The Power of ADHD

Living with ADHD has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of my life. Diagnosed as a teenager, I barely managed to finish high school. However, once I figured out how to manage my ADHD effectively, my life took a significant turn. Today, I want to share my journey and strategies that helped me transform from a struggling student to a top graduate, the youngest principal in the state of NSW, an officer in the Australian army, and now a successful educational advocate both in Australia and the USA.

Early Struggles and the Turning Point

Growing up with ADHD, I faced numerous obstacles in school. Concentration was a constant battle, and I often felt overwhelmed and misunderstood. My grades reflected my struggles, and I barely finished high school. However, this wasn’t the end of my story.

The turning point came when I realized that ADHD wasn't a barrier but a unique way of experiencing the world. With the right strategies and support, I could harness my ADHD traits to excel in various areas of life.

Strategies for Managing ADHD

1. Embracing Structure and Routine One of the most effective ways I managed my ADHD was by creating a structured routine. This included:

• Daily Schedules: I began using planners and calendars to map out my days. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps helped reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

• Consistent Sleep Schedule: Ensuring I had a regular sleep pattern significantly improved my focus and energy levels.

2. Leveraging Technology Technology became my ally in managing ADHD:

• Reminder Apps: Apps like Todoist and Google Keep helped me stay on top of my tasks and deadlines.

• Time Management Tools: Tools like Pomodoro timers allowed me to work in focused bursts with regular breaks, increasing productivity.

3. Seeking Support and Therapy Professional support was crucial in my journey:

• Therapy: Regular sessions with a therapist helped me understand my ADHD and develop coping strategies.

• Medication: Medication can be controversial, and my preference is to go without it. However, I recognize that there have been times in my life when I’ve needed medication to dig myself out of disorganization. My opinions on other people's views towards medication are non-judgmental and respectful. There is no one right answer for everyone.

4. Focusing on Strengths Instead of dwelling on my weaknesses, I began to focus on my strengths:

• Hyperfocus: When interested in a topic, my ability to hyperfocus became a superpower. I used this to delve deeply into subjects I was passionate about.

• Creativity and Problem-Solving: ADHD often comes with unique problem-solving skills and creativity. I leveraged these traits in my professional life, leading to innovative solutions and ideas.

Achieving Milestones

With these strategies in place, I began to achieve milestones that once seemed impossible:

1. Academic Success I went on to graduate at the top of my class, a testament to the effectiveness of the strategies I adopted. This success laid the foundation for my future achievements.

2. Professional Growth

• Youngest Principal in NSW: My dedication and innovative approach to education led to my appointment as the youngest principal in the state of NSW.

• Officer in the Australian Army: Embracing structure and discipline helped me excel in the military, culminating in my role as an officer.

3. Entrepreneurial Success Today, I run a successful educational advocacy business, Navigation Ed, both in Australia and the USA. My experiences have equipped me with the insights and empathy needed to help others navigate their educational journeys.

Fascination with Organization

One of the things that always fascinated me was how people managed to stay organized and on track with everything they needed to get done. This curiosity drove me to develop regular planning as a huge part of my routine. Planning not only helps me manage my ADHD but also allows me to achieve my goals effectively.

Conclusion

Living with ADHD is an ongoing journey, but it doesn't have to be a barrier to success. By embracing structure, leveraging technology, seeking support, and focusing on strengths, I transformed my life. I hope my story inspires others to see ADHD not as a limitation but as a unique way of experiencing and contributing to the world.

If you're navigating life with ADHD or supporting someone who is, remember that with the right strategies and support, anything is possible. Follow me to read my blogs on time management, achieving goals, and parenting advice for children with ADHD.

About the Author: Matthew Jacobson is an educational advocate, former school principal, and founder of Navigation Ed. With over 20 years of experience in education and personal insights into managing ADHD, Matthew is dedicated to supporting families and educators in navigating school-related challenges. Connect with him at www.navigationed.com.au.