Simone Biles, an accomplished Olympic Athlete with ADHD once said "I'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all". That hit me like a ton of bricks. When I think about creating a life you love living, it's all about embracing action, even when the outcome is uncertain. And let's be honest, for us in the ADHD community, action can sometimes feel like a double-edged sword, right?
Taking action, especially when it feels like a risk, can be super daunting. Our minds race with a million what-ifs, and the fear of failure can be paralyzing. But here's the thing - action is where the magic happens. It's where we learn, grow, and truly start to understand what we're capable of.
Think about it, there are a million cliches that talk about this - The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step, Every masterpiece begins with a stroke of the brus, every breakthrough starts with the decision to try. We hear these so many times that we forget how true they are, and that they show us what action is all about - it's deciding to move forward, even when your feet feel glued to the floor.
Now, I'm not saying to throw caution to the wind and leap without looking. What I am saying is that there's so much value in giving things a shot. Yes, some risks won't pan out. That's life. But the beauty of taking action is that there's always something to gain, even in failure. You learn what doesn't work, which brings you one step closer to what does.
For those of us navigating life with ADHD, taking action can also be a powerful way to counteract those feelings of stagnation or overwhelm. It's a reminder that we're in the driver's seat, that we have agency over our lives, and that we can make things happen.
So, what's that one thing you've been hesitating to start? Maybe it's a project, a conversation, or a personal goal. Whatever it is, let this be your nudge to take that first step. Remember, the aim isn't to be perfect; it's to be moving. Action is about progress, not perfection.
As we wrap up this week's theme of Action, I encourage you to embrace the philosophy of living boldly. Let's not look back and wonder "what if?" Instead, let's look forward to the possibilities that lie in the risks we're brave enough to take.
Take action, and make it count.
Thanks as always for reading,
Aaron Frank
Founder, The ADHD Project
P.S. I'd love to hear about the actions you're taking or thinking about taking. Hit reply and share your story with me. Let's inspire each other to keep moving forward, one action at a time.