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	10 Benefits of Having A.D.D.

	by Jennifer Koretsky

There is a common misconception in the world that having Attention Deficit Disorder is a bad thing. While the attention-deficit-wired brain certainly presents some CHALLENGES, it also offers some incredible BENEFITS. The following is a list of characteristics that I consistently see in my clients, friends, and colleagues with Attention Deficit Disorder.

COMPASSION

People with Attention Deficit Disorder have a tremendous power to CONNECT with other people. But it goes a step further than that. We also have an advanced ability to empathize with others, and to see many different perspectives.

CREATIVITY

I've never met an Attention Deficit Disorder person who wasn't creative! Writers, painters, musicians, film makers, designers, sculptors, comedians -- the list goes on! ARTISTIC talents are abundant. Composers Mozart and Beethoven are believed to have had Attention Deficit Disorder.

DRIVE

When someone with Attention Deficit Disorder is bored with a task, completing it can seem like torture. But give them an interesting project to work on and watch out! When we want to succeed, and we have the necessary tools to do so, there is no STOPPING us!

PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY

Folks with Attention Deficit Disorder thrive on solving problems and puzzles. Give us an interesting problem to solve and we won't be able to drop it until we've found the SOLUTION! Important historical inventors such as Thomas Edison and Thomas Jefferson are believed to have had Attention Deficit Disorder.

HYPER-FOCUS

The ability to hyper-focus is something that those with Attention Deficit Disorder can use to our advantage. When kept under CONTROL and directed towards productive tasks, like accomplishing goals and living dreams, it can be an incredible ASSET that allows us to get the job done, and done well!

SENSE OF HUMOR

Most Attention Deficit Disorder folks love to LAUGH, and many also have a knack for making others laugh! Famous comedians such as Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams are rumored to have Attention Deficit Disorder.

RESILIENCY

There's no denying that even though there are many great qualities that come along with Attention Deficit Disorder, there are also challenges. But those with Attention Deficit Disorder have an incredible ability to bounce back from those challenges, and others' criticism of those challenges that we've ENDURED.

INTUITION

Folks with Attention Deficit Disorder have a sharp sense of intuition. This may be due to highly tuned levels of PERCEPTION, or great insight into the human mind, or something else that we have yet to understand. Whatever the reason, it's a very useful gift!

IDEA GENERATING

Attention Deficit Disorder sufferers are wonderful idea generators. We don't usually like to be bothered with DETAILS, but we can come up with ideas at lightning speed! We're a true asset in brainstorming meetings!

THAT SPECIAL SOMETHING

Many people with Attention Deficit Disorder feel that they have a unique way of LOOKING at the world, a perspective that others just don't understand. That is, until they meet other people with Attention Deficit Disorder! You might say that we're on our own wavelength!

Jennifer Koretsky is a Professional ADD Management Coach who helps adults manage their ADD and move forward in life. She encourages clients to increase self-awareness, focus on strengths and talents, and create realistic action plans. She offers a 90-day intensive skill-building program, workshops, and private coaching. Visit her website at www.addmanagement.com.

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