In this discussion, Chris Wang, CEO and co-founder of Shimmer, shares his expertise in ADHD coaching. He dives into the intricacies of goal setting, emphasizing process-oriented goals over outcome-based ones. Chris highlights the importance of aligning goals with personal values and obtaining community support to foster fulfillment. He also discusses Shimmer’s mission and the necessity of cultural sensitivity in coaching, ensuring personalized and effective strategies for clients with ADHD. Listeners can gain actionable insights and techniques for better planning.
Community support is essential for individuals with ADHD, providing validation and connection that alleviates feelings of isolation and shame.
Emphasizing process-oriented goals over outcome-based ones allows individuals with ADHD to focus on achievable actions and align with their core values.
Deep dives
The Importance of Community in ADHD Support
Community plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with ADHD, as it helps combat feelings of isolation and shame. Many people find immense comfort and understanding in peer support groups, where they can share experiences with others who have similar challenges. For example, Asian Americans with ADHD formed a support group that allows members to express their emotions and struggles without fear of judgment. This shared space not only validates individual experiences but also fosters friendships and a sense of belonging, creating a powerful network for support.
Cultural Sensitivity in ADHD Coaching
Cultural sensitivity is essential in ADHD coaching, particularly for coaches who themselves have ADHD and belong to underrepresented communities. Coaches who share similar backgrounds with their clients can offer insights that resonate on a deeper level, making the coaching experience more effective. The story of a coach who focuses on cultural competence highlights the need for ADHD support that recognizes and respects the diverse experiences of individuals. By understanding the unique challenges faced by various cultural groups, coaches can tailor their approaches to better meet the needs of their clients.
Effective Goal Setting for ADHD
Setting goals effectively is vital for individuals with ADHD to avoid feeling overwhelmed and unfocused. A process-oriented approach, which emphasizes achievable actions rather than strict outcomes, can lead to greater success. For example, instead of aiming to lose a specific amount of weight, individuals might focus on engaging in physical activities several times a week. This method allows for incremental achievements and builds self-confidence while helping individuals align their actions with their core values.
The Role of Coaching in Personal Development
Coaching serves as a valuable tool for those with ADHD, providing support in creating actionable plans to navigate personal challenges. Utilizing a structured approach, coaches help clients establish a 'North Star' that reflects their long-term aspirations, which offers direction and clarity. Regular check-ins with a coach can help individuals assess their progress and make necessary adjustments to their goals, addressing any roadblocks that may arise. Ultimately, this collaborative process empowers individuals to live a fulfilling life that aligns with their personal values and desired outcomes.
Well, it’s 2025…. It doesn’t quite feel real yet; I mean, we’re a quarter of the way into the 21st century, but it feels like we got here fast. I’m not quite sure I’m ready, but regardless, time marches on.
I know a lot of you are working on making plans for the year, so we’re going to be starting this year with Chris Wang, CEO and co-founder of Shimmer, an ADHD coaching platform designed to meet people where they are. I had a lot of fun in this conversation, where we covered a bunch of stuff about goal setting and how to make sure you’re doing the important stuff in your life. Along the way, we discuss the power of community, process-oriented goal setting, and what it means to live in alignment with your values.
Of course we also discuss Chris’s coaching platform, Shimmer, but Chris does a great job bringing a lot of actionable advice to this conversation, so whether you’re looking for coaching or just want some extra tips to help with planning this episode’s got you covered.
If you'd life to follow along on the show notes page you can find that at HackingYourADHD.com/207
This Episode's Top Tips
Work on setting process-oriented goals where your focus is on the actions you can control, like “exercise 3 times a week,” rather than outcome-based goals like “lose 10 pounds.”
Make sure you are specific and write your to-do lists with clear, actionable steps to avoid overwhelm and decision paralysis. You want to know exactly what your next step is when looking at your to-do list.
Leverage your support systems. You can use community and coaching to provide accountability, remove roadblocks, and refine your systems. Remember there is no gold star for toughing it out by yourself and it’s okay to get help.
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