Interview: Professional gravel racer Chelsea Bolton – staying focused with ADHD
Jun 12, 2023
auto_awesome
Professional gravel racer Chelsea Bolton joins the conversation, sharing her inspiring transition from long-distance running to elite cycling. She candidly discusses her ADHD diagnosis and effective coping strategies that keep her focused on the track. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of personalized coaching and supportive relationships in managing ADHD-related challenges. The episode delves into structured flexibility in training and the empowering impact of community connections in her racing journey, offering valuable insights for those navigating similar paths.
Chelsea Bolton emphasizes the importance of establishing routines and externalizing tasks to manage ADHD effectively and enhance productivity.
The transition to gravel racing not only marked a pivotal win for Chelsea but also highlighted how supportive environments foster confidence and growth.
Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis enabled self-discovery, empowering individuals to reassess past challenges and implement targeted strategies for personal development.
Deep dives
ADHD Strategies and Personal Growth
Practical strategies for managing ADHD are essential for personal growth and achievement. These strategies include establishing routines, utilizing calendars for organization, and finding ways to externalize tasks rather than relying solely on working memory. Learning to break tasks into manageable parts is especially beneficial, particularly in activities like off-road cycling, where mental clarity and focus are crucial. By integrating these strategies into daily life, individuals with ADHD can enhance their overall productivity and reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Transition to Professional Cycling
The journey from amateur cyclist to professional racer can be both challenging and rewarding, as illustrated by the transition from mountain biking to gravel racing. Achieving a significant win in a gravel race marked a pivotal moment that boosted confidence and opened doors to sponsorship opportunities. This success highlighted the importance of supportive environments, as encouragement from peers and sponsors can greatly influence an athlete's career path. Transitioning to gravel racing allowed for exploration and growth in a new competitive yet exciting landscape.
Navigating Self-Diagnosis and Awareness
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life leads to critical self-discovery and awareness of past challenges. The individual recounted experiences of disorganization, anxiety, and difficulty in recognizing their struggles during formative years. Armed with new understanding, individuals can reassess their past behavior patterns and identify traits associated with ADHD. This awareness fosters empowerment, allowing individuals to take control of their ADHD through targeted strategies and professional support for ongoing personal development.
Accountability and Support Networks
Establishing a strong support network can significantly enhance an athlete's ability to manage ADHD-related challenges. By having accountability partners, such as coaches and partners, individuals can navigate the complexities of training and competition more effectively. This arrangement not only provides emotional support but also aids in maintaining motivation and focus in demanding situations. Leveraging these relationships helps create an environment where encouragement and constructive feedback contribute to continual growth towards professional aspirations.
Embracing Passion and Flexibility
Finding and pursuing passions—such as cycling—can lead to self-discovery and renewed motivation for individuals with ADHD. Understanding the significance of interest in sustaining motivation can help individuals choose paths that align with their true inclinations. Emphasizing the need for flexibility in routing towards goals allows for exploration of alternative avenues without losing sight of the main objective. An approach that combines enthusiasm with adaptability leads to fulfilling experiences and pushes individuals towards achieving their desired outcomes in life.
Off-road cyclist and gravel racer Chelsea Bolton joins us to talk about her adult ADHD diagnosis and the strategies that helped her stay focused as she became a professional racer.
Chelsea started her athletic career as a long-distance runner and transitioned to cycling in 2020 before winning the pro women's division at the 2022 Wasatch All-Road in Utah. You can find her on Instagram at @chels.bolton.
3. Join Our Focused Balanced Days Coaching Program
If you’re an overwhelmed professional who’s been late diagnosed with ADHD and wants research-based, practical strategies, send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll be in touch! — Click Here
4. Work with me Privately
If you’d like to work directly with me to build your engine and create meaningful change fast... send me a message and tell me a little about your profession and struggles, and I’ll get you all the details! — Click Here