More Compassion, More Success
Reach Back, Support Forward, and Lead with Love

Joseph is a sales associate who has been with his company for the past 5 years.  Joseph has ADHD for which he takes medication.  He loves his work and has had a pretty good track record over the years, but now he seems to be struggling with staying focused, meeting deadlines and following up on loose ends.  His manager is beginning to notice the discrepancy and decides to put joseph on a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan). 

Ellie is a freshman in college starting up her spring semester.  Ellie has ADHD but has done pretty well with grades and balancing her workload in high school.  Yet, her fall semester had mixed results when she withdrew from a class and barely scraped by to pass another.  Ellie is now struggling with increasing anxiety and overwhelm as she returns to school with one more chance this semester to make her plan for college work out.  Her parents are beginning to wonder if their investment in college at this time in her life is the best option.

Michael began middle school this year and struggles with tracking assignments, completing homework and remembering to actually turn them in.  He has also seen a decline in his test scores and complains about school almost every day.  In the past, his parents were involved in helping Michael stay organized and on top of his assignments.  This year with so many classes and teachers, they are feeling overwhelmed with trying to help out.  Michael has yet to be diagnosed with ADHD, but his parents notice the similarity of his symptoms and his struggles with executive functioning.  They also notice that Michael’s friend group is changing, and maybe not for the better.  Stress and tension is building at home and Michael seems to be more and more indifferent to the importance of school. 

Do any of these stories sound familiar? 

Those who know someone like Joseph, Ellie and Michael consider them to be caring, intelligent and capable individuals.  So why do they struggle?  Often times it is because they have been able to manage the challenges of their ADHD or executive function deficits in the past, but now the nature or complexity of what they do has changed or inceased and placed a greater demand on their executive functioning. They struggle to keep it all together. Their stress load increases.  They may shut down in overwhelm or the feeling that they just can't win. For each, there is hope and the situation can improve dramatically.  These are the types of situations where an ADHD Coach can help make a huge difference in their life experience and trajectory.

So how do you help someone like Joseph, Ellie and Michael?

Here are a few tips to consider:

Reaching Back –

First and foremost, anyone with ADHD or executive function skill deficits needs to really understand what that means for them.  Sure the challenges are part of it, but it is also about how their brain works and how they are uniquely wired to win.^TM Explore the unique strengths and traits that are the foundation of their success.  

Investigating successes in the past can provide incredible insights and clues to help them.  What have been their big wins? Reflect on past examples of success and experiment with the strategies and tactics they used then to help them in the present. 

Pulling Forward –

When you identify the challenges and gaps, you can begin to create a plan for helping them move forward. Support them from the place they are at with the challenge or gap in abilities. Identify incremental measures of improvement. The key is bridging the way forward by making gradual gains (wins) step by step.  Don't expect perfection and giant leaps, acknowledge gradual progress. One win can rekindle and encourage and often lead to the next.

Leading with Love –

Practicing self-compassion or compassion for others will go a long way towards creating success.  Intentionally focusing more on what is right versus what is wrong will help with self-confidence and the willingness to keep working on a goal.  Build into the plan opportunities to learn and apply new skills. Explore and develop the strategies that uniquely work for them and fuel their success. 

Virtual Open House - Wouldn't it be nice to have an opportunity to get your questions about ADHD and executive function answered by an experienced coach?  Each month, we offer two opportunities to connect with us from the comfort of your home and computer.  You can even call in by phone if you like.  Register for our next Virtual Open House here.

Teens and Young Adults in transition - There are so many options and directions to go for a teen or young adult after high school.  While college is often considered the obvious choice, we understand that it isn't always the best answer for everyone when there are so many other opportunities.  Deciding what those next steps of transition will be can feel a bit overwhelming.  Learn what it takes and how to support and prepare for a successful transition when it comes.  Cick here to learn more and register for the workshop.

Time Management Workshop Series - Our ADHD Strategy Lab is a great place for coach support and to hone your skills in time management, organization, getting focused, managing procrastination.  This month we have a very special, affordale offer to get the help you need to work on this area of executive functioning.  Click here to learn more and register to save your spot.

More Success Less Struggle Parenting Workshop - In this 90 minute interactive virtual workshop, you will learn about a step by step approach to encourage, support and empower a child with ADHD. While the major focus of our program is on executive function skill building, we cover a holistic approach on how to best support the child's personal growth and development in sustainable ways. Click here to learn more and register for this workshop.

Connect with Us

Don't let ADHD and executive function skill challenges get in the way of leading the life you enjoy. We want to support your success.  At any time, you can schedule a Complimentary Get Acquainted Session with any of us to explore your options for support.  Click here to learn more about us and schedule your session.  

Robin, Kay and Katherine