Does ADHD Shape Who We Are? A Deep Dive Into ADHD and Identity with Justin Leff

Watch or Listen to the Full Interview:
🎧 Spotify: Click Here
📺 YouTube: Click Here
🍏 Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Is ADHD Just a Diagnosis, or Does It Define Us?

When you think about your ADHD, do you see it as just one part of you, or does it shape your entire identity? This is a question many people with ADHD wrestle with, and it’s one I sat down to discuss with Justin Leff, a Behavioral Awareness Coach and founder of Solilium Coaching (Solilium Coaching).

Justin helps people struggling with motivation, decision-making, and self-sabotage. He specializes in behavioral awareness coaching, working with clients to better understand the conflicts between their goals, beliefs, and motivations. You can follow Justin on Instagram (@soliliumthoughts) and learn more about his work on his website (Solilium Coaching).

In our last episode, we talked about ADHD and introversion, and the response was overwhelming—especially around one question: Is ADHD a superpower? Some people strongly agreed, while others felt the idea ignored the struggles that come with it. So, in this episode, Justin and I dive deeper into how much of our identity is shaped by ADHD.

The ADHD Superpower Debate: A Follow-Up

One of the biggest takeaways from our last discussion was that ADHD means very different things to different people. Some see it as a unique way their brain works, giving them creativity and resilience. Others find it frustrating and exhausting, making even simple tasks feel impossible.

So, does ADHD define us? Or is it just another trait, like eye color or height?

Here’s what we explored in our conversation:

1. ADHD and Self-Identity

  • Many people with ADHD struggle with imposter syndrome, feeling like they are always “faking it” to keep up with neurotypical expectations.
  • Some ADHDers see their condition as a defining part of their creativity, problem-solving, and resilience, while others feel it adds unnecessary obstacles.
  • One listener commented, “I finally feel empowered to embrace what my brain offers, but it took years of unlearning shame.” This brings up the idea that ADHD itself isn’t good or bad—it’s how we see it that matters.

2. Is ADHD an Advantage or a Disadvantage?

  • Some people thrive in fast-paced environments, like chefs, teachers, and emergency responders, because their ADHD allows them to process information quickly and hyperfocus under pressure.
  • Others struggle with executive dysfunction, time blindness, and impulsivity, making daily life exhausting.
  • One person said, “I get stiffed with ADHD, and then they call it a superpower. Can I return this and get invisibility instead?” This highlights how not everyone experiences ADHD the same way.

3. ADHD and Society: The Real Problem?

  • One of the biggest struggles isn’t ADHD itself—it’s the fact that the world isn’t designed for neurodivergent people.
  • If workplaces, schools, and daily life were structured differently, would ADHD still feel like a disorder?
  • A late-diagnosed listener shared, “If I had known about my ADHD sooner, I could have built a life that worked with my brain instead of against it.”

How to Embrace ADHD Without Letting It Define You

If you’re struggling to separate ADHD from your identity, here are a few strategies we discussed in the episode:

1. Change the Narrative

Instead of seeing ADHD as an obstacle, try shifting your mindset. Ask yourself:

  • What unique strengths does my ADHD give me?
  • How can I create systems that work for my brain instead of forcing myself into neurotypical routines?

2. Build a Life That Works With Your Brain

  • Choose a career or lifestyle that complements your ADHD strengths. If you struggle with focus, maybe a high-energy, fast-paced job works better than a desk job.
  • Use ADHD-friendly tools like reminders, visual planners, and accountability partners to stay on track.

3. Redefine Success

Success for someone with ADHD might not look the same as it does for others. And that’s okay.

  • Your version of productivity is valid. You don’t need to match neurotypical standards.
  • Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is.

Actionable Task: Find Your ADHD Strengths

Take 5 minutes today and write down three ways your ADHD benefits you. Maybe it helps you think outside the box. Maybe it makes you great at multitasking or empathizing with others. The more you reframe your perspective, the easier it is to embrace your identity—ADHD and all.

FAQ: Common Questions About ADHD and Identity

Q. Is ADHD really a superpower?

A. It depends on the person. Some feel their ADHD helps them in unique ways, while others find it overwhelming. The key is to find what works for you.

Q. How can I stop defining myself by my ADHD struggles?

A. Try identifying your strengths and focusing on what you can do instead of what you struggle with. Therapy, coaching, and ADHD communities can also help you shift your perspective.

Q. Can ADHD change over time?

A. Yes! ADHD symptoms can look different at various stages of life. What was hard as a kid might not be as difficult as an adult, and vice versa. The key is to keep adjusting your strategies.

Final Thoughts

ADHD is a part of us, but it doesn’t have to be all of us. Whether you see it as an advantage, a struggle, or just a neutral trait, the most important thing is learning how to work with it, not against it.

Want to hear the full conversation? Watch or listen to the full episode here:
🎧 Spotify: Click Here
📺 YouTube: Click Here
🍏 Apple Podcasts: Click Here

Much love. Good vibes. – Ky