WS40 From COO to Executive Coach with ADHD with Antonia Bowring.
Jan 1, 2025
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Antonia Bowring, an executive coach and ADHD advocate, shares her journey towards self-acceptance and the pivotal role of reframing productivity as self-care. She discusses the challenges of navigating ADHD in today's distracted world while emphasizing the importance of morning routines and successful planning. Antonia highlights effective strategies for organizing tasks, setting priorities, and managing time, showcasing how these practices empower adults with ADHD. She advocates for raising awareness and combating stigma around the condition.
Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis can lead to emotional turmoil, yet it marks the beginning of a healing journey and self-discovery.
Implementing practical strategies like habit formation and planning can transform daily organization and mitigate feelings of overwhelm for individuals with ADHD.
Deep dives
The Journey of Diagnosis
The episode delves into the experiences of individuals who receive a late diagnosis of ADHD, shedding light on the emotional turmoil that often accompanies this revelation. Emmylou, a listener, shares her journey of being diagnosed at 30, expressing feelings of sadness about not understanding her challenges earlier. The discussion highlights how the healthcare system traditionally focuses on hyperactive traits typically associated with boys, leaving many women with inattentive ADHD feeling overlooked. The transformation that comes with a diagnosis can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s identity and experiences, marking the beginning of a healing journey.
Practical Strategies for ADHD
Antonia Bowering offers various actionable strategies aimed at helping individuals manage their ADHD in practical ways. One key approach discussed involves habit formation and creating planning systems that foster organization in daily life. Listeners receive insights on how small shifts in routine and perspective can dramatically mitigate feelings of overwhelm and chaos, transforming productivity into a form of self-care. These strategies not only help maintain focus but also encourage individuals to thrive in both personal and professional contexts.
Understanding Heritability and Family Dynamics
The conversation touches on the heritable nature of ADHD, suggesting that understanding family dynamics is crucial in navigating one’s own ADHD journey. It is noted that individuals with undiagnosed ADHD may have parents who also struggled with the same condition, thereby complicating familial relationships. Recognizing these patterns can lead to forgiveness and empathy as individuals reflect on how inherited traits influence family interactions and their own experiences. This insight can also aid in processing past traumas associated with undiagnosed conditions.
The Importance of Community and Support
Throughout the episode, the significance of community and shared experiences in the ADHD journey is emphasized, underlining how connection among individuals can foster healing and understanding. Listeners are encouraged to seek out support and resources, whether through coaching, online platforms, or counseling, to validate their struggles. The host encourages active engagement with the community by sharing experiences, such as through reviews and feedback, which can strengthen collective advocacy for ADHD awareness and treatment. This sense of belonging not only empowers individuals but also reinforces the message that they are not alone in their experiences.
👉 Today. Antonia Bowring. Executive coach, ADHD advocate, and the author of Coach Yourself!: Increase Awareness, Change Behavior, and Thrive.
📌 Episode show notes, including links, an ADHD test, an executive function skills assessment, articles, resources, and more, are available at wisesquirrels.com.
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Thanks to our supporters, sponsors, and Jason Falls at the MPN Network for hosting.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only & should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or medical professional for personalized advice regarding any medical condition or treatment.
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