Chapter 1: Understanding Personal Patterns

Have you ever recognized a recurring theme in your life that signals a need for change? This could manifest as unhealthy habits like smoking, toxic relationships, or even broader issues. Personally, I have identified several patterns I wish to alter, particularly influenced by my experience with ADHD.

I've noticed that what I'm about to share may echo feelings of impostor syndrome; however, I assure you it's not. Allow me to clarify.

For those unfamiliar with ADHD, consider what it’s like to constantly hear discouragement regarding your ambitions. For instance, throughout my youth, I aspired to be an actor. Unfortunately, my parents discouraged me, citing reasons linked to my ethnicity—a notion that feels both racist and unfounded in hindsight. I pursued acting during my university years, studying screenwriting and playwriting, where I discovered my aptitude. Yet, the only roles I secured were in student-directed productions, never on the main stage. Eventually, I abandoned that dream, feeling others doubted my talent.

Later, I entertained the idea of becoming a poet, but the online community’s feedback was disheartening, coupled with the realization that poetic endeavors often lack financial reward. Thus, I let that dream fade as well.

The core message here is that, regardless of your aspirations, countless voices can deter you from pursuing them. Individuals with ADHD often grapple with rejection, leading to a hesitance in decision-making for fear of facing yet another setback.

Reflecting on my professional experiences, I sometimes felt that even after months in a job, people still perceived me as a newcomer. Initially, I attributed this to my youthful appearance. However, I’ve come to understand that this perception stems more from my maturity level than my looks. Individuals with ADHD often mature at a different pace than their neurotypical peers.

There was a period in my 30s when I questioned why I was treated this way, despite my wealth of experience.

Chapter 2: The Power of Creativity and Writing

This brings me to my motivation for writing today. My greatest strengths lie in creativity and writing. I remember receiving my first child-friendly typewriter, despite struggling with reading comprehension until I was ten (thanks to the influence of J.R.R. Tolkien). It wasn't until I pursued screenwriting and playwriting at university that I recognized writing as my strongest skill. I didn't start receiving compensation for this talent until I graduated with a degree in Broadcasting.

After being laid off in 2020, I considered a career in copywriting and even enrolled in online courses. Yet, upon starting on Medium, I encountered feedback indicating that my writing lacked "Business English." Most recently, I faced skepticism regarding the academic rigor of another article I was drafting for a different organization.

It's frustrating! I need readers who aren't fixated on business or academic jargon. Not everyone operates at the same level as those critical writers. Or perhaps, we should extend some understanding to individuals with ADHD.

I’m sure I’m not alone in facing such judgments; many with ADHD experience similar challenges. This contributes to our difficulties in forming relationships and maintaining employment, as our inattention and hyperactivity often hinder effective listening.

One of my unique strengths is hyperfocus (which I’m currently experiencing as I write this), yet it can also be a double-edged sword. Time slips away unnoticed during these moments, although I often lose track of it while daydreaming.

Another tendency among those with ADHD, which I exhibit here, is the inclination to ramble and stray off-topic. I apologize if this seems excessive; my mind simply craves expression.

My primary message to those who presume to dictate what constitutes proper business and academic writing is this: It’s not always as rigid as you might think. When writing for the web, it's essential to remember that not everyone is familiar with terms like SEO or ROI. In academic contexts, particularly in scientific fields, there will be readers who aren't experts and may quickly lose interest if the material is too complex.

I recognize that I have around 200 podcast listeners weekly and an increasing following on Medium who appreciate my work. I’m grateful for that. Still, I am aware that I’ll always encounter a few naysayers among the minority.

There are various ways to format writing, whether for screenplays, commercials, or novels. To those rigid thinkers who insist on adhering strictly to business or academic writing norms, I say: if your audience is indeed those realms, you may be correct.

However, if you're crafting content for the web, flexibility is often necessary, especially if it isn’t a scholarly essay for an educational journal. Remember, you are engaging two vastly different audiences. It’s easy for bloggers and writers to overlook their true readership, often focusing solely on their own perspectives.

In closing, I aim to surround myself with individuals who appreciate me for who I am and enjoy my writing.

What are your thoughts? Is my message resonating with you?

This first video, titled "We've All Got Rights," discusses the universal right to self-identity, including the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.

The second video, "The Choice We All Have, But Only a Few Apply It," featuring Jordan Peterson, dives into the significance of personal accountability and choice in shaping our lives.