What if the answer to thriving with ADHD lies in discovering what drives your focus and passion?

Instead of seeing ADHD as just a challenge, this perspective suggests it could actually be a strength when you’re doing something that truly matters to you. Traits like intense focus and attention to detail may have helped our ancestors survive, and even today, these qualities remain powerful in the right environment.

For example, I have a friend with AuDHD (autism and ADHD) who was raised by survivalist parents. One of his chores growing up was chopping wood. He said his natural hyperfocus and tendency for repetitive behavior allowed him to chop wood for hours, which made him a hero because his labors kept the family warm all winter.

This idea of focus while chopping wood is illustrated in this photo of my husband. In this photo, he’s not just preparing to swing the axe—he’s carefully studying the wood, planning the strike to split it efficiently. It’s a moment of intense concentration, intelligence, and foresight, reflecting a deep connection between action and purpose.

In today’s world, finding a career that holds real meaning for you can transform your experience with ADHD from a struggle to a strength. When your work aligns with your natural abilities and resonates with your passions, those ADHD traits that might have seemed challenging can become your greatest assets.

Think about what drives you—what activities make you lose track of time because you’re so engrossed in them? Those are the clues to the kind of work that will not only engage you but also allow you to thrive.

Contemplate the following questions:

What activities make you feel most alive and fulfilled?

What problems or challenges do you feel naturally drawn to solve?

What work would you do even if you weren’t getting paid?

Where do you create meaning in your current life?

What does all of this open up for you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what resonates with you? Feel free to share your answers or any other insights in the comments.