While it doesn't make living with ADHD any easier, it may be helpful to know that more and more people are being diagnosed with it. You may be surprised to know just how many extremely successful people have this specific type of neurodiversity.
Ranging from musicians and actors to Olympians and politicians, there is no end to the possibilities of what those diagnosed with ADHD can achieve. Sometimes, we just need a little extra help to get there.
Here are a few motivational quotes to help those coping with ADHD. While that's not all it takes, inspiration and understanding are a great start!
We mentioned above that there are ADHD-diagnosed Olympians who have been successful in their craft. Among them are Michael Phelps and Simone Biles.
We know Michael Phelps as the amazing Olympic swimmer who has won an astounding 28 medals. However, before he became the man he is today, he was diagnosed with ADHD in the 6th grade.
It was in the water that Phelps felt free, swimming for 3 hours at a time, and his mom loved that he could use up his energy in that way. Sitting in school for many hours a day wasn't his strong suit, but swimming is.
Phelps believes that a key to managing ADHD is simply having someone to talk to about it. He had this to say...
"I think the biggest thing for me, once I found that it was okay to talk to someone and seek help, I think that's something that has changed my life forever," he says. "Now I'm able to live life to its fullest." - Michael Phelps
Simone Biles is an extremely decorated Olympian who has a total of 32 medals and has shattered records. Everyone noticed early on in her life that she just couldn't sit still, and, at 9 years old, she received her ADHD diagnosis.
Now, she knows just how much her ADHD has driven her to her successful career. She is even quoted saying so!
"My challenge is also my superpower: ADHD." - Simone Biles
While Bile's medical history was released in an unfortunate manner due to Russian Hackers during the Rio Olympics, she took the entire situation in stride. The extremely decorated olympian was sure to express that she wasn't ashamed in the least.
“Having ADHD and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of, nothing that I'm afraid to let people know.” - Simone Biles
Not every person diagnosed with ADHD struggles with hyperactivity. For that reason, it's important to acknowledge more than just the ones who move their bodies for a living. The following extremely successful founder/CEO and politician mentioned below both have ADHD.
It would be easy to know Sir Richard Branson as the man that founded Virgin airlines, but he has done so much more than that. He formed a major record label, built an underwater plane, and sent tourists into space.
This British billionaire is known to this day to be adventurous with his money, and, for him, that has paid off! These ADHD traits have caused him to not have fear when in pursuit of something he desires.
Branson has never let what people think of him slow him down. He's quoted saying the following!
"If people aren't calling you crazy, you aren't thinking big enough!" - Sir Richard Branson
One of the most beloved presidents, JFK, was diagnosed with ADHD as a child when he had trouble concentrating in his classes. It's known that he was frustrated and even ashamed while also struggling with impulsivity and poor social behaviors.
While JFK is known for many popular quotes, he didn't often speak of his ADHD. However, when you view the following quote through that lens, it's extremely powerful.
"And if we cannot know our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal." - John F. Kennedy
Creativity comes naturally to people with ADHD. So, it's no surprise that many people in the creative realm (ie. actors, musicians, artists) also have ADHD.
Jim Carrey is a world-renowned actor and comedian, earning more than 40 awards collectively! His successful career spans over 4 decades and includes fan favorites like Ace Ventura, The Truman Show, and Dumb and Dumber.
It's important to understand what makes this energetic, slapstick comedian who he is, at least in part, is his ADHD. In school, he was known for completing assignments quickly and then distracting the other students.
He was even allowed to perform some stand-up for his classmates. Always aiming to be himself, the following quote is a peek into how he's decided to live his life.
“Even if I am being over the top or crazy, I want to do something original.” - Jim Carrey
Living with ADHD can be an isolating experience, but know that you're not alone! You can do anything you set your mind to, just like the people above.
We want to leave you with one final quote showing just how special you are!
"People with ADHD often have a special feel for life, a way of seeing right into the heart of matters, while others have to reason their way methodically." – Edward M. Hallowell
If you are looking for a school that knows how to work uniquely with you or your child, read about our academic programs here! Eagle Hill School is more than happy to help.