In just a few days, I’ll be heading to Phoenix to speak at the ADHD Coaches Organization conference — my third year in a row, and it’s always a great gathering. Which brings me to the topic of ADHD coaching: In my series of #CrusherTips on Twitter, I recently tweeted, “Hire an #ADHD coach. Even if 4 a few sessions, u can make huge strides,” and got quite a few re-tweets on it. I think a lot of ADHD adults would LOVE to try a coach but, as I’ll outline in a moment, barriers get in their way. I’ll help crush those barriers, but first let’s outline what ADHD coaching is all about, and why it’s more and more mainstream for those seeking alternative ADHD treatments.
What’s It All About, Coachie?
You’ve no doubt heard of career coaching, executive coaching and maybe even life coaching. Why would an executive need coaching? Why would anyone need coaching on “life”? Well, for one, neither careers nor specific jobs nor life come with an instructional textbook, yet the more you know about the possibilities in your career/job/life, the more likely you can be more successful and fulfilled.
But secondly, even if you had the textbook (i.e., a pretty good fix on what you want and how to get it), think about the difference between just reading a college textbook, vs. having a star professor walk you through it. The combination of expertise, objectivity and partnership from that third party can be the difference between doing so-so…and totally CRUSHING IT.
ADHD coaching is similar to other coaching branches, in that…
- It’s based on a partnership between you and your coach…
- Coaching sessions might focus on a particular issue or problem you’re having, and…
- The coach will offer objective insights and perhaps a range of different approaches to tackle the problem.
Ultimately, a good coach can help you create positive new habits, help you discover various paths toward success, and be there as an accountability buddy.
If It’s a Great ADHD Alternative Remedy, Why Isn’t Everybody Doing It?
Several reasons. And not necessarily valid ones. Here are five Barriers to ADHD Coaching – each one CRUSHED:
- General Awareness: “I wasn’t aware there was such a thing as an ADHD coach.” See above. CRUSHED.
- Qualified Awareness: “I wasn’t aware of the benefits of ADHD coaching.” See above. El CRUSHISIMO.
- D.I.Y. Syndrome: “I know about ADHD coaching and the supposed benefits – but I can do this myself.” Ya, how’s that workin’ so far? OK, even if you’re in pretty good stead, don’t you want to kick life into a higher gear? Yours to CRUSH.
- Cost: “It’s probably too expensive.” OK, there’s definitely bucks involved, but coaches span a wide range of fee levels — and there’s always group coaching as a lower-cost alternative. Le CRUSHETTE.
- Procrastination: “I’m in, baby!! But, um, just haven’t gotten around to reaching out to a coach yet. But I will, soon!” See below! And put it on auto-CRUSH.
OK, I’ve done my job. Now you do yours. If so inclined, take action and hit this link to Crusher-recommended coaches. They’re all amazing coaches from many different states across the country – but know that coaches can work with you from anywhere on the planet.
And if you REALLY want to get serious, you can take a basic course about ADHD – any maybe embark on a path learn to be a coach yourself – at the ADD Coaches Academy.
When at the ACO conference, I’ll post about how to pick the best coach for you.
-Alan
P.S. If you haven’t yet heard of www.CrusherTV.com, I hope you’ll check it out. Each Monday night at 10pm we “air” another episode chock full of useful productivity tips and “brain hacks”, and our Guest Experts provide more great ideas. Tons of other benefits for members, including free group coaching sessions. Hope to “see” you there! ab
