ADHD-ADD Broken – Focused attention on being different
What do Earth, Mars and Venus have in common? The answer to this question is obvious. What is not so obvious is how the question suggests an answer based on what it is similar to. This is how solutions are developed in our culture. We look at how most people, things, and situations are the same and then develop the necessary steps to take a person from problem to solution. The app is “4 Steps to Conflict Resolution in Your Marriage,” “3 Steps to Find the Job You Love in 30 Days,” or “10 Easy Steps to Lose 10 Pounds.” Problem solved! Simply run the steps to achieve the desired result. But what if the steps offered to achieve what you want don’t work?
Earth, Mars and Venus are obviously planets. Specifically, they are similar in that they rotate on one axis. But it’s not until you look at what the Earth does differently that you understand and appreciate its uniqueness. Earth’s axis is tilted differently. The speed of its rotation is also different. These differences make up the unique composition of the Earth. If we see the Earth as something similar, then it is a planet. If we see the Earth as something different, then we see that it is unique because it supports life.
The ultimate challenge for ADDers comes when you make a sincere effort to follow through on the well-intentioned steps and solutions that people come up with to help them with their attention problems. Family, friends, doctors, teachers, therapists, bosses, and spiritual leaders want to see you live life more effectively. However, when an ADDer tries to tailor the steps to solve a problem based on how most people are similar, the ADDer falls short. They come to the conclusion that they are broken and will never measure up.
Is an ADDer broken or different? How you answer that question could change your attention and change the rest of your life. What is undeniably clear to me is this. When we pay attention to our unique God-given makeup, what is revealed to us is unique and, like the Earth, supports life. Do not look for solutions based on similarities because you are not the same. Rather, look for solutions based on how you are different. This is done by paying attention to how you do it differently. Coaching accelerates the learning process so that interest is engaged, focus is created, and energy propels you forward. That’s powerful!