continue to stare at the mostly finished PowerPoint presentation, but you cannot move or act.
It’s now 3:45 PM. You finally start to work on the project, and then…
*ping*
You check your phone.
A news article about a Middle Eastern country dealing with unrest appeared as a notification.
You read the article and then spend the next 30 minutes searching for why this is happening, the factors involved, the country’s history, and even the country’s most famous culinary dishes.
It’s now 4:15, and panic starts to creep in. You decide to take a five-minute walk to clear your brain. That five-minute walk turns to 15 minutes.
It’s now 4:30, and you realize you’re in deep trouble if you don’t kick it into overdrive. You lock in like a madman, and over the next 25 minutes, you’ve completed your best work yet. It’s a modern-day Picasso.
You share your presentation with your boss at 4:59. You close your laptop with the feeling of a job well done.
This experience should feel natural to you. For all of us, at one point or another, we found ourselves in a similar situation where you’re just unmotivated to work. Because of that procrastination, you’re up to the wire trying to hit that deadline.
Experiencing this upon occasion is normal.
Yet, for those of us in the workplace who have ADHD (either diagnosed or undiagnosed), this problem exists daily.
Last year, I was officially diagnosed with ADHD at the ripe age of 30. But my issues didn’t pop up overnight. I was born with it.
However, my problems went under the radar because I wasn’t hyperactive. I quickly developed coping skills in grade school at an early age, like keeping my hands busy by tapping a drum beat on the desk to pay more attention to the teacher. Sure, it annoyed the other students but helped me function.
When I entered the workforce, the challenges started to ram up. Working in an office environment was extremely difficult, where conversations were regular, and the plethora of email notifications was the norm. I constantly faced challenges where I wanted to do my best but equally struggled to get on task. When I did lock-in, it was typically when deadlines were fast approaching.
I used to think everyone worked this way, or maybe I was unchallenged enough at work. But after battling this for many years and hearing stories from friends who dealt with similar challenges, I started on a one-year reflection journey to try and understand the root causes of my distractions. Once it became clear that my challenges weren’t typical, the reasoning became clear that I needed to find support.
My professional journey with ADHD has been an exhilarating rollercoaster ride filled with triumphs and challenges from dealing with this neurodivergent disorder.
This article is a tool for others dealing with similar struggles by shedding light on the often-unspoken reality of living and working with ADHD, the significance of seeking support, and practical tips for navigating the workplace if this also affects you.
Living on the Edge
Working with undiagnosed ADHD is like a perpetual expedition through a jungle of distractions. Our minds constantly crave stimulation, racing from one idea to another at lightning speed. Although this intense mental energy can fuel bursts of creativity, it also poses unique obstacles that can hinder productivity and focus.
Amidst the myriad of thoughts, distractions take hold and flourish, resulting in unfinished tasks that vie for our attention. Juggling multiple projects becomes a delicate balancing act, intensified by looming deadlines that demand our focus.
The challenge of navigating through a maze of information overload further complicates matters, making it difficult to determine priorities and distinguish between what is essential and trivial. The clamor of distractions is a deterrent, diluting our creative brilliance and diverting our attention away from the core tasks at hand.
In addition to these hurdles, individuals with ADHD often grapple with a sense of paralysis. Overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks, they may find themselves immobilized and unable to progress. The weight of unfinished projects looms large, sapping motivation and leaving them in a state of inaction.
In the face of these obstacles, seeking support and understanding is crucial. Sharing challenges with colleagues, supervisors, or professionals can shed light on the unique experiences and requirements associated with ADHD. By fostering a greater understanding of these needs, work environments can become more accommodating and inclusive, enabling individuals to thrive despite the challenges.
While the journey may appear daunting, it is essential to recognize that ADHD is not a limitation but a unique aspect of individuality. By harnessing creative brilliance and redirecting energy, individuals can discover innovative ways to overcome obstacles and thrive in a working environment. With the proper support, understanding, and proactive approaches, the paralysis often associated with ADHD can be transformed into a catalyst for growth and success.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Support
If you work in a security clearance role, the implications of living with undiagnosed ADHD shouldn’t be overlooked.
Where attention to detail, meticulousness, and the ability to uphold confidentiality is paramount, undiagnosed ADHD can pose significant challenges. Individuals in security clearance roles are entrusted with safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring national security’s integrity, and tackling work through a meticulous approach. However, the inherent difficulties associated with ADHD can potentially compromise these essential qualities, jeopardizing personal and national security.
It’s important to seek support and diagnosis. Seeking help is the first essential step for individuals with ADHD working in high-stakes professions. Recognizing the need for diagnosis and treatment is the first step toward understanding and managing the challenges that arise from ADHD. With a proper diagnosis, individuals can gain insight into their unique cognitive processes and access tailored support and resources.
By seeking professional help, individuals with ADHD can develop a comprehensive understanding of their condition, its impact on their work, and effective coping mechanisms. Therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication, can provide valuable tools to manage symptoms and enhance productivity. Additionally, engaging in support groups or seeking guidance from mentors who have navigated similar challenges can offer a sense of community and shared experiences, fostering resilience and personal growth.
Tips for Thriving in the Workplace
Although seeking support from a medically-trained professional should be your first step towards dealing with ADHD in the workplace, there are still several proven tips to help you.
1. Embrace Self-Awareness
Recognize and accept your ADHD as integral to your identity. Understanding your strengths and limitations is the first step toward optimizing your performance.
Example: If you’re a marketer with ADHD, you might excel at brainstorming innovative campaign ideas but struggle with maintaining consistent attention to detail. By acknowledging these patterns, you can capitalize on your creative strengths while implementing strategies to mitigate potential challenges.
2. Prioritize Organization
Develop strategies to effectively manage your time, tasks, and workspace. Utilize calendars, to-do lists, and digital tools to create structure and minimize distractions.
Example: Break down your marketing projects into smaller, actionable tasks with clear deadlines. Use a task management app or a project board to visualize your progress and ensure you stay organized and focused on your goals.
3. Communicate Openly
Inform your colleagues and supervisors about your ADHD, fostering understanding and empathy. Establishing clear lines of communication allows for collaboration and accommodations when necessary.
Example: Discuss your preferred methods of communication and collaboration with your team, such as regular check-ins or written instructions. This approach allows for effective collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page.
4. Break it Down
Large projects can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable tasks, and tackle them individually. Celebrate each completed milestone, maintaining motivation along the way.
Example: If you’re working on a comprehensive market research report, divide it into sections or research milestones. Celebrate completing each section, providing a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
5. Utilize Technology
Leverage the power of technology to assist you in staying organized and on track. Productivity apps, time-tracking tools, and reminder systems can be invaluable allies.
Example: Set reminders on your phone or use task management apps to keep track of important deadlines and appointments. Use noise-canceling headphones or ambient noise apps to create a focused work environment.
6. Optimize Your Environment
Create a workspace that minimizes distractions. Consider noise-canceling headphones, clutter-free surroundings, and dedicated focus time to enhance concentration.
Example: Set up a dedicated workspace with minimal visual distractions. Use noise-canceling headphones to block background noise, or find a quiet corner in your office where you can work uninterrupted during crucial tasks.
Functioning in a work environment with ADHD will always be challenging. However, by implementing these tips and seeking support, you can harness your strengths, overcome challenges, and thrive in the workplace with this neurodivergent disorder.
Finding what works best for you may require experimentation and adaptation, so don’t be afraid to adjust your strategies along the way.
