Are you feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world right now and the direction we seem to be heading? You’re not alone—many people are carrying this weight.

One of the reasons I’m dovetailing my focus from ADHD Career Advancement to ADHD Leadership Development is because people with ADHD often bring a level of compassion and creative problem-solving that’s sorely needed in leadership today.

But those same traits can be overwhelming. If you have deep empathy, you likely feel the pain of others intensely. If you’re a creative problem-solver, you might see solutions clearly but also know how frustrating it is when people don’t listen because of their own biases.

Here are a few things you can do:

1. Take care of your present moment: Do something today that makes you feel powerful and grounded. For me, that means going to martial arts classes and doing my solo workouts—it’s how I stay strong and focused.

2. Secure your future: Invest in your growth, whether it’s building skills or strengthening your safety net. And if you fear losing your freedoms, take steps to protect them legally now. For example, if you’re in a same-sex marriage, secure legal documentation that outlines your rights and responsibilities, especially around healthcare, end-of-life decisions, and guardianship.

3. Empower your sphere of influence: Listen compassionately when people share their concerns. Be an empathetic leader, take time to mentor someone who could use your support, and advocate for what matters to you. Small acts of leadership can have a big impact.

What’s one step you’re taking to feel powerful today? Please share in a comment.

ADDITIONAL:

I took this photo on the Boise Garden Tour 15 years ago. This is one of those moments in which I'm glad I built up such a huge library of my own original photos.