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You’ve probably heard people say, “ADHD is like a superpower,” and thought to yourself, Well, actually, it’s more of a challenge. And you’re right!
There’s nothing super-powerful about staring at a screen for an hour, trying to convince your body to move, only to feel stuck—especially when it’s something you want to do. ADHD can make everyday tasks feel like climbing mountains. But here’s the flip side: while ADHD does come with its fair share of struggles, there are also some hidden strengths of ADHD that can give you a serious competitive edge—once you learn how to harness them.
I should know! I’m Mina Raver, founder of BetterCEO, a mobile assistant for small business owners who face the same ADHD challenges I’ve dealt with. After going from a homeless high school dropout to a successful tech founder, I’ve learned how to access the unique strengths that my ADHD brings. And now, I want to help you do the same.
Today, I’m going to introduce you to three powerful ADHD traits that can make you unstoppable, and show you how to tap into them for more success in your life.
1. How to activate hyperfocus on demand to power through tasks.
2. Why ADHD intensity is a gift that fuels creativity and ambition.
3. How your deep ability to connect with others can strengthen relationships and your career.
Getting started on a task when you have ADHD can feel like pulling teeth. Just deciding what to focus on, whether it’s cleaning your room or doing the dishes, can drain all your mental energy before you even begin. But here’s the magic of ADHD: once you do start, that chaotic brain can slip into something incredible - hyperfocus.
You’ve probably experienced it before. It’s that moment when distractions melt away, and you’re so deeply absorbed in what you’re doing that time seems to disappear. The world around you fades, and all your energy - mind, body, and spirit - is fully locked onto the task. You could keep going for hours, completely in the zone.
So, how do you flick that mental switch to turn on your flow state when you need it? The key is alignment.
Hyperfocus happens when your mind, body, and energy are all working together. You’re most likely to hit this state when doing something that requires your attention (mind), physical activity or dexterity (body), and creativity (energy). Think about activities like playing video games or knitting. With both, you:
When all three of these elements line up, bam—you’re in flow, and it feels unstoppable.
To activate this state on cue, start by bringing yourself into your body. I like to use controlled breathing to center myself, or find that one song I’m going to play on repeat for the next few hours (trust me, it works!). Once you’re grounded, take a moment to visualize yourself completing the task step by step. Believe it or not, research shows that your brain doesn’t really know the difference between imagining yourself doing something and actually doing it, so visualizing can help prime your brain to take action.
When you're ready to go, make a physical commitment—something small to start that cascade of action. This could be anything from snapping your fingers to clapping your hands, or even stomping your foot. It’s like hitting the "start" button on your body’s hyperfocus mode.
One last thing—hyperfocus is awesome, but it comes with a downside: dissociation. When you’re in the zone, you might lose track of time and forget to eat, drink, or rest. To leverage hyperfocus safely, make sure you take breaks to check in with your body. The good news is, once you learn how to tap into flow, you can get back into it whenever you need!
Next up is intensity. People with ADHD are often described as "energetic," but let’s be honest—energy doesn’t quite cover it. Sure, we can be physically energetic, but ADHD intensity runs way deeper than just being hyperactive. It’s your passion, your creativity, your emotions—they’re all turned up to 11.
This intensity is probably something you’ve been scolded for, or told to “tone down” at some point. But here’s the thing: this is also where some of your greatest strengths lie. Your intensity is what fuels your ambition, your big ideas, and your drive to make things happen. It’s helped you stand out, push boundaries, and get ahead in ways others may not understand.
The downside? Just like a fire, intensity can be destructive if left unchecked. It’s easy to burn out, damage relationships, or throw your energy at problems that can’t be solved—leaving you feeling drained and frustrated.
To make sure your intensity works for you instead of against you, it’s important to stay well-regulated. First, you’ll want to create an environment where your intensity is celebrated, not shut down. Surround yourself with people who understand your values and support your vision. This could be your physical home, your workspace, or even your inner circle of friends and family. These should be places of peace and support, where you can recharge instead of constantly battling to be understood.
Next, focus on where you’re directing your intensity. It’s tempting to throw your whole self at every challenge that comes your way, but doing that will just lead to burnout. Make sure your efforts are going towards projects or problems that actually matter. Save that fire for the goals that are going to push you forward, not the ones that will drain you dry.
When you learn to regulate and direct your intensity, it can become a huge asset. It’s the fuel that keeps your passion burning, drives your creativity, and helps you break through barriers. Just remember—sometimes you need to take a step back and breathe, so you don’t burn out.
ADHD can make relationships hard. Whether you were diagnosed as a kid or an adult, chances are, you’ve spent a lot of time feeling misunderstood. People might’ve criticized your quirks or told you that you’re “too much,” leaving you to wonder if there’s something wrong with how you relate to others.
But here’s the surprising truth: ADHD actually gives you a unique ability to form deep, meaningful relationships.
I know, you’re probably thinking, Really? After all those struggles? But think back to what the people who matter most to you have said:
Sound familiar? That’s your ADHD at work.
Because ADHD brains tend to process emotions in vivid, sometimes overwhelming ways, we’re wired for empathy. This makes it easier for us to connect with people on a deeper level. We listen. We understand. And we genuinely care about others, which creates bonds that go beyond surface-level small talk.
The problem is, years of feeling misunderstood or rejected can create an internal story that keeps you from truly letting people in. You may have built walls to protect yourself, convinced that no one really gets you. But here’s the deal: by tapping into your natural ability to connect, you can not only build stronger relationships but also attract people who do understand and support you—both in your personal life and in your career.
Your ability to connect deeply with others might’ve been hidden under years of feeling like an outsider. But once you embrace this strength, it can fuel your success and bring you a sense of belonging that will empower you both personally and professionally.
ADHD isn’t just a set of challenges - it comes with strengths that, when recognized and harnessed, can help you thrive. From tapping into hyperfocus to channeling your intensity and building authentic connections, there’s a lot more to ADHD than what society often sees.
The key is learning to work with your ADHD, not against it. You already have the tools you need to succeed, it’s just a matter of discovering how to use them in ways that align with your unique brain. You are exactly who you need to be to accomplish your goals - whether that’s growing a business, deepening relationships, or pursuing your passions.
If you found this helpful, subscribe for more tips on turning your ADHD traits into strengths. Also, check out the BetterCEO app—it’s designed to help small business owners like you manage productivity challenges and achieve success on your terms.
You’ve got everything you need to unlock your potential—go out there and own it!
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