Ms S.’s Post

🎵 For individuals with ADHD, the brain can feel like a storm of racing thoughts, distractibility, and challenges with focus. Enter music, a tool that doesn’t just entertain but can transforms the ADHD experience. ADHD Brain and Music: People with ADHD often have difficulty regulating dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for focus and motivation. Listening to or playing music stimulates dopamine production, creating a sense of reward and satisfaction that can help maintain attention and boost mood. How Music Helps ADHD Individuals: 1. Improved Focus and Task Completion: Music, especially instrumental tracks or specific genres like lo-fi or classical, creates a rhythmic and structured environment. This helps block out distractions, allowing the ADHD brain to focus better on tasks. 2. Emotional Regulation: ADHD often comes with emotional highs and lows. Music acts as a mood stabilizer, helping individuals navigate intense feelings by soothing or energizing as needed. 3. Routine and Time Management: Songs can act as time markers. For example, using playlists to structure morning routines or tasks (e.g., "complete the chore before the song ends") can improve time awareness. 4. Stress Relief: ADHD brains often experience overstimulation, leading to stress. Music’s calming effect can slow racing thoughts and reduce anxiety, offering a mental breather. How to Use Music in ADHD: 1. Background Study Music: Low-tempo, repetitive music can enhance concentration during work or study sessions. 2. Learning Through Rhythm: For memorizing information, setting it to a tune or rhythm (like mnemonics) can help with retention. 3. Physical Activity: Fast-paced tracks can make exercise more engaging, improving physical and mental health. 4. Therapeutic Drumming: Drumming can help with impulse control and emotional expression while improving focus. Personalizing Playlist: While some may thrive on classical music, others might need rock or electronic beats. Experimenting to find what resonates with your brain is key. Music isn't just an aid for ADHD; it’s a lifeline that taps into the brain’s natural rhythms to foster calm, creativity, and clarity. Whether you’re an ADHD individual or a supporter, never underestimate the power of a good song to change the game. What are your favorite tracks or genres for focus and relaxation? Share below! Illustration credit: Mental Health Center Kids

A student of mine had ADHD & she didn’t know. 60 days after her training no sales, no results, no deals. I was flabbergasted,was this spiritual or physical? why wasn’t she closing deals? Till I asked 1 question I struggled with focus, organization, and self-regulation my entire life till I was 37 yrs old, Sound familiar? It wasn't until I was diagnosed with ADHD that everything clicked into place. But here's the thing: ADHD isn't a limitation like some people think it's a superpower in disguise! With the right strategies, you can harness your unique strengths to dominate in sales. Some of the things to look out for are —> Distractions and lack of focus —> Disorganization and time management —> Impulsivity and emotional regulation So here’s how to convert it to a super power, 🔸 Your Storytelling Use your creativity to craft compelling stories that capture attention and build connections. People remember stories, not facts! 🔸Your Tasks Break tasks into smaller chunk Divide your sales process into manageable tasks to stay focused. 🔸Your Leverage on technology Utilize tools like Trello, Todoist, or Evernote to stay organized. 🔸Your Move and groove Incorporate physical activity into your day to boost focus and energy. 🔸Your Self-care Prioritize sleep, exercise, and mindfulness to regulate your emotions. My Student struggled to stay focused during calls, often jumping between topics (it was tough for me Walahi 🤣🤣 she looses concentration so easily) I had to teach her how incorporate storytelling into her pitches, to keep her grounded and keep her clients interested ,which helped her with 30% increase in conversions! She began using analogies and real-life examples to illustrate key benefits, making her messages more relatable and memorable. I’m glad she is now operating at a higher frequency ( she intends to come for another coaching to learn how to generate her own story diary) Have ADHD? This is your superpower 🔸 You're a creative problem-solver. You're highly energetic and enthusiastic. 🔸You're easily distracted (but can hyper-focus on things you love). If you identify with these traits, consider exploring ADHD strategies to enhance your sales game! Just have this in mind 1. ADHD is not a limitation; it's a unique strength. 2. Storytelling can help you connect and convert. 3. Break tasks into smaller chunks. 4. Leverage technology. 5. Prioritize self-care. If you're a creator with ADHD or suspect you might have it, share your experiences and tips in the comments below! Let's break the stigma and empower each other to succeed. P.S please repost ♻️ to support someone struggling with ADHD on Linkedin , you never can tell See you in Class Tomorrow!! #ADHDinSales #SalesSuccess #Storytelling #Neurodiversity #MentalHealthMatters #SalesTips #CreatorLife

ADD & ADHD: The Real Brain Chemistry Behind the Hustle. It’s not about “trying harder” or “paying attention.” If you’ve been told that, ignore it. ADD/ADHD are wired into the brain’s chemistry, particularly around four chemicals that influence happiness and motivation: ◾️Dopamine. ◾️Serotonin. ◾️Oxytocin. ◾️Endorphins. Each one plays a unique role, and each one’s a challenge when you’re dealing with ADHD. Let’s break it down. ■ 1. Dopamine – The Motivation Fuel. People with ADHD struggle with dopamine. It’s like trying to drive a car without gas. That’s why focusing or completing tasks feels harder. To get this fuel, break tasks into mini-goals and reward yourself along the way. Crossing things off a to-do list can work wonders. This also explains why ADHD meds target dopamine—think of them as a little extra fuel in the tank. ■ 2. Serotonin – The Mood Stabilizer. You’ve probably noticed mood swings if you have ADHD. That’s the serotonin talking (or, well, not talking enough). Serotonin is your brain’s way of saying, “Hey, everything’s fine.” Exercise, sunlight, and deep breathing can help boost this, giving you some calm in the storm. ■ 3. Oxytocin – The Bond Builder. ADHD can make social situations… let’s say, “interesting.” You may be impulsive, miss social cues, or just get anxious, which means less oxytocin—aka the trust chemical. But don’t sweat it. You can build oxytocin with quality time, acts of kindness, and connecting in ways that work for you. It’s not all about hugs and handshakes, it’s about finding connections that feel real. ■ 4. Endorphins – The Stress Busters. Endorphins are like nature’s “chill pill.” They kick in to counter stress and even physical pain. For those with ADHD, physical activity is golden because it not only releases endorphins but also manages restlessness. Run, dance, lift weights—whatever it takes to get moving. Bonus: spicy food works, too. ADHD rewires the way we process these chemicals. But with the right strategies—smaller goals, routines, physical activity, meaningful connections—you can work with your brain’s wiring rather than against it. It’s not about “fixing” ADHD; it’s about using the brain you’ve got.

Productivity can be a challenge for anyone, but individuals with ADHD may find it particularly difficult to stay focused and organized. Luckily, there are numerous apps designed to help manage ADHD symptoms and improve productivity. Here are ten apps to consider: 1. Trello: This project management app can help break down tasks into manageable steps and track progress visually, perfect for individuals with ADHD. 2. Todoist: This task management app allows users to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks, while offering features such as reminders and recurring tasks. 3. Forest: This productivity app uses gamification to help users stay focused and avoid distractions, making productivity fun and engaging. 4. Mindfulness Apps: Apps such as Headspace and Calm offer guided meditation techniques to reduce stress, improve focus, and increase self-awareness. 5. Focus@Will: This music streaming service provides scientifically optimized music tracks designed to improve concentration and productivity. 6. Evernote: This note-taking and organization app helps capture ideas, create to-do lists, and organize information across multiple devices. 7. Habitica: This habit-building and productivity app gamifies task management and goal-setting, providing a fun way to establish routines and stay motivated. 8. Time Timer: This visual timer app helps manage time and stay on track with tasks and activities, especially useful for individuals with ADHD. 9. Medication Reminder Apps: Apps such as Mango Health and Round Health help track medication schedules, set reminders, and monitor adherence. 10. Focus Booster: This time management app uses the Pomodoro Technique to break work into intervals, separated by short breaks, improving focus and productivity. Remember, everyone's experience with ADHD is unique, so it's important to explore different productivity apps to find what works best. Consulting with a professional ADHD coach can help create a customized set of tools for managing ADHD symptoms. To find out more, contact me at Kimberly@KimberlyPutmanCoaching.com

Building habits does not require discipline. Let me explain, Habits are tough to stick with, especially with ADHD. But its not as hard as it might initially seem. There are frameworks that make it 10x easier. Here’s how I “hacked” my ADHD brain using The Four Laws of Behavior Change (originally thought up by Nir Eyal) to either build good habits or break bad ones. Here's a habit I wanted to develop: Journal every night before bed. Here's how I did it using this framework. 1. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗢𝗯𝘃𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 Don’t rely on memory. ADHD doesn’t play nice with memory. I put my journal where I couldn’t miss it - right next to my bed, or sometimes even in the cupboard with my toothbrush. The more obvious the cue, the better. When I'm finished using it I put it straight back. 2. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 Pair your journaling with something you want to do. For example, I only ever allowed myself to drink a lovely camomile tea (or something I enjoyed in the evening) while I journaled. As long as it gives you a bit of dopamine, you’re good to go. 3. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 ADHD brains love convenience. Make the habit as frictionless as possible. My goal was to write for at least 60s each night. Sometimes I write just one sentence, but most of the time I ended up writing more. It’s so much easier to keep up momentum when it’s simple to get started. 4. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 ADHDers especially crave instant rewards. Check off a box, give yourself a gold star, or set up a reward system (I allowed myself to watch 1 youtube video before bed) right after journaling. The trick is to make the completion of the task feel good. But the inverse of this also works when trying to break bad habits. Like reducing time spent on your phone. 1. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 Out of sight, out of mind. I always put my phone on DND and in another room. ADHDers are highly reactive to visual cues—so make the distraction disappear. (btw - you can allow phone calls in your phone’s dnd settings so you don’t miss any calls or emergencies). 2. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 Find ways to associate checking your phone with something negative. For instance, every time I get distracted by my phone, I give myself a sharp pinch on the hand. Tie it to something you don’t enjoy. 3. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁 I’ve added all the following barriers: Use long passwords, install app blockers (like Opal), log out of apps, and turned on grayscale mode to make my phone visually less appealing. The harder it is to get to, the less likely you are to mindlessly reach for it. 4. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 Get some accountability. Tell a friend or partner or someone close that you want them to monitor your usage. We don’t like disappointing people — use that to your advantage. These laws are universal and work for almost every habit you can think of. Let me know what habits you’re trying to build or break and what's your strategy 👇 #ADHD

My ADHD and me. I know a bunch of you are ADHD - and more of you probably are but don’t realise it yet - so I thought I’d share 10 of the best ways I’ve learnt to manage my ADHD brain over the years. Here we go: 1. Time Management 💪 Challenge: ADHD often comes with a distorted sense of time, making it difficult to estimate how long tasks will take or to stick to schedules. ✅ Solution: Use time-blocking techniques. Allocate specific chunks of time for each type of task, AND DO NOT DEVIATE. Tools like Asana can help. 2. Distraction 💪 Challenge: The ADHD brain craves novelty and gets easily distracted by new ideas or external stimuli. ✅ Solution: Create a distraction-free work environment. Turn your notifications OFF and focus music ON. Noise-cancelling headphones help. 3. Procrastination 💪 Challenge: ADHD can exacerbate the tendency to procrastinate, often due to a fear of failure, boredom, or an overwhelming sense of task complexity. ✅ Solution: Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. Work on ONE thing at a time until it’s COMPLETE. Multi-tasking is not the one! 4. Impulsivity 💪 Challenge: ADHD can lead to impulsive decisions, from financial investments to hiring staff, to starting a new business (even though you already have three) to walking away from one (even though it makes you money), often without considering long-term consequences. ✅ Solution: Implement a decision-making process that includes a waiting period. Take 24 hours to weigh the pros and cons. If you feel like closing something - give it 90 Days. 5. Prioritisation 💪 Challenge: With a brain that's constantly buzzing, prioritising tasks can be a monumental challenge. ✅ Solution: Use prioritisation frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorise tasks based on urgency and importance. No more than three priorities on your to do list. 6. Follow-through 💪 Challenge: You’re a starter not a finisher! ✅ Solution: Set clear, realistic goals with defined endpoints. Hire a shit-hot project manager. 7. Executive Function 💪 Challenge: With impaired executive function we can be poor planners / organisers. ✅ Solution: Use digital planners, reminder apps, and workflow automation to streamline your processes. Hire an assistant for all organisational tasks. 8. Overwhelm 💪 Challenge: Multiple ongoing tasks and hyperfocus can lead to overwhelm. ✅ Solution: Find stress-reduction techniques that work for you. For me, it’s a run, walk, or the gym. 9. Open Loops and Mental Exhaustion 💪 Challenge: Open loops—unfinished tasks or incomplete thoughts—lead to mental exhaustion. ✅ Solution: Adopt a "capture and close" system. Use a notebook or an app to jot down any unfinished tasks or ideas. Prioritise completing smaller tasks first. 10. Self-Doubt 💪 Challenge: Self-doubt and imposter syndrome is real. ✅ Solution: Focus on your strengths. Embrace both therapy and coaching. Surround yourself with a supportive network that understands you. Any I missed?

What do you think is the biggest misconception about people with ADHD? One thing I've learned is that it doesn't have to be a challenge; it can be a secret weapon. Think Richard Branson and Walt Disney—creativity and success powered by ADHD. Here's how I make it my superpower:  1. Embrace your creativity: Our brains are wired for out-of-the-box thinking. Use that to innovate and stand out.       2. Create structure and routine: Enter Asana, which I use for both work and life. It corrals my chaos into productivity while keeping my spontaneity intact.       3. Break it down: Break down those big, scary projects into bite-sized tasks. It’s all about taking one step at a time.       4. Leverage your hyperfocus: We all have that one thing that makes us forget time exists. Align your work with what you love, and watch how your hyperfocus kicks in.       5. Build a supportive network: Build a team that’s got your back. Delegating is not a weakness; it’s playing smart.       6. Prioritize self-care: For me, self-care is non-negotiable. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep are my trifecta for minimizing my less desirable ADHD symptoms.       7. Mindfulness practices: A few minutes of mindfulness or meditation can sharpen your focus and calm the storm, helping you make better decisions in both work and life.       8. Continuous learning: Understanding ADHD unlocks its potential. The more you understand, the better you can leverage your strengths and mitigate challenges.       9. Seek professional guidance: Seek advice from mentors, coaches, or therapists who understand ADHD. They can provide personalized strategies and support.      10. Celebrate every win: Every step forward deserves a high five. Celebrate your progress; it’s fuel for the journey. ADHD in business isn't a setback; it's our unique advantage. Let's use our vibrant minds to craft, lead, and inspire. Fellow ADHD warriors, how do you channel your superpower? Drop your strategies and successes below!

Today I'd like to invite you to embrace your unique journey with ADHD! One of the things I absolutely LOVE about my brain is the different ways it connects words in conversations and links it to songs. This week during a group meditation, we were reminded to wear sunscreen. This instantly brought to mind one of my top ten favourite songs, "Everybody's Free (to wear sunscreen)." It originated as a graduation speech, which Baz Luhrman made it into an electronic track. It's poetic, philosophical, funny, and inspiring—which are many of the things I enjoy in life. Reflecting on this, I've take excerpts and related it to how we can lean into ADHD, whether you have ADHD, or know someone who has ADHD you might find this useful too!   Embrace Your Unique Journey with ADHD Quote from track -💡"Don't worry about the future, or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing Bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind."💡   Rumination and worry can be a pain in the a**! Living with ADHD often means dealing with uncertainty and distractions. Finding ways to focus on the present moment can help. ADHD gives a unique perspective—one that can be highly creative and solution-oriented. Use this to your advantage by turning challenges into creative problem solving opportunities and staying adaptable and resilient.   Tips to lean into your ADHD: ✅Break tasks into smaller steps - Avoid overwhelm by tackling one small task at a time. Small wins can build momentum. ✅Use visual aids - Keep important reminders and goals visible. Tools like sticky notes, planners and vision boards can be helpful. But also blocking out specific time in your calendar. ✅Prioritise self-care - Early morning sunshine and just getting outside, regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep can significantly boost focus and energy. Don't underestimate the power of a balanced lifestyle.   What's one small thing you can do today? My client this week chose to not exercise as they are unwell and choose instead to have breakfast in their garden and listen to a podcast.   Remember, we are all unique and no one has walked the exact same steps, whilst there might be some that are similar. Your unique journey is full of potential. I invite you, to embrace you!   💬 How do you stay present and focused despite distractions? Share your strategies and tips for embracing the ADHD journey in the comments below! 👇   #ADHD #ADHDCoaching #ADHDatWork #Mindfulness #MentalHealth #Productivity #Resilience

My impression is this isn't a choice? ( ADHD/"Being on Spectrum" ) Many people I've worked with have these traits in the field of Government Intelligence work. 📡 😎 🕵♀️ 🤓 Its how your brain is permanently wired differently for your entire life? It isn't something to be "fixed"? It can't be "fixed" with our technology, nor might we want to for the good of everyone. It started at birth, and likely pre-birth as the brain developed? 🧠 What can perhaps happen, is the good traits can be "used", by you and your "tribe/family/team" and the negative traits be understood and "mitigated", by not only you but the "tribe/family/team" you belong to? 👥 Not everyone on a "team/tribe/family" needs to be the same. We have different roles to take care of each other.... 😀 The "team/tribe/family" is overall better off, with people of various traits, so when strange/tough events occur... ⚔ 🌀 which they do..... ☣ ☢ ⛔ we take advantage of each other's special capabilities?... 👨🎓 🕵♀️ What do you all think? 🤷♂️ 🤷♀️ hashtag #ADHD hashtag #ODNI hashtag #NIUAA 😁

I finally get me. (How to know if you have ADHD Part 2) When I got my diagnosis from my doctor, I thought OK,I have ADHD. What now? I guess I take Adderall? I had a “condition” but I didn’t really know it what it meant. It was only when I got an ADHD coach that I really started to understand how ADHD brains work, and what behavioral patterns come along for the ride. I started pattern matching against my behaviors over the course of my life. That’s when it became, holy !@#$&, for the first time in my life, at age 55, I actually understand me. Because, before I knew what the patterns looked like, I would find myself repeating behaviors, hitting similar ceilings, experiencing the same frustrations and not knowing why. To greatly oversimplify the differences in ADHD and neurotypical brains, it mostly comes down to a lower level of two neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. ADHD brains have lower levels of these two neurotransmitters compared with neurotypical brains. This messes with the connection between back of the brain that we use for or learning and knowing and the front part of the brain which we use for focusing, organizing and doing (i.e executive function). We have an amped up capacity for learning and knowing, but coupled with a lower capacity for actually getting focused and getting shit done. Add into the mix that ADHD brains are always desperately hunting for more dopamine. This causes some interesting effects, which explained many of my life patterns: ☑️ That habit of finishing people’s sentences for them (or trying mightily to resist doing so). ☑️ An inability to focus due to dopamine hunting and low impulse control ☑️ Intense procrastination (until consequences of deadlines overcome it) ☑️ Constant flood of amazing ideas, but low facility to prioritize or execute them ☑️ Agonizing decision process - continually gather options, get overwhelmed by options, finally end up making impulsive decision just to be done with it ☑️ Inability to estimate time (time blindness) ☑️ Inability to make scheduling decisions - thanks to agonizing decision process and time blindness ☑️ Instantly forgetting the name of people I’ve just met (no matter what memory tricks I tried) ☑️ Intense interest in hobby for a period of time, then absolutely done with it ☑️ Feeling intense mood dips after big milestones (when everyone is celebrating) ☑️ Constantly losing things ☑️The eventual failure of any standard planning and productivity systems Suddenly, all these things made sense. I wasn’t lazy, undisciplined, or unambitious. I just have a different type of brain. I remember thinking, "I can work with this." I’m sharing my journey with ADHD, how it especially impacts entrepreneurs, and why it often goes hand in hand with depression. I'll also be sharing what's working for me and what isn't. If you'd like to follow my journey, DM me and I'll put you my ADHD email list. #adhd #entrepreneur #solopreneur #founder