Overcoming Distractions-Thriving with Adult ADHD

David A Greenwood

Episodes

Mentioned books

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May 6, 2020 • 47min

How To Embrace Your ADHD

This week, Benjamin Cheyette, M.D. is back on Overcoming Distractions to speak about how you can embrace your ADHD brain. Many of those with ADHD do struggle with many of the negative aspects of having ADHD but countless also embrace that ADHD brain they were given and have used it for forge great careers and launch successful businesses. On this podcast, we discuss how adults with ADHD can embrace their strengths that come with ADHD and learn how to live with and manage some of the limitations that they might be experiencing. We also first take the time to discuss why some individuals may or may not identity themselves as ADHD or having ADHD and we do address how some may struggle with getting to a place where they can feel they are thriving in life. Dr. Cheyette also talks about the fact that some run away from their ADHD and decide not to address it or even characterize themselves as someone who just might have a different brain. We discuss the pros and cons of that situation. How do we work toward embracing ADHD or the brain we were given? Dr. Cheyette talks about how we can look inward and find the good in our ADHD. We also discuss why it is important for people to focus on the positives and Dr. Cheyette offers his perspective from a clinical point of view Ben also discusses the difference between an ADHD coach and a psychologist like himself. When should you see someone like him and when does it make sense to use the services and guidance of an ADHD coach. Having a professional by your side can help you embrace your own ADHD in different ways. Find Dr. Cheyette's article we mention in the podcast below. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/1-2-3-adhd/201709/thinking-focus
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Apr 23, 2020 • 49min

Would You Want to Live In A World Without ADHD?

The title of this podcast interview is interesting and so is the project by the same name. What would our world look like without the minds of those with ADHD? The ADHD mind is responsible for so many of the inventions, discoveries and other things we enjoy and many of us are unaware of that. Those with ADHD are thinkers and problem solvers and so much progress has been made by the minds of neurodiversity. This podcast has Dr. Kirsten Milliken and ADHD Coach Kris Mitchell as guests. Their project "Would You Want to Live In A World Without ADHD?" is meant to show the world that there have been many positives from the world of ADHD. We always hear about negatives with ADHD but the three talk about some of the positive aspects of ADHD. They discuss why those without ADHD should change their perspective about ADHD as well as individuals with ADHD. Both can have a negative view. The group talks about why so many with ADHD need to chart their own course including some of the professionals they profile on the website. www.worldwithoutadhd.com How does someone really find out what their strengths are? Dr. Kirsten and Kris have some thoughts on how to really home in on what you are good at. Dr. Kirsten and Kris talk all about the project "Would You Want to Live In A World Without ADHD?" Why they launched it, what they are trying to achieve and how you can be a part of this groundbreaking effort. They also answer the question- What life lessons do you feel can be taught through the lens of ADHD? To anyone regardless of whether they have ADHD or not. This is a great discussion about looking at ADHD through a different and positive lens. You can be a part of the project by logging on to their website: www.worldwithoutadhd.com
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Apr 18, 2020 • 45min

Being Me-Finding Out Who You Really Are

For most of us, we want to be truly happy and that involves finding out who we really are, what we were put on this earth to do and our purpose in life. Not the meaning of life, but our purpose. And that's what this podcast is all about. Back again is Grandmaster Chris Berlow from Empowered Mastery and he talks about how to identify your purpose and get to know yourself a little better. Chris talks about ways to find happiness in your life and how to identify your own personal values as well as why that is important to everyone. He also defines happiness as he sees it and it is not all related to money. Chris also walks us through what Empowered Mastery calls the LAB Report which is the Life Alignment Blueprint which he walks many of his clients through to help them create clarity in their lives. And he talks about how to draft a Worthy Ideal which is a personal statement of what is important to you in life as an individual. You can find Grandmaster Chris Berlow at: https://empoweredmastery.com/
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Apr 10, 2020 • 53min

ADHD, the Role Of Dopamine and More

What is ADHD? What role does dopamine play in the brain? How does dopamine work in the brain? These are some of the questions we answer in this episode of Overcoming Distractions the podcast this week. Benjamin Cheyette, MD, Ph.D is the guest this week and we go back to some basics of ADHD and the brain. Maybe you were diagnosed with ADHD but don't really know more about the how ADHD really works and what some of the characteristics are. Ben breaks ADHD down beautifully and with a lot of detail. Ben and Dave spend a lot of time on dopamine. What dopamine is and how it works in the brain. Dopamine is not an ADHD thing. Every human relies on dopamine as well as animals and Ben walks us through a very detailed explanation from the neuroscience point of view. Ben says that it is the reward system for the brain, and we all need it. Ben also takes time to distinguish between short term dopamine rushes such as when someone likes your photo on social media and longer term dopamine such as when you find the job and career that you love. Ben wraps up by discussing what it takes to be you. At least in the world of ADHD, many of us must find out who we are and what we like and dislike. Ben says to start with writing down your values and finding what you want to accomplish and what you ultimately need to say no to and cut off. Ben is also the co-author of the book ADHD and the Focused Mind. He talks briefly about the book and some of the lessons in the book. You can find the book here; https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0757004148 Find his blog here on Phycology Today; https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/1-2-3-adhd
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Apr 4, 2020 • 43min

ADHD and The Wall Of Awful Plus, I Hate Email…

This week on Overcoming Distractions, we talk with Brendan Mahan about what he calls the Wall of Awful. Brendan who has been on the podcast before and was featured in the book, Overcoming Distractions talks about how those who struggle with various takes can find a way to tackle those responsibilities that might be plaguing them to no end. Brendan is also the founder of ADHD Essentials and coaches individuals of all ages. He runs the popular podcast by the same name. Brendan says that there is a progression that many with ADHD go through when it comes to getting things accomplished. They run from failure, disappointment, rejection, worry, self-doubt and the emotions run high sometimes. There are just some days when anyone, regardless of whether they have ADHD or not, can run into this Wall of Awful and we need to find ways to tackle this wall. Brendan talks about the ways in which you can tackle the Wall of Awful. Some ways are much better than others. He talks about putting a door in the wall, smashing though the wall and going around the wall. He talks about the strategies involved in trying to get from goals and tasks to done and accomplished. Brendan and Dave also spend time on the topic of email and how it can slow our days down. Brendan shares some of his tips for making email more manageable and fun at the same time. In this podcast, Brendan answers the common question, why is it so difficult some days to get things done! And he has the answers. Find Brendan Mahan at his website which includes ADHD Essentials the Podcast. https://www.adhdessentials.com/
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Mar 22, 2020 • 48min

Staying Focused and Productive When The World Is In Crisis

This is an important episode for anyone that has had their work environment abruptly altered due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus crisis. Many of us are now working from home and may not be ready for that change to our working environment. Dave sits down with Casey Dixon of Dixon Life Coaching about how you can continue to work and stay productive during this drastic change in our work and home life. Casey works with professionals including lawyers, professors and others in high-demand careers to help them stay on track and stay productive. Dave and Casey talk about how in a time of crisis, there can be a shock to a person's work environment and they talk about what can happen. However, many with ADHD who have become successful, have systems in place and can transition during these times. But there still can be challenges. They discuss how to set up a place in your home if you don't already have a dedicated space to work from. And they walk through how to set priorities when you suddenly have a house full of children that do not have a school to go to. Casey also talks about what happens when you suddenly have nothing to do. Many in the COVID-19 crisis lost their jobs or had a sudden drop in client work. While we hope this is temporary, Casey talks about how to stay active during these times. And Casey goes through a checklist if you have suddenly had to change your work environment. She talks about time management, routines, staying healthy with mind and body exercises, blocking distractions and negotiating some structure with the rest of the family. You can find Casey Dixon here: https://www.dixonlifecoaching.com/
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Mar 9, 2020 • 39min

ADHD and The Focused Mind

If you want to improve your focus with ADHD, this will be a great podcast for you to listen to. Back for round two is Dr. Sarah Cheyette, a specialist in ADHD and the author of Winning with ADHD and the title of our podcast, ADHD and The Focused Mind. In her book, Sarah and her co-authors Peter Johnson and Ben Cheyette walk readers through how you can use the techniques of athletes and martial artists to achieve greater focus when you have ADHD. Sarah and Dave first talk about the myth that those with ADHD cannot focus. In fact, people with ADHD can have tremendous focus when they want to and on things that matter to them. They address both the public's perception as well as the self-talk that many with ADHD tell use to tell themselves otherwise. Sarah and Dave discuss our need for goals, how we have our best performance when we have practical and achievable goals and how self esteem comes from achievement. Sarah also goes through the concept of SMART Goals and how to implement them in your life. Sarah talks about the will to train versus the will to win and how they differ. And Dave and Sarah discuss how to how mind and body work together to help those with ADHD including nutrition, sleep, exercise, a healthy breakfast and positive visualization. How to keep your spirit up and the importance of believing in yourself. Find Sarah Cheyette and the book here: https://sarahcheyette.com/
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Mar 2, 2020 • 48min

How Is Time Different with ADHD?

This week we are talking about time again but this is not a time management episode. This episode we are talking about how those with ADHD experience time differently than others. Dave sits down with ADHD Coach, Shelly Collins. Shelly also co-hosts the ADHD podcast Translating ADHD with Cameron Gott who has also been on Overcoming Distractions for a couple of discussions. Dave and Shelly discuss what adults with ADHD struggle with when it comes to time and of course, the list could become numerous. But they also point out that those with ADHD are not the only ones that have challenges with time and that it is important for anyone with ADHD to understand this. Dave asks Shelly what time "feels Like" for adults with ADHD and how that can be different than those that are neurotypical. Shelly discusses time horizons and how many with ADHD struggle with long term planning in regards to time. Does the future exist for adults with ADHD and what is destination thinking. They also discuss topics such as procrastination as well as other forms of time delay that could be mistaken for time management issues. And Shelly gives he tips for starting down a path of having a better relationship with time. You can find Shelly Collins at: https://www.gatewayproductivity.com/ And find Translating ADHD the podcast at: translatingadhd.com
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Feb 24, 2020 • 41min

What Is Social Anxiety And How Can We Manage It With ADHD?

This week we chat with Sarah Cheyette MD about social anxiety. While many adults with ADHD might be very outgoing and have the gift of being a great communicator, some of those with ADHD also experience social anxiety in various situations. Sarah Cheyette is the author of two books on ADHD; ADHD and the Focused Mind, as well as Winning with ADHD. Sarah starts out by describing just what social anxiety is and how those with ADHD can experience this in various settings, both at home and at work. She discusses negative thinking and the neuroscience around it. Sarah also talks about the anxious part of our brains and that sometimes, we have challenges thinking straight when we are nervous. Dave and Sarah talk about extrovert versus introvert and how for many of us, depending on the situation, can be both. Many with ADHD are outgoing. Can we be both? Sarah says that from many that experience social anxiety, it can start at an early age. Many with ADHD experience a large amount of negative talk as we grew up. From school and classroom, as well as bad report cards to other areas of our lives where maybe we didn't quite fit in. Dave and Sarah talk about having more self-awareness about social anxiety and how you can better understand your own challenges. They discuss the types of issues can this cause as an adult or young adult including college and getting into the workplace. And Sarah goes through some of her tips for managing social anxiety and getting more comfortable in public settings. You can find Sarah Cheyette at: https://sarahcheyette.com/
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Feb 16, 2020 • 40min

Do You Grow Out of ADHD? Is It a Myth?

Back this week for another podcast is Dr. Sharon Saline to discuss the topic of whether people grow out of ADHD. It is another one of those common discussions in the world of ADHD and a topic that many have different views on. Dr Saline is the author of the book What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew and in private practice in Western Massachusetts. Dave and Dr. Saline first discuss her book and that fact that there are many parts of the book that resonate with both children and adults with ADHD and there are valuable lessons to be taken away from her book. Dr. Saline cites various research that suggests some children do outgrow ADHD but there is another camp that suggests that in most cases it is more about adapting to your environment and becoming more self-aware. Dr. Saline brings up our 11 executive functions and how they operate. When we are doing the things we love, in the right environment or we have a great career that we enjoy, those executive functions may work great. She also brings up what she calls the 5 C's that she outlines in her book. Those are, Self control, compassion, collaboration, consistency and celebration. She details these and how they help an individual with ADHD. Join Dave and Dr. Saline for a great discussion about whether we do in fact grow out of our ADHD> Find Dr. Sharon Saline on her website at: https://drsharonsaline.com/ You can find her latest book here; https://www.amazon.com/dp/0143132393

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