My life with ADHD

I'm a 36-year-old man, and ADHD has been both my constant companion and my fiercest challenge throughout my life. From an early age, I struggled to fit into the mold of what society expected. My attention span was fleeting, my energy boundless, and my ability to stay out of trouble at school? Virtually nonexistent.

As a child, I was the stereotypical "hyperactive kid." Teachers labeled me as disruptive; my classmates often saw me as a handful. I’d start projects with enthusiasm but abandon them halfway through. School felt like a never-ending battle against boredom and frustration. I found myself in trouble more often than not, and eventually, I stopped going altogether.
Despite these struggles, I always had a fire inside me—a drive to succeed. While traditional academics never seemed to click, I managed to get through my A-levels, though it felt like climbing a mountain without any gear. It was an exhausting, often demoralizing process, but I didn’t give up.

My turning point came when I pursued an apprenticeship. Finally, I was in an environment where hands-on learning and practical challenges took center stage. It suited me perfectly. Instead of being judged for my inability to sit still or memorize textbooks, I was valued for my problem-solving skills, creativity, and ability to think on my feet.

Over the years, I worked my way up in my company. Through sheer determination and an unwavering belief in my abilities, I climbed the ladder to senior management. But make no mistake: ADHD didn’t simply fade into the background.

Every single day, I wrestle with its challenges. Keeping my focus in meetings, managing time effectively, and avoiding procrastination are ongoing battles. But it’s not just ADHD—it’s the anxiety that comes with it. The fear of forgetting something important or being perceived as unreliable often looms large in my mind. Small mistakes feel amplified, and I can spiral into overthinking, questioning if I’m good enough or if I belong where I am.

Some days, the mental exhaustion is overwhelming. The constant tug-of-war in my mind—between wanting to excel and feeling held back by my own brain—takes a toll. But over time, I’ve learned how to manage. It’s not perfect, but I’ve developed strategies: breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting reminders, and giving myself grace when things don’t go as planned.

And despite all of it, ADHD has its gifts. My energy, when channeled, is a force to be reckoned with. My creativity allows me to solve problems in ways others might not think of. And my resilience? It’s unshakable. ADHD and anxiety have taught me how to adapt, how to persevere, and how to find success on my terms.

Looking back, I’ve realized something important: ADHD doesn’t define me, but it has shaped me. It’s given me a unique perspective and a set of skills that I wouldn’t trade for anything. If I can offer one piece of advice to others walking a similar path, it’s this: Never let your struggles overshadow your potential. Embrace who you are, find what works for you, and keep moving forward.