The Super Power of Attention Deficit Syndrome: A Personal Look

ADD: A Personal Perspective By Jack Stanley B.C.C

As someone who has lived with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and worked through many of its challenges, I’ve come to see it not as a limitation but as a powerful asset. I’ve always been a bit outside the herd, inherently different in the way I think and approach problems. And that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s been one of my greatest strengths as a Board Certified Coach. My ability to see creative solutions, challenge conventional wisdom, and discern that the simplest answers are often the best has allowed me to help my clients in ways they never expected.

The Hidden Strengths of ADD

1. Creative Problem-Solving

One of the biggest advantages of having ADD is the ability to see connections others don’t. My brain naturally seeks out patterns, and creative answers often come easier than they do for others. This means I can often solve problems in ways that seem novel—but make perfect sense.

2. Thinking Differently

The world needs people who think differently, and that’s exactly what ADD fosters. In a business world where originality is rewarded, being wired differently allows me to spot opportunities and solutions others overlook.

3. The Power of Inclusion

I once worked with a client who was struggling in a corporate setting. A newer employee seemed to be positioning himself to take my client’s job, and it was causing him major stress. The simple answer—at least to me—wasn’t to resist, but to include the new hire, treating him as an asset rather than a threat. I told my client, “Act as if he found a diamond and is using it to benefit the company.” What seemed obvious to me was a revelation to him, and not only did he maintain his position, but he expanded his role within the company. That’s the power of ADD-style thinking—it allows us to break out of rigid thinking patterns and embrace creative, inclusive solutions.

ADD and Leadership: The CEOs with ADD

Many highly successful CEOs and entrepreneurs have ADD, proving that this condition can be an asset in leadership roles. Richard Branson (Virgin Group), David Neeleman (JetBlue Airways), and Paul Orfalea (Kinko’s) are just a few examples of business leaders who have leveraged their ADD strengths to build empires.

Entrepreneurs with ADD thrive because they:

• See possibilities where others see limitations
• Embrace risk-taking, which is essential for business growth
• Find creative solutions to complex problems
• Naturally think ahead, seeing future trends before they emerge

Rather than a hindrance, ADD can be a powerful driver of success, particularly in leadership roles that require adaptability and innovation.

Challenges That Come with ADD

Of course, ADD isn’t all upside. It comes with real challenges, such as:

• Struggling with sustained attention on tasks that don’t excite us
• Disorganization and forgetfulness
• Impulsivity, which can lead to rushed decisions
• Difficulty with time management

But recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them. ADD isn’t an excuse—it’s a puzzle to solve.

Hypnosis as a Tool to Help with ADD

One of the most effective tools I’ve used for managing ADD is hypnosis. It helps rewire the subconscious mind to create new patterns of focus and self-discipline.

How Hypnosis Helps:

1. Enhancing Focus – Hypnosis helps train the brain to sustain attention longer.
2. Controlling Impulsivity – It reprograms the subconscious mind to pause before acting.
3. Anchoring a Focused State – It associates a physical or mental cue (such as deep breathing) with entering a state of concentration.
4. Boosting Confidence – Many ADD individuals struggle with self-doubt. Hypnosis instills belief in our abilities. Contact us if you would like to know more about Hypnosis and ADD. 



Final Thoughts: ADD as a Superpower

Rather than seeing ADD as a problem, I see it as an advantage. It allows me to think differently, creatively, and effectively. Yes, it makes me a bit outside the crowd, but that’s exactly where innovation happens. ADD isn’t a disorder—it’s a different operating system.

Jack Stanley B.C.C.