We ADDers are said to possess the “risk-taking gene” – that bit of DNA that makes us chase stimulation beyond what would normally satisfy non-ADDers.
The ADHD Gene
In her book, Buzz: A Year of Paying Attention, author Katherine Ellison tracks her family history back to immigrants who couldn’t help but seek the new – despite many risks along the way – and leave their less hyperactive cousins back in the Old Country. She notes that America in particular has a disproportionate number of people with this let’s-pick-up-and-move-again gene.
America’s Unique Place in the ADD / ADHD World
We are indeed a nation of immigrants who were A) antsy as hell in their home countries and B) willing to risk all to come to a new continent. Now, I’m not saying that we’re a land of ADDers, but you do have to ask yourself…
- Why IS America so full of risk-takers?
- Why ARE we the creators of Jazz and Rock n’ Roll – the two most ADD-infused musical forms that ever were?
- Why were WE the ones to impulsively venture to the moon?
- Why do we seem to own so many land speed records? Is it just because we boast the Bonneville Salt Flats? I don’t think so.
For ADDers, Risk Can Bite…and Bestow
It’s in our genes. And this is why I find myself at motorcycle race tracks so often, along with a whole bunch of other ADDers. We love the noise, the speed, the risk – and most of us love it not just from the grandstands, but from the seat of a bike…on the racetrack.
Of course, our risk-taking gene is what gets us into crashes (as my 8-inch titanium plate with seven screws holding my shoulder together will attest) and plenty of other trouble. But next post, I’ll go out on a limb and propose how we ADDers can put that gene to work for us.
Stay Risky, My Friends!
-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
