There is an epidemic of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders flooding the world, with children as young as four being prescribed all sorts of drugs to help cure them of these afflictions.
But what kind of life can you live if you or your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)? Turns out that having this diagnosis doesn’t preclude a certain amount of success, as shown by these celebrities.
1. Jim Carrey
It should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone that comedian Carrey has been diagnosed with ADHD, and a very serious case at that. At the same time, he is also an example on how to live with a disability like that.
He has completely accepted his hyperactivity and made it part of his personality. Considering that many think he is the funniest man in the world and that he has starred in a string of hit movies, that may have been the wisest possible course he could have taken.
2. Michael Phelps
Holding the record for the highest amount of medals won in all time, Phelps is one of the greatest athletic icons of our era. He credits ADHD as the reason for his success, saying that as a child he was unable to sit still or pay attention until he learned to channel all that extra energy into swimming.
The 14 medals he’s won certainly don’t lie and make a strong case for hyperactivity as a superpower, or at least an athlete’s dream ability.
3. Justin Timberlake
In a recent interview with Collider.com, Timberlake claimed he had been diagnosed with “ADD mixed with OCD.” Perhaps hyperactivity is the reason why he has been so very, very successful as an artist, winning a Grammy for his efforts in music.
Besides that, he has proven successful as an actor in a few films and has had some success as a businessman, as well. For a man who was once the “pretty one” in a boy band, ADD certainly has worked out for him.
4. Will Smith
The Fresh Prince has admitted that he has been diagnosed with ADHD, but that it in no way has hampered him. His career as a rapper and actor would strengthen that claim, as would the massive fortune he has built up as a businessman.
In fact, he claims to be a better actor than some because of his hyperactivity. Having no patience to read scripts, he just goes on set and wings it until the movie is a wrap. Some may find themselves disagreeing with this approach but it seems to work for him.
5. Sir Richard Branson
One of Britain’s richest men, Sir Richard has proven himself to be a canny businessman and generous philanthropist. Owner of both railway and plane companies, he is an international transport mogul who recently set his sights beyond Earth, toward the moon and even Mars.
There’s no denying his ambition, or energy. He has his finger in more pies than most people can count and he always appears energetic and cheery no matter what is going on.
6. Walt Disney
A name known and beloved by many, this successful animator and entrepreneur was known for his tireless energy during his time. His earlier drawings are indicative of ADHD as they have unfocused strokes and such, but, on a more positive note, he is also the creator of several cartoon figures entire generations have grown up with.
His famous amusement parks are, of course, some of the most visited in the world, proving that hyperactivity can lead to great things.
7. Albert Einstein
A name synonymous with intelligence; how’s that for an achievement? Einstein was once seen as slow by his teachers, but later in life became one of the world’s foremost physicists, formulating a theory that still serves as the basis on how we explain the way the universe works.
His ADHD diagnosis is, of course, retroactive and seen through time’s lens, but makes a lot of sense. He was able to work for days on end with little to no rest and always had several projects going on at the same time. A leader in the pantheon of geniuses with hyperactivity.
So, there you have it. ADHD is not the end of the world, but could very well be the beginning of a great and illustrious career for you. It just depends on how you channel all that energy. Take the time to figure how you can channel your ADHD the ways the celebrities above have. Write the ideas down and meditate on them. Then, put your plan to work. Remember, the sky is the limit!
Photo Credit: Yahoo.com
