As someone who has struggled with ADHD throughout my academic career, I know firsthand the challenges of trying to succeed in an environment not built for our type of brain. But today, I’m excited to share how I overcame those struggles and even managed to graduate with honors—all without medication or special treatment. In fact, I didn’t receive a proper ADHD diagnosis until years after graduation.
This post isn’t about bragging, but to show you that succeeding in the traditional academic world despite ADHD is entirely possible. Now, I serve as the Chief of Staff at a law firm, consult for various companies, and manage a YouTube channel. Yes, ADHD can kick your butt, but I’m living proof that you can still achieve success and do it all.
The Early Struggles of ADHD in School
School was far from easy for me. Throughout grade school, I had difficulty maintaining decent grades, let alone excelling academically. My mind would constantly wander during class, making it hard to retain information. I’d forget assignments, and by the time I got home, the overwhelming amount of work caused so much anxiety that I felt like a failure.
I vividly remember a particular math test I had studied for weeks. But when it was time to take it, I froze. The information seemed like a foreign language, and I couldn’t even finish. My result? A discouraging 50%. It felt like a punch to the gut seeing everyone else around me perform better. That was a tough moment, and I questioned whether I would ever live up to my potential.
The Turning Point: Embracing What I Could Control
It wasn’t until I reached college that I realized I needed to get creative to succeed. After barely scraping through high school and receiving a D in trigonometry, I faced remedial math in my freshman year of college. If I failed, I would be dropped from my university—a scary thought for anyone, let alone someone battling undiagnosed ADHD.
So, I decided enough was enough. I developed a system to pass remedial math and stay in school. Even though test-taking wasn’t my strong suit, I chose to focus on everything within my control. This meant:
- Always completing homework
- Taking advantage of extra credit
- Attending office hours
- Having perfect attendance
- Never missing a class
This strategy allowed me to mitigate the effects of my ADHD. I knew that even if I didn’t ace my exams, I could still earn A’s and B’s by excelling in other areas. The system worked. Not only did I graduate—I graduated with honors.
The Power of Resilience and Self-Acceptance
Throughout the process, I learned to be kind to myself. I focused on progress, not perfection. Instead of beating myself up over mistakes, I leaned into my strengths. Getting good grades on homework, projects, and participation kept me motivated, even when my test scores weren’t where I wanted them to be.
Additionally, I sought out resources that were critical to my success. Tutors, counselors, and after-school programs provided me with more time to learn and understand the material. Every bit of extra credit, every office hour visit—it all added up.
ADHD Strategies for Academic Success
If you’re struggling with ADHD, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, know that ADHD doesn’t define you. You can achieve success with or without medication by implementing the right strategies. In my previous video, “How I Learned Difficult Things Easily with ADHD,” I discuss helpful tactics like:
- Color-coded notes to improve information retention
- Listening to music that aids focus
- Physical exercise to enhance concentration
Prioritizing and managing your time effectively is crucial. Find what works for you, and don’t be afraid to explore different strategies.
Final Thoughts: ADHD is Part of Your Story, Not Your Limit
ADHD is just one part of your unique story. With the right framework, support, and a whole lot of perseverance, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. Whether you’re navigating high school, college, or the working world, you’re capable of achieving great things.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any specific questions, drop them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to respond. If you enjoyed this content, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel for more tips on navigating life with ADHD.