ADHD, Creativity - and Anxiety
Holly White is a research scientist in the psychology department at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her research interests include creative cognition, divergent "outside-the-box" thinking, neurodiversity and cognitive exercise. She published an article in Scientific American with her theories on why ADHD increases creative thinking, saying, “Three aspects of creative cognition are divergent thinking, conceptual expansion and overcoming knowledge constraints.”
There are many positives to creative thinking, no question. As a coach working with adults with ADHD, I wonder if creative thinking is related to the difficulties with mental well-being that often come with ADHD. I propose harnessing and deploying your creative thinking with intention, as you would with any skill you have.
Coaching support typically focuses on the point where reality and meaning connect. Getting clear on the situation - before attributing meaning - helps for being able to respond (problem-solve) appropriately. When thoughts are over-focused on “what does it mean” instead of understanding “what happened,” the result is “drama,” or stories that get in the way of clear thinking.
Imagine you discover a colleague is being paid more than you are.
What meaning do you make of this? About the organization? About them? About yourself?
Or, can you can hold off on what it means for the moment, and be curious about the situation. Just acknowledging the many unknowns that might have contributed to this difference can help you let go of your automatic meaning and begin to open your imagination to more posssibilities. When that happens, you calm down, and your cognition can get to work.
Spinning situations into stories is stimulating and interesting - even if the result is destructive. It’s easy - you have all you need; it’s entertaining; and it’s creative — and in the moment it can give you a purpose and focus. But, stories of drama will not lead to the kind of response that supports your true objectives. With more attention to the outcome you really want for yourself, you can use your imagination to create powerful stories that open up new actions.
What we know is that you already have the creative power within you.
ADHD Life Support is the blog of
Susan McGinnis, CALC of ADHD Impact Coaching LLC
Coaching adults with ADHD www.adhdimpactcoaching.com