First Steps as a Turbo Thinker©
I was recently talking with another ADHD coach about a new idea and that I had to extend my reach and help even more Turbo Thinkers. I knew in my heart that it was a good idea, but the magnitude and execution of it all overwhelmed me. Could I let it go? He listened deeply to my plight then said, “What I’m hearing is a typical ADHD tendency to overcomplicate things. Does it have to be so complicated?” He made me laugh out loud. Of course not. It could be simple. I just needed to work on the very first step. How did I, an experienced ADHD coach, not see that?!
It is interesting how we sometimes cannot see what others see. Sometimes, we need to look in the mirror and see, really see, our reflection. Sometimes, we need a trusted friend to stand next to us and tell us what they see too. Very often we are blind to our very selves. We get stuck in our minds and can’t see reality. Our brains create a filter of judgment that clouds the picture. We may see only the ugly, while that person sees beauty. We may get stuck on the details and miss the obvious.
Once we have clarity and awareness of our true selves, we can move forward with confidence. When we know our strengths and our unique skills, we can use them. We come to learn how our Turbo Thinking brain is wired. When we know we are susceptible to certain pitfalls and distractions, we can implement strategies to prevent or overcome them.
When we truly understand what our unique brain needs to succeed, we can set ourselves up for success. For example, this can include the right environment, positive self-talk, visual reminders, external tools, specialized support, accountability partners, mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and sleep, among others. Once we know what we need, we can ask for it. We can ask for help. We can also set boundaries and communicate those boundaries to protect ourselves.
Who will be your trusted collaborative partner? Who will be with you as you verbally process what you see? Who will reflect what is truly in that mirror so that you can be aware? So that you can feel empowered and take that first, simple, step?