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Unlike Distracted, I started thinking that ADHD may have been more of a benefit . . . and I think it has caused me to lead a more interesting life. However, as I learn more, I believe that ADHD has had a huge negative impact in several important areas of my life such as relationships and some aspects of parenting (discipline).
I think that others see me as more than just moderately successful. However, given my education and skills, I feel I should have done far better than I have. But I suppose success is somehow similar to the tin man’s heart and not so much what I think, but what others think of me. (As if I cared.)
From 1975 to 1986 I had a good job working with computers in industrial control. I did a variety of things from 1986 to 1997 when I started some businesses which I am now in the process of liquidating. In all, pretty successful for someone of average or above average intellegence. I found out I had ADHD and was diagnosed a year ago . . . after my son got diagnosed. I will occasionally take adderall, maybe two or three times a month. I don’t notice much effect from the medicine.
However, good my short term focus is, meaning I can stick with an interest for several months or more, my long term focus tends to wander. So instead of being able to focus and stick with something like say physics and becoming a great theoretical astrophysicist which should be doable with an IQ of 155+, my mind wanders and roams, learning a little about everything, for example enough auto mechanics to replace the fuel injected engine on my 280Z, but not very much about anything. So I end up with the following skills and education or equivalent:
BA in Computer Science – majored in Math
BS Mechanical engineering specializing in Yacht Design
BA Accounting – passed all parts Uniform CPA Exam first time
Extra class amateur radio operator
Interests include:
Astronomy and cosmology
auto mechanics
sailing – crew of barque Elissa out of Galveston
model shipbuilding
radio controlled planes
ancient civilizations and world prehistory
cabinet making
wiring, plumbing, drywall, carpentry (I restored an old Queen Anne house we lived in)
theoretical physics – quantum mechanics and relativity
cooking and baking
abnormal psychology
ancient and medieval history
various topics in math
religion and bible studies
Classics – greek mythology
music – play organ, piano, harmonica, accordion, concertina, recorder, tin whistle, dulcimer – built a harpsichord
Irish and dance hall music
Texas master gardener
Mayan archeology
investing
real estate
molecular biology
furniture refinishing
fairy tales
geneology
neurology – brain function
OH, AND CAN’T FORGET CATS wife says I’m a cat freak, we got an even dozen – all colors and sizes
So ADHD is probably responsible for the variety of interests but prevents me from getting an encyclopedic knowledge of any of it or creating a lifelong career. I suppose if I examined very closely what I considered important in all of this, I pretty well hit my goals.
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