ADHD Successful Adults & Their Strategies
“Wait, can a successful person really have ADHD?
The truth is, absolutely – they can, and they do.
Many ADHDers are extraordinary. They earn advanced degrees, build incredible careers, and launch businesses that reshape industries.
So the real question is:
What make those adults successful even with ADHD?
Here’s a summary of what sets them apart and why they succeed:
1. Turning ADHD Strengths into Superpowers
Many adults with ADHD are naturally creative, intuitive, and inventive. They bring boundless energy and imagination to the table, paired with an unparalleled ability to hyperfocus on what truly captivates them.
For example, Richard Branson (one of the person we will deep dive in this post), the founder of Virgin Group, has openly shared how his ADHD fuels his spontaneity and innovative thinking. Instead of suppressing their unique traits, successful ADHDers embrace them as superpowers that set them apart.
2. Finding Work That Works for Them
“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life”? For ADHDers, this advice is less cliché and more survival strategy. They thrive in careers that align with their need for creativity, physical activity, and innovation.
Here are some suitable jobs for ADHD adults
3. Building a System to cope with ADHD
Coping with ADHD is never a “one-size-fits-all” journey, but every successful ADHDer has one thing in common: a strategy.
Some develop workarounds to overcome forgetfulness, like using digital tools to track deadlines or automating their schedules. Others create personalized systems to stay productive—what I like to call their “productivity stack.”
There’s a term call high-functioning ADHD. It describes people with symptoms of (undiagnosed) ADHD that do not significantly impair their day-to-day activities.[1]
But let’s not romanticize this. Even those who seem to have it all together can feel overwhelmed at times. Managing ADHD is a continuous process, not a magic trick.
Who those ADHD successful adults are and their strategies to be productive
Each person is different, but we can learn from these people and build strategies that work for us.
1. Richard Branson - A Billionaire Entrepreneur
Sir Richard Branson, born on July 18, 1950, is a British entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, which encompasses over 400 companies across various sectors, including music, airlines, and space travel. (*)
He has openly discussed his experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, conditions that he believes have contributed to his entrepreneurial success. (*)
Here is what he talked about:
Be brave
- Those who achieve great things are the ones willing to be scared but not scared off.
- Being bold and a risk-taker doesn’t mean being foolish; always protect the downside.
Be you
- You don’t have to sacrifice your beliefs to achieve success.
- Stay focused on your goals and true to your core values.
Be respectful
- Success in life and business is built on reputation.
- Be aware, be kind, and always think of others.
- Speak your mind, but think before you speak or act.
Say yes
- “The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all”
- Even if you don’t know where you’re going, saying yes leads to amazing adventures.
- Screw it. Let’s do it
Dream big
- My story is all about big dreams.
- The odds were often against me, but by not limiting myself, I made the impossible possible.
- Dream big, and you’ll be rewarded.
Have fun
- Work won’t feel like work if you’re passionate about what you’re doing.
- Creativity and fun keep you energized and engaged.
Give back
- A simple act of kindness brings huge personal rewards.
- When you see the impact of giving, it’s the best feeling in the world.
Look after yourself
- Good health is the key to happiness, and happiness is the key to success.
Be in the moment
- Take the focus off everything you think you need to do, and start being I promise you, happiness will follow.
- For me, it’s watching the flamingos fly across Necker Island at dusk. It’s holding my new grandchildren’s tiny hands. It’s looking up at the stars and dreaming of seeing them up close one day. It’s listening to my family’s dinner-time debates. It’s the smile on a stranger’s face, the smell of rain, the ripple of a wave, the wind across the sand. It’s the first snow fall of winter, and the last storm of summer.
B. How to be Productive
Make Lists – and Stick to Them [*]
- Write down every idea that comes to mind.
- Set measurable goals so if it’s working, you’ll know.
- Think big and share your goals with others
- Celebrate your wins, then create new lists to keep momentum. [*]
Take Notes
- When listening to someone, note down the points that resonate with you the most. [*]
- Go back to these notes afterward and act on them.
Build your “Productivity toolkit”
- Identify when, where, and how you work best.
- It includes the tools, routines, and spaces that help you stay focused and productive.
Focus on One Task at a Time
Leverage Others
- Play to your strengths, and don’t hesitate to delegate or outsource when needed.
- Lean on mentors for guidance whenever possible
Stick to a Routine
- “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” [*]
Exercise Regularly
- Exercise is a natural mood booster and keeps you sharp. [*]
- Many say they “don’t have time” to exercise. The truth is, you won’t have the time unless you make it.
- Find a type of exercise you enjoy and can easily fit into your routine.
2. David Neeleman - Stay tuned!
Continuously updating weekly!
