ADHD an A-Z
Figuring It Out Step by Step
HEALTH & NUTRITION
by Leanne Maskell
5/6/20247 min read
Welcome to the book summary “ADHD an A-Z - Figuring It Out Step by Step” by Leanne Maskell, written and narrated by Janky Mind.
Introduction
“ADHD an A–Z” is your friendly guide through the ADHD jungle. Imagine it as a pocket-sized buddy, full of wisdom and pep talks, ready to help you tackle everyday hurdles. It’s like having a personal coach for time-keeping, money matters, and keeping cool under pressure. These handy hints are all about celebrating what makes you, well, you! They’re here to boost your confidence and help you shine in your own awesome way.
Ever felt like you just don’t fit in? That’s tough, but guess what? Finding out the reason can be a game-changer. The writer of this guide totally gets it. She’s been there, done that—felt lost, called herself “crazy,” and struggled with stuff that no one seemed to get. School was a juggling act, emotions were like a rollercoaster, and life… well, it was a bit of a puzzle. Even after acing law school, things didn’t click. Jobs, relationships, they all went kaboom! And yep, there were some not-so-great decisions along the way.
But then, everything clicked. The big “Aha!” moment came with an ADHD diagnosis. Suddenly, those quirks weren’t flaws—they were just part of her unique brain’s wiring. Sure, it took a bit to get used to, but knowing she wasn’t alone was a huge relief.
Now, she’s sharing all that hard-earned wisdom with you. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not “crazy.” Your brain’s just got its own special flair. And this summary? It’s your flashlight in the dark, showing you how to tap into your ADHD superpowers and embrace your quirks. It’s all about discovering the magic in your mind and using it to transform your world. So, let’s light up that brain of yours and start the journey to an amazing you!
Lesson 1: Discover Your Unique ADHD
Think of ADHD as a superhero trait that’s more common than a rare comic book. Around 4% of grown-ups around the world have this superpower, which makes focusing hard, but also makes them super quick and full of energy.
Now, not every ADHD hero is the same. Some are like Speedy Gonzales, always on the move and chatting a mile a minute. They’re the “hyperactive” type. Others are more like daydreamers, lost in their thoughts and sometimes a bit slow to finish things – that’s the “inattentive” type. And then there are those who have a mix of both, super speedy and dreamy at the same time.
Even the quiet daydreamers have a secret: they’re like ducks, calm on the surface but paddling like crazy underneath. This is especially true for many women, who might not even know they have this superpower because they seem so chill on the outside.
ADHD powers come from a special wiring in the brain, especially in the control center called the prefrontal cortex. This part is a bit more relaxed in ADHD heroes, which is why they might do things on impulse or find it tough to sit through a boring movie.
But here’s the cool part: ADHD also comes with awesome perks like being super creative, bouncing back like a rubber ball, staying cool in sticky situations, and having a big heart.
If you’re an ADHD hero, it’s like having a personal puzzle to solve. What makes you tick? What are your super moves and kryptonite? It’s like keeping a hero diary – jot down what you love doing and what feels like a villain’s trap. Spot any patterns? Maybe you’re great at painting but paperwork feels like a supervillain’s lair.
Don’t forget to ask your sidekicks – friends and family – what superpowers they see in you. You might be surprised at the hidden talents they spot!
Mixing your own hero observations with your sidekicks’ insights will give you the ultimate guide to your unique ADHD powers. Knowing your special mix of strengths and challenges is the first step in mastering your superhero journey. So, grab your cape, and let’s fly into this adventure together! 🦸♂️🦸♀️✨
Lesson 2: Getting ahead of money struggles
Imagine your wallet is like a video game. Each dollar is a point, and the goal is to keep your points while dodging the impulse-buy monsters and the sneaky subscription traps.
For those with ADHD, the game can be extra challenging. It’s like playing on hard mode where the costs keep piling up – from meds to mystery fees. If you’re not careful, you might find yourself in a boss battle with a mountain of debt.
Research shows that ADHD players often face tougher financial levels. They might start the game with fewer points (savings) and take risky shortcuts, like quick cash loans or maxing out credit cards.
Here’s a pro tip: avoid the debt dungeon. It’s a place where minimum payments grow like a snowball, and before you know it, you’re stuck in an endless loop. Always try to pay a bit more than the minimum to break free.
Beware of the free trial power-ups. They seem helpful at first, but soon they’ll clutter your scorecard with tiny charges that add up. Use reminders to cancel them before they renew automatically. Be strict with yourself – only keep the power-ups you really need.
To avoid temptation, steer clear of easy-spending zones like online shops with free shipping. It’s like they have a magnet pulling your points away. Disconnect your payment powers from these sites to keep your points safe.
But here’s a secret weapon: mobile banking gadgets. They can give you special alerts every time you spend points, so you always know your score. And “locked” savings accounts? They’re like treasure chests that only open at the right time, keeping your points safe from impulsive buys.
Sometimes, you need to set up barriers to protect your points. Keep most of them in a high-level savings account and only give yourself a few to play with each month. The harder it is to get to your points, the less likely you’ll spend them on a whim.
Remember, winning this game takes strategy and focus. But with the right plan, you can beat the levels, save your points, and take control of your financial quest.
And now, gear up for the next adventure: navigating the workplace with ADHD powers! 🎮💰✨
Lesson 3: Go with the Flow - Crafting an ADHD-Friendly Career Path
Got a head full of ideas but feel like herding cats when you try to line them up? If deadlines are what kick you into gear, you’re not alone. ADHD brains are a bit like fireworks – unpredictable, but capable of amazing bursts of creativity and problem-solving when they find something that truly sparks their interest. Just look at big names like Richard Branson – their ADHD traits didn’t hold them back, they fueled their rise to the top!
So, what’s your dream work setting? It’s all about finding that sweet spot where your natural talents can shine.
Are you a last-minute hero, thriving on the thrill? Careers in emergency response or crisis management could be your adrenaline fix. Love fresh challenges and hate routine? A buzzing startup could be your playground. If chatting and connecting with people gives you a buzz, think about diving into hospitality, sales, or counseling. And if you’re the type who can’t sit still, why not get paid to move as a fitness coach or adventure guide?
Make sure you’re in a team that gets you. You want folks who value your unique way of thinking and bosses who are cool with tweaking things to help you do your best.
Some game-changers can be simple, like checklists for complex tasks, recording gadgets for meetings, or headphones that block out office buzz.
Running your own show? Create a daily routine to keep things steady. Find your tribe by teaming up with a coach or sharing a workspace. And hey, if paperwork’s not your jam, hand it off to someone else. That way, you can focus all that intense energy on what you love most. 🚀
Lesson 4: Taming the Nighttime Brain Buzz
Ever feel like your mind’s a racecar at bedtime, zooming around when you’re trying to park it for the night? Or maybe you doze off fine but then play ping-pong in your sleep, waking up over and over? You’re not alone—about 75% of adults with ADHD know this all too well.
Our world’s full of beeps and buzzes that don’t mix well with ADHD. When it’s time to hit the hay, those racing thoughts and wiggles can make it tough. And if you’ve ever felt like a zombie in the morning, you know the drill: bad sleep equals a day of foggy brains and clumsy moments.
Here’s the deal: screens are like brain candy, and they make shutting down as hard as turning off a favorite movie mid-scene. Good sleep is like the secret sauce for your brain—it helps you plan, start, and finish stuff without getting lost along the way. Skimp on zzz’s, and you’ll feel like your head’s full of squirrels.
But hey, there’s hope! Sprucing up your bedtime routine can be a game-changer. Think of it as setting the stage for dreamland. What’s your shutdown signal? A cozy cup of tea, scribbling down some happy thoughts, or stretching out in a dim room? It’s like a grown-up version of a bedtime story, tailored by you.
Make your bedroom a sleep cave—dark and peaceful. Digital glow is a no-go; it tricks your brain into thinking it’s still party time. Blackout curtains, sleep masks, or even a nightcap can help your brain get the “lights out” memo.
Keep your bed for snoozing and snuggling only. No late-night munchies or binge-watching in bed. Move your phone charger out of reach, so you’re not tempted for “one last peek.” And swap your smartphone alarm for a good old-fashioned clock.
The more your room says “sleep” and not “let’s party,” the smoother your trip to dreamland will be. So you can wake up refreshed and ready to rock the day. Sweet dreams! 🌙
Final summary
Leanne Maskell’s book is like a treasure map for the ADHD mind. It’s not just about coping; it’s about thriving! It reveals how ADHD isn’t a flaw—it’s a set of superpowers like creativity, grit, and fire. With a dash of self-love and a sprinkle of know-how, anyone can turn ADHD into their secret weapon for success.
About the author
Leanne Maskell is not just a pretty face; she’s a brainy beauty with a heart of gold. Leanne’s a model, a law whiz, and a warrior for justice. Her first hit, The Model Manifesto, was a spotlight on the dark corners of fashion. Now, as an ADHD champion, she’s using her voice to lift others up to their potential