HYPERFIX DIGITALS: Allow Me To Introduce Myself..
Welcome to the HYPERFIX community. In this space we embrace the beautiful chaos that is ADHD - We'll talk about the ups and downs, the victories and the struggles, and everything in between.
Hello ADHDers,
Like many of you, I was once that 'gifted child,' brimming with potential but never quite fitting into the neat boxes society sets for us. I moved from one social group to another, was labeled the 'naughty teenager who doodled too much,' and consistently heard the phrase 'has potential but doesn't apply herself.' Does this sound familiar?
In university, almost a decade ago- I received a surprise diagnosis: not just dyslexia, but ADHD (inattentive type). This diagnosis added a new layer of complexity to my understanding of myself, and it also brought a sense of clarity. Suddenly, many of my past experiences began to make sense.
But when the structured life of education ended, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under my feet. The support systems that had been put in place, like extra tutoring, disabled student allowance benefits, and additional time allowances… disappeared. The military-like structure that the education system provides, which is SO beneficial for us ADHDers had just vanished. I was left doe-eyed and confused thinking “what now?” – then the internal cloud of panic set in, slowly overcasting my life as I watched my school peers casually move through the ranks in front of me.
For the next two years, I grappled with this new reality. I battled the darkness of self-loathing which spiralled into depression, navigated a damaging relationship, and drifted through a series of soul-sucking jobs. But through therapy and self-reflection, I began to question whether this ‘game of life’ was the best system for me - there had to be another way.
So during lockdown, I decided to follow my feet. In other words, I let ADHD take the reins and allowed my hyper-focus, my passions and fascinations drive me. Slowly but surely I was surprised to see that I was beginning to gain valuable knowledge and transferable skills in my most passionate subjects – my confidence grew and I watched myself morph into something like an entrepreneur. This mind shift hasn't been a quick one and don’t get it twisted - I haven’t succeeded in my goals (yet), I consider myself as a beginner and have an incredibly long way to go. But on the darker days, I never thought I'd find this new hope for my future and this surge of confidence in my abilities. But I have, and I believe you can too. And maybe we can navigate this entrepreneurial path together.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often seen as a limitation, but it can also be a source of unique strengths. Restlessness and impulsivity, common traits associated with ADHD, can become invaluable assets in the right contexts, particularly in the entrepreneurial world. Many successful entrepreneurs share our diagnosis, harnessing their restless energy, constant flow of ideas, and resilience to create thriving businesses.
That's why I decided to create Hyperfix Digitals. I often thought it would be great to create a community of like-minded people, a place where we could share stories, ideas, tips, and hopes for the future. Navigating life with ADHD can be tricky, and it's easy to feel left behind or inadequate when you're surrounded by neurotypical people. So, I want to create a space where we acknowledge the challenges of ADHD, but also explore the opportunities and benefits it can bring.
We will kickstart each week with a new article and will cover a wide range of topics- from the effects of medication to the ‘un-muddling’ mind strategies that have worked for me, navigating the entrepreneurial world with ADHD, the side hustles that have tried (both the successful and the scammy!) Along with sharing some of my general thoughts on current things that I think you might enjoy. (It’s going to get niche!) We'll talk about the ups and downs, the victories and the struggles, and everything in between.
In my first few articles I have explored the Evolving Concept of a Career, ADHD and the Entrepreneurial Edge. Along with Asking CHAT GPT-4 to describe ADHD - I am very much looking forward to keeping this rhythm of content flowing through the weeks!
My goal with this newsletter is to share what I've learned over the years, what I'm currently learning, and what valuable information I find along the way. I hope that this will be informative, enjoyable, and, most importantly, hopeful. We are a large community of people who each have unique paths to navigate, and we will thrive in our own ways.
Because we work differently, it doesn't mean we're broken. Because we don't fit into neurotypical boxes, it doesn't mean we won't be successful. We have the ability to find our gifted inner child again, to use our unique traits to our advantage, and to create extraordinary things.
I look forward to sharing this journey with you and hearing your stories, insights, and ideas along the way. I believe that together, we can help each other navigate life with ADHD and make the most of our unique strengths.
Thank you for being here, and here's to us, the ADHD community – different, not less. Let’s create our own paths, lean into our strengths and see where they take us.
Keep following your feet, and see you next Monday.
Best, Hyperfix Digitals
P.S I’d love to know your thoughts on my newsletter, and whether you would like me to write about anything in particular in the comments below. Your feedback will enable me to create content that is truly helpful to you - and to our ADHD community 🤎
My Weekly Round Up:
🗣️ Quote of the week:
Sarah Blakely - "Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else."
📚 Book of the week:
You've gotta check out "Show Your Work!" by Austin Kleon. It's like having a cup of tea with a mentor who says "Forget perfect. Share the messy, magical ride of creating." It's fun, insightful, and ditches the whole "wait till it's perfect" thing and nudges us to share the process too.
💻 Online tool of the week:
If you are a creator and you haven't tried Canva yet, I’m about to change your life. It's a no-nonsense design tool that'll make everything you create look pro. No art school degree needed. Trust me, it's a game-changer.
❤️🩹 Stresses & lesson learned this week:
Felt like I was trying to nail Jelly to a wall this week, you know? But here's the thing - I learned it's okay to hit pause. A quick breath of fresh air, a mug of something hot... small moments like that recharge the old brain-battery. So, the takeaway? Don't sweat the small stuff, and remember that everything, even chaos, has a rhythm to it.
🌀 ADHD product of the week:
I found these Loop Quiet Earplugs that are perfect for when you need to focus but the world won't quit with the distractions. They knock out background noise but let in the stuff you need to hear. Great for diving into the zone, or for when you just need a little peace.
🛋️ Home Office improvement of the week:
This laptop stand lifts your laptop to eye level, making the work setup so much more comfy. Plus, it's sturdy and portable. If you're pulling long days at the screen like me, this stand's a total back (and neck) saver.
✨ Dopamine Finder of the week:
It's this neat little fidget cube with buttons, switches, and dials that keep your hands busy and help you focus. It's small enough to carry around and comes with its own case, too. If your fingers need something to do while your brain's at work, this little guy is worth a shot.
🏆 Goal for next week:
I'm planning to dig into these new 2023 SEO changes. There's always something new to learn in this field, right? So, I'll be getting my hands dirty with the latest info, then doing my best to apply what I've learned to the hyperfix platforms.
🗒️ Just a little note to say that some of the links in this article are affiliate links that can help me out with continuing our journey of entrepreneurship & career freedom.
🤎 Even still, I would never share anything with you that I didn’t believe in or that I hadn’t used myself - I hope thats okay!