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Extra Focus: The Quick Start Guide to Adult ADHD
Discover the keys to embracing your ADHD strengths and quirks with Extra Focus.
This book isn't a stuffy, clinical rundown of ADHD. It's more like a friendly chat over coffee with a good friend who gets it. We'll unravel some of the myths and mysteries of the ADHD mind, learn why most self-help strategies don't work for us, and how we can develop strategies that work with our brain instead of against it.
Written by an adult with ADHD for adults with ADHD, this empowering book provides the compassionate understanding and practical strategies you need to stop struggling and start thriving.
Jesse J. Anderson draws from his personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult to offer encouragement, motivation, and strategies tailored for ADHD brains.
You’ll discover:
• The 4 Cs of Motivation framework for driving action and building momentum
• Practical tips for developing habits and routines that don't feel like cruel and unusual punishment
• Managing your energy and avoiding ADHD burnout.
• Navigating the clockless mind, including strategies for time estimation and managing chronic lateness
• Memory techniques to stop losing track of tasks, ideas, and your car keys
• Strategies for coping with success amnesia, imposter syndrome, rejection sensitivity, and shame spirals
Extra Focus is your personal roadmap to understanding and living with adult ADHD. It's a no-judgement zone filled with understanding and guidance from someone who understands what it's like to live with ADHD (in a world that doesn't seem to understand it).
Written in a warm, down-to-earth style, Extra Focus serves as an essential guide to understanding your neurodivergence and taking control of your ADHD rather than letting it control you. Find motivation in understanding how your brain works. Discover brain hacks that make productivity and organization feel possible.
Stop struggling and start thriving with the empowering wisdom of Extra Focus. It’s your quick start guide to living a happier, more focused, and truly rewarding life with adult ADHD.
This book isn't a stuffy, clinical rundown of ADHD. It's more like a friendly chat over coffee with a good friend who gets it. We'll unravel some of the myths and mysteries of the ADHD mind, learn why most self-help strategies don't work for us, and how we can develop strategies that work with our brain instead of against it.
Written by an adult with ADHD for adults with ADHD, this empowering book provides the compassionate understanding and practical strategies you need to stop struggling and start thriving.
Jesse J. Anderson draws from his personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult to offer encouragement, motivation, and strategies tailored for ADHD brains.
You’ll discover:
• The 4 Cs of Motivation framework for driving action and building momentum
• Practical tips for developing habits and routines that don't feel like cruel and unusual punishment
• Managing your energy and avoiding ADHD burnout.
• Navigating the clockless mind, including strategies for time estimation and managing chronic lateness
• Memory techniques to stop losing track of tasks, ideas, and your car keys
• Strategies for coping with success amnesia, imposter syndrome, rejection sensitivity, and shame spirals
Extra Focus is your personal roadmap to understanding and living with adult ADHD. It's a no-judgement zone filled with understanding and guidance from someone who understands what it's like to live with ADHD (in a world that doesn't seem to understand it).
Written in a warm, down-to-earth style, Extra Focus serves as an essential guide to understanding your neurodivergence and taking control of your ADHD rather than letting it control you. Find motivation in understanding how your brain works. Discover brain hacks that make productivity and organization feel possible.
Stop struggling and start thriving with the empowering wisdom of Extra Focus. It’s your quick start guide to living a happier, more focused, and truly rewarding life with adult ADHD.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2023
475 people are currently reading
5546 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 20, 2023
I read this in a day (hyperfocus flex, ha) and think it might be the first book/article/etc that feels like it’s been authored by someone that actually has ADHD, not simply studied it. This book delivers much more than what seems to be the standard neurotypical’s insight on “here’s how to be productive” list, which is rarely applicable to someone with ADHD. I’ve been in treatment for ADHD for almost 20 years (even after a too-late-in-life diagnosis), so some of these cognitive behavioral strategies I’ve been already been utilizing but I encourage anyone considering this read to not allow chance redundancy to be what holds you back from picking up.
And from just a personal side- from the very first chapter, I felt as if someone was reading my most internal thoughts or opening pages from a childhood diary. Sometimes it just feels nice to know how closely others relate without turning it into a big “woe is me” whine fest : )
And from just a personal side- from the very first chapter, I felt as if someone was reading my most internal thoughts or opening pages from a childhood diary. Sometimes it just feels nice to know how closely others relate without turning it into a big “woe is me” whine fest : )
September 10, 2023
This is a simple and friendly guide to living with ADHD, and contains a lot of handy tips and anecdotal advice I'm sure people will find helpful.
The book consists of very short chapters, designed, of course, with ADHD readers in mind. I appreciated the reasoning and thoughtfulness behind this strategy, but also felt that many chapters ended before there was time to really examine a topic or go into examples in depth. The re-caps of tips at the end of chapters were a nice touch, though!
I would say the book best serves as an introductory guide, and would be a great first brush with the topic for anyone wondering whether they have ADHD or anyone interested in learning what ADHD can look or feel like on a daily basis. It's not a scientific exploration of ADHD, and doesn't claim to be. Still, given that this isn't a memoir but a self-help/how-to type book, I would have appreciated some more insights from therapists or ADHD researchers, or at least some recommended further reading at the end of the book. Ultimately, I thought I would learn a little bit more from it, but having read the author's newsletter for a while, I was familiar with many of the symptoms/tips introduced here. It's still nice to have it all in one place, though, and great for people new to Jesse J. Anderson's content.
I'm grateful to the author for an advance review copy of this book.
The book consists of very short chapters, designed, of course, with ADHD readers in mind. I appreciated the reasoning and thoughtfulness behind this strategy, but also felt that many chapters ended before there was time to really examine a topic or go into examples in depth. The re-caps of tips at the end of chapters were a nice touch, though!
I would say the book best serves as an introductory guide, and would be a great first brush with the topic for anyone wondering whether they have ADHD or anyone interested in learning what ADHD can look or feel like on a daily basis. It's not a scientific exploration of ADHD, and doesn't claim to be. Still, given that this isn't a memoir but a self-help/how-to type book, I would have appreciated some more insights from therapists or ADHD researchers, or at least some recommended further reading at the end of the book. Ultimately, I thought I would learn a little bit more from it, but having read the author's newsletter for a while, I was familiar with many of the symptoms/tips introduced here. It's still nice to have it all in one place, though, and great for people new to Jesse J. Anderson's content.
I'm grateful to the author for an advance review copy of this book.
November 25, 2023
While I haven't been diagnosed with ADHD, I find myself questioning what I have been finding out about ADHD on the internet and some of the symptoms felt by adults. I found myself thinking "Ahh... that is why I might feel this or that way about a topic."
This was a *very* accessible and easy-to-read book that covered ways people might overcome their different thinking patterns. The book offers an excellent framework (The Four C's) for coping and even thriving with ADHD.
I thought the core message of the book was about accepting your diagnosis, learning the "why" of why you think the way you do, and then offering yourself compassion and extra time to manage and overcome the challenges that do come your way.
The author writes that ADHD is not a sentence but rather the start of a new beginning of understanding, managing and focusing on your strengths rather than being stuck on your weaknesses.
Super affordable, this book should cost at least $30 - so buy it now while the kindle version is only $5.
I can't recommend this book enough for those with ADHD, those living with family members who have ADHD, and those who just want to support these very special people in your workplace, schools, and society. Thank you Jesse for your excellent work!
This was a *very* accessible and easy-to-read book that covered ways people might overcome their different thinking patterns. The book offers an excellent framework (The Four C's) for coping and even thriving with ADHD.
I thought the core message of the book was about accepting your diagnosis, learning the "why" of why you think the way you do, and then offering yourself compassion and extra time to manage and overcome the challenges that do come your way.
The author writes that ADHD is not a sentence but rather the start of a new beginning of understanding, managing and focusing on your strengths rather than being stuck on your weaknesses.
Super affordable, this book should cost at least $30 - so buy it now while the kindle version is only $5.
I can't recommend this book enough for those with ADHD, those living with family members who have ADHD, and those who just want to support these very special people in your workplace, schools, and society. Thank you Jesse for your excellent work!
September 19, 2023
The emotional rollercoaster that comes with a later in life can be challenging. A later-in-life diagnosis relief mixed with regret and the struggle to build self-confidence that has been eroding for years can be an emotional roller coaster.
Jesse tackles the self-confidence issues that often accompany ADHD. Jesse argues that your struggles aren't a reflection of your character but rather a different way of interacting with the world.
The book delves into the emotional and relational aspects of ADHD, offering insights into why you might feel misunderstood or overly emotional at times.
His vulnerability in explaining what it's like to overwhelm yourself with traditional productivity methods and systems, trying one after the other, only to abandon out of frustration or chasing the next shiny object.
Newsflash: Productivity frameworks are not designed for people with ADHD!
Extra Focus provides helpful strategies for dealing with common ADHD challenges such as time blindness and forgetfulness.
Jesse's book will help you understand yourself better and offer ways to improve your daily life.
Jesse tackles the self-confidence issues that often accompany ADHD. Jesse argues that your struggles aren't a reflection of your character but rather a different way of interacting with the world.
The book delves into the emotional and relational aspects of ADHD, offering insights into why you might feel misunderstood or overly emotional at times.
His vulnerability in explaining what it's like to overwhelm yourself with traditional productivity methods and systems, trying one after the other, only to abandon out of frustration or chasing the next shiny object.
Newsflash: Productivity frameworks are not designed for people with ADHD!
Extra Focus provides helpful strategies for dealing with common ADHD challenges such as time blindness and forgetfulness.
Jesse's book will help you understand yourself better and offer ways to improve your daily life.
December 31, 2024
Great book to start the journey to understand yourself and your ADHD! A lot of practical tips&hints to improve daily routines. This book is very comforting because there you feel that you are not alone in this journey.
July 7, 2024
Very quick audiobook. I knew most of the information already from various research I've done, but it's a handy and succinct way of collating all that information (especially in bite size pieces). There are tips and examples, but I would perhaps have liked some more.
September 21, 2024
ADHD ‘can feel like the weight of the world is holding you down and your brain just won’t act the way you want it to. But it’s important to know what you’re going through is not your fault. You aren’t lazy or stupid or selfish. You simply have a brain that works in a different way. A brain that can do incredible things once you understand how to work with it.’
I love the way Jesse Anderson has written this - it is SO easy to read, simple and helpful. It covers so many topics that make our ADHD brains different (like attention, hyper-focus, motivation, time, memory, emotion, rejection sensitive dysphoria, shame and impulsivity), providing useful tips and advice. Everyone with ADHD should read this. Thank you for this book!!!
I love the way Jesse Anderson has written this - it is SO easy to read, simple and helpful. It covers so many topics that make our ADHD brains different (like attention, hyper-focus, motivation, time, memory, emotion, rejection sensitive dysphoria, shame and impulsivity), providing useful tips and advice. Everyone with ADHD should read this. Thank you for this book!!!
September 21, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Extra Focus was such a great read! As someone diagnosed as an adult, I’m still figuring myself and my ADHD out, and this book helped me explore that. It also made me feel less alone in my struggles, which I think is something a lot of us feel.
Although I developed some ways to deal with my ADHD — as we all learn to one way or another — Extra Focus offers plenty of tips and tricks to help our brains work for us. However, more than giving advice, it explains why and how it works, and what to do when it won’t anymore. It’s a breath of fresh air from all the toxic productivity advice.
More than a good book, this book is important. It has already helped me, and I believe — and hope — it will help many of us.
Extra Focus was such a great read! As someone diagnosed as an adult, I’m still figuring myself and my ADHD out, and this book helped me explore that. It also made me feel less alone in my struggles, which I think is something a lot of us feel.
Although I developed some ways to deal with my ADHD — as we all learn to one way or another — Extra Focus offers plenty of tips and tricks to help our brains work for us. However, more than giving advice, it explains why and how it works, and what to do when it won’t anymore. It’s a breath of fresh air from all the toxic productivity advice.
More than a good book, this book is important. It has already helped me, and I believe — and hope — it will help many of us.
September 21, 2023
Even though this book delves into a topic usually filled with medical jargon, it's written in plain and easy-to-understand language. It strikes a nice balance between explaining the ideas and giving you practical tips you can try in your daily life.
I found this book super helpful for getting motivated and figuring out how to start things, which can often be the toughest part.
I definitely recommend it if you've ever felt like all those productivity and efficiency strategies people talk about just don't work for you.
This book has the power to change your life. I highly recommend it!
I found this book super helpful for getting motivated and figuring out how to start things, which can often be the toughest part.
I definitely recommend it if you've ever felt like all those productivity and efficiency strategies people talk about just don't work for you.
This book has the power to change your life. I highly recommend it!
October 29, 2023
Thank you Jesse for providing me with an ARC and here are my thoughts.
Pros
Excellent place for someone starting their ADD/ADHD journey regardless of age. This book is applicable for kids and adults alike with short chapters that I’m sure are strategically design to provide easy wins. Each chapter contains simple actionable steps that even as a seasoned ADDer I found helpful. I like that there is little to no medical jargon and the book is straight to the point. It was also lovely hearing personal experiences that really relate to people in this community.
Cons
Simply wish there was more with a little bit more in depth. Looking forward to a future second edition already.
Pros
Excellent place for someone starting their ADD/ADHD journey regardless of age. This book is applicable for kids and adults alike with short chapters that I’m sure are strategically design to provide easy wins. Each chapter contains simple actionable steps that even as a seasoned ADDer I found helpful. I like that there is little to no medical jargon and the book is straight to the point. It was also lovely hearing personal experiences that really relate to people in this community.
Cons
Simply wish there was more with a little bit more in depth. Looking forward to a future second edition already.
September 26, 2023
Maybe a 4.5 rounded up because it could have delved a little deeper into a few of the topics, but I love a book with short chapters.
January 3, 2024
I don't have an official ADHD diagnosis, but let's just say I have found a high degree of correlation between my experiences and the behaviors and emotional states that people who do have a diagnosis attest to having. It stands to reason, therefore, that strategies and tactics that are useful for people diagnosed with ADHD might work for me as well—more, so, at any rate, than standard advice about productivity and/or emotional regulation.
Self-help books, I think, generally pursue one of two different strategies: either they attempt to convince you that successful people have something in common (which you obviously need to imitate or acquire), or they attempt to explain why in the past you've done things that you didn't want to do. Why did I forget to call so-and-so on their birthday even thought a few days before I distinctly thought, "I should remember to call so-and-so on their birthday?" Why can I not stick with any to-do list app for more than two days? etc.
This book is in the second category, which is good, since books in the first category are generally disingenuous, if not outright scams.
Extra Focus, on the other hand, is really effective at describing common situations in ways that clarify the underlying mental structures which are so difficult to disentangle from the rest of reality if you find yourself inside them. It's not just a matter of "feeling seen" but of understanding how divergent mental processes push or pull against one another in such a way that the product of these vectors seems, in retrospect, almost random and certainly unintended, and yet also part of a pattern that seems inescapable.
I'm giving the book five stars because of the hope it inspires and the quality of the analysis it contains. I haven't yet put into practice any of its tips or adjustments, but maybe (if I remember, lol) I'll come back and update this review after I have and then can judge how effective they are.
Self-help books, I think, generally pursue one of two different strategies: either they attempt to convince you that successful people have something in common (which you obviously need to imitate or acquire), or they attempt to explain why in the past you've done things that you didn't want to do. Why did I forget to call so-and-so on their birthday even thought a few days before I distinctly thought, "I should remember to call so-and-so on their birthday?" Why can I not stick with any to-do list app for more than two days? etc.
This book is in the second category, which is good, since books in the first category are generally disingenuous, if not outright scams.
Extra Focus, on the other hand, is really effective at describing common situations in ways that clarify the underlying mental structures which are so difficult to disentangle from the rest of reality if you find yourself inside them. It's not just a matter of "feeling seen" but of understanding how divergent mental processes push or pull against one another in such a way that the product of these vectors seems, in retrospect, almost random and certainly unintended, and yet also part of a pattern that seems inescapable.
I'm giving the book five stars because of the hope it inspires and the quality of the analysis it contains. I haven't yet put into practice any of its tips or adjustments, but maybe (if I remember, lol) I'll come back and update this review after I have and then can judge how effective they are.
September 22, 2025
Es una buena introducción a técnicas para adaptarte un poco mejor a las expectativas del mundo moderno si tienes (o sientes que tienes) TDAH. Es muy práctico y neutral sobre la condición.
Muchas de las técnicas que menciona ya las aplico y llegué a ellas fortuitamente o tras ensayo y error. Me hubiera gustado tener una guía así hace años y hacerle caso. Pero otras técnicas no las practico y creo que con la guía de este libro es buen momento de empezar. La práctica que más quiero empezar a hacer y que he visto recomendada en otros contextos es la del "archivo de las sonrisas ", en la que anotas tus logros y lo revisas de vez en cuando para recordarte que sí vales algo.
Es un libro que creo que todos los que tienen esta condición deberían leer y aunque no tiene un tono para nada condescendiente o emocional, en por lo menos dos ocasiones sentí fuertes ganas de llorar por lo bien que describe las cosas que siento o que me han pasado. Es más, recordando eso me regresó ese sentimiento. Es como si alguien validara que no estás loco y rompiera un poco la soledad que sientes con esas emociones. Gracias, Jesse, por tan buen recurso. La única parte que creo que faltó es una sobre cómo aprovechar las características diferentes de tu cerebro al máximo.
Muchas de las técnicas que menciona ya las aplico y llegué a ellas fortuitamente o tras ensayo y error. Me hubiera gustado tener una guía así hace años y hacerle caso. Pero otras técnicas no las practico y creo que con la guía de este libro es buen momento de empezar. La práctica que más quiero empezar a hacer y que he visto recomendada en otros contextos es la del "archivo de las sonrisas ", en la que anotas tus logros y lo revisas de vez en cuando para recordarte que sí vales algo.
Es un libro que creo que todos los que tienen esta condición deberían leer y aunque no tiene un tono para nada condescendiente o emocional, en por lo menos dos ocasiones sentí fuertes ganas de llorar por lo bien que describe las cosas que siento o que me han pasado. Es más, recordando eso me regresó ese sentimiento. Es como si alguien validara que no estás loco y rompiera un poco la soledad que sientes con esas emociones. Gracias, Jesse, por tan buen recurso. La única parte que creo que faltó es una sobre cómo aprovechar las características diferentes de tu cerebro al máximo.
February 11, 2024
Fascinating, insightful and helpful. I've been beating myself up about some things I've been doing that are a little different to others for most of my life. This book provided me with insights that felt like they were written for just me. I will be referencing this book in the future as I look to make self improvements.
August 18, 2024
Nothing ground breaking. I've suspected I might show ADHD traits for a while now. However, having them laid out in front of you this clearly kind of wraps it all up neatly and offers a new perspective.
I guess it has to be short otherwise people with ADHD will never read it. I'm interested in where my journey on this topic takes me.
I guess it has to be short otherwise people with ADHD will never read it. I'm interested in where my journey on this topic takes me.
September 21, 2023
Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson is a phenomenal book that everyone should read, especially parents, teachers, managers, leaders, etc. whether you have ADHD or not.
Besides the many written and illustrated eye-opening life examples, Extra Focus provides many simple and actionable tips and strategies that have already made life a little less perplexing.
Besides the many written and illustrated eye-opening life examples, Extra Focus provides many simple and actionable tips and strategies that have already made life a little less perplexing.
September 20, 2023
A great starter read for newly diagnosed adults with a wealth of tips, tricks, and strategies to accept and manage our brains. A really easy read, got through it in 2 sittings and I'm keen to try some of the advice Jesse provided. Nice work!
October 29, 2023
I'm in this book and I don't like it XD
Seriously, the book perfectly describes what it means to live with ADHD and offers some coping strategies to use.
Seriously, the book perfectly describes what it means to live with ADHD and offers some coping strategies to use.
January 15, 2024
Nice, easy read with practical strategies.
Good book that provides an overview of ADHD with relatable stories and practical strategies to apply in your everyday life.
Good book that provides an overview of ADHD with relatable stories and practical strategies to apply in your everyday life.
December 4, 2025
Am I in trouble if I experience like 85% of what was described in this book 😂
September 29, 2023
I love Jesse’s work in educating about ADHD. His newsletter and videos have been so helpful to me since diagnosis and the book is unsurprisingly no different! I’m happy to have a place with a bunch of tips in one place, I’ll be returning to sections often. He knows his audience well, the pacing was perfect.
January 26, 2024
a great overview with many helpful tips and tricks and strategies to better manage various aspects of daily life with ADHD
It's an easy read, which is perfect for readers with ADHD. It's the first book I've read where it's so clear that the author also has ADHD and wrote this book for other people with ADHD. It's a delight.
I only wish it was a little longer and perhaps got into more detail. At times it felt like I was rushing through important information.
It's an easy read, which is perfect for readers with ADHD. It's the first book I've read where it's so clear that the author also has ADHD and wrote this book for other people with ADHD. It's a delight.
I only wish it was a little longer and perhaps got into more detail. At times it felt like I was rushing through important information.
September 25, 2023
An excellent short read for people with ADHD, Extra Focus is broken up into sections dealing with things like Time, Memory and Anger. It provides not only good descriptions of the problems people with ADHD face as well as advice as to how to manage them.
October 26, 2023
Some things about me never made sense. Now I know why I live the way I do
May 30, 2025
I think this book would be useful to anyone who has ADHD, thinks they may have it, or knows anyone who has it (so, basically, everyone could benefit from reading it). I felt very seen, heard, and validated, and I could resonate with a lot of what’s in here. I love that it debunks myths and stereotypes, breaking down each letter in the acronym and what it really means (because ADHD is probably one of the most poorly-named conditions out there; no wonder why so many people don’t take it seriously). It really explains how the condition works, with the author detailing many of his own personal experiences, and how ADHD brains work different than other brains. It offers many tips and solutions (that will actually work for ADHD kinds of minds). The author/narrator felt very kind and understanding, rather than someone trying to make you feel bad for something you can’t control.
March 6, 2024
This book does EXACTLY what it's intended to do! It's a concise, usable, and extremely practical guide to living with ADHD as an adult. It's easy to read and serves as an excellent introduction, providing many useful strategies. Highly recommended!
September 19, 2023
Blew my ADHD brain away!
Blew my ADHD brain away.. Jesse speaks of problems we face everyday and tackles it with easy to implement solutions.
Blew my ADHD brain away.. Jesse speaks of problems we face everyday and tackles it with easy to implement solutions.
September 20, 2023
My 🧠: C'mon, you can do it. Just organize the piles in kitchen (ongoing flood clean-up). Just do it 'til 9pm. That's only 30 minutes!
🧠, 8:40pm: Poor dog, we didn't do a very long walk tonight. He's bored, let's do some training to take the edge off.
🧠, 8:48pm: Oh! Meant to post a review of the Extra Focus book! I know, I'll take a picture of the dog with the book!
🧠, 9:03pm: reading "the clockless #ADHD mind", on pg 78. 😳🤣
Y'all, this 📙 book is WHAT I NEED. It's very readable (I breezed through it), approachable, candid, and helpful.
When I was only half-way through, I had already ordered a copy for a sister who has ADHD, too. Both of us were diagnosed in our late 30s (like the author of this book), and I have at least 2 nephews who likely have ADHD, too. (We also suspect our parents both might.) But, ADHD was never a topic when we were kids, or honestly, until I got diagnosed a couple years ago. But, now that we know about it, it explains SO MUCH about our family dynamic, our individual "quirks," and more.
Learning more about ADHD from people like Jesse Anderson has genuinely changed my life for the better. I understand why my brain acts like it does thanks to this book and related resources. This knowledge has helped me be more conscious of (a) what it takes to keep on track and (b) how to support myself when I inevitably wind up off-track.
For some context, I write this as someone who is now a university professor but never imagined that was possible, even though I was a high-performing first-generation undergrad student. I also had a whole, successful career in education, community development, and communications before going into academia. I don't say that to brag. I say that because it's important to acknowledge that many people around us are grappling with the stigma and challenges associated with being neurodiverse. A lot of that struggle is mostly invisible. ADHD doesn't always look like a kid bouncing off the walls, but that also doesn't mean it doesn't deeply affect how we live and how we experience society's expectations for neurotypical behavior and performance. And, understanding what ADHD looks like for me has made a huge, positive difference for me, my colleagues, and my loved ones.
Bottom line: This book is the book we ALL need to read. If you have ADHD, it will likely be helpful. And, if you don't have ADHD, you definitely know people who do (even if you're not aware of it). This book will help you be a better friend, relative, colleague, neighbor, or friendly stranger.
🧠, 8:40pm: Poor dog, we didn't do a very long walk tonight. He's bored, let's do some training to take the edge off.
🧠, 8:48pm: Oh! Meant to post a review of the Extra Focus book! I know, I'll take a picture of the dog with the book!
🧠, 9:03pm: reading "the clockless #ADHD mind", on pg 78. 😳🤣
Y'all, this 📙 book is WHAT I NEED. It's very readable (I breezed through it), approachable, candid, and helpful.
When I was only half-way through, I had already ordered a copy for a sister who has ADHD, too. Both of us were diagnosed in our late 30s (like the author of this book), and I have at least 2 nephews who likely have ADHD, too. (We also suspect our parents both might.) But, ADHD was never a topic when we were kids, or honestly, until I got diagnosed a couple years ago. But, now that we know about it, it explains SO MUCH about our family dynamic, our individual "quirks," and more.
Learning more about ADHD from people like Jesse Anderson has genuinely changed my life for the better. I understand why my brain acts like it does thanks to this book and related resources. This knowledge has helped me be more conscious of (a) what it takes to keep on track and (b) how to support myself when I inevitably wind up off-track.
For some context, I write this as someone who is now a university professor but never imagined that was possible, even though I was a high-performing first-generation undergrad student. I also had a whole, successful career in education, community development, and communications before going into academia. I don't say that to brag. I say that because it's important to acknowledge that many people around us are grappling with the stigma and challenges associated with being neurodiverse. A lot of that struggle is mostly invisible. ADHD doesn't always look like a kid bouncing off the walls, but that also doesn't mean it doesn't deeply affect how we live and how we experience society's expectations for neurotypical behavior and performance. And, understanding what ADHD looks like for me has made a huge, positive difference for me, my colleagues, and my loved ones.
Bottom line: This book is the book we ALL need to read. If you have ADHD, it will likely be helpful. And, if you don't have ADHD, you definitely know people who do (even if you're not aware of it). This book will help you be a better friend, relative, colleague, neighbor, or friendly stranger.
August 26, 2024
This book, in combination with How to ADHD: An Insider's Guide to Working with Your Brain and The Anti-Planner: How to Get Sh*t Done When You Don't Feel Like It, are my current trifecta of introductory ADHD literature.
The strength of this book is the list of strategies it provides, especially as someone who is in a white collar desk job role. The author's life story ties well to that, and there is a comprehensive list of strategies and tactics that are very useful and align nicely for people in tha kind of role. It is this library of strategies that I find really useful.
I think "How to ADHD" does a better and more thorough job at introducing people to the idea that their brain may work differently than how society has assumed (and possibly punished the reader for not conforming to it.) ... it is more introspective and digs much deeper into re-examining your framework and values and relation to the world in light of how ADHD is currently understood. Tha book has a much less comprehensive and _practical_ set of behaviours to try, being more focused on shifting mindset and working our your own framework.
This book however is a nice reinforcement when it comes to understanding yourself in this new light.
A particular thing this book brings to the table that the others don't, is the awareness that one shouldn't become too in love with one's "system", to not think of it as some perfect process one develops to make all aspects of one's life easy and manageable. The book instead argues that people should develop strategies that work in the now, and be comfortable (and maybe even figure out how to enjoy) being able to tweak your strategies when they eventually don't solve a goal. Given the developer tendency to chase after the perfect system, this was a welcome thing to hear, to know that I'm not the only person who eventually finds it difficult to even do the system I've made to cope with my own executive finction and prioritization issues.
The strength of this book is the list of strategies it provides, especially as someone who is in a white collar desk job role. The author's life story ties well to that, and there is a comprehensive list of strategies and tactics that are very useful and align nicely for people in tha kind of role. It is this library of strategies that I find really useful.
I think "How to ADHD" does a better and more thorough job at introducing people to the idea that their brain may work differently than how society has assumed (and possibly punished the reader for not conforming to it.) ... it is more introspective and digs much deeper into re-examining your framework and values and relation to the world in light of how ADHD is currently understood. Tha book has a much less comprehensive and _practical_ set of behaviours to try, being more focused on shifting mindset and working our your own framework.
This book however is a nice reinforcement when it comes to understanding yourself in this new light.
A particular thing this book brings to the table that the others don't, is the awareness that one shouldn't become too in love with one's "system", to not think of it as some perfect process one develops to make all aspects of one's life easy and manageable. The book instead argues that people should develop strategies that work in the now, and be comfortable (and maybe even figure out how to enjoy) being able to tweak your strategies when they eventually don't solve a goal. Given the developer tendency to chase after the perfect system, this was a welcome thing to hear, to know that I'm not the only person who eventually finds it difficult to even do the system I've made to cope with my own executive finction and prioritization issues.
September 23, 2024
Started reading it on a five-hour flight from New York and by the time the plane landed, there were only 15 pages left. I could have finished it by the time I got home but I unpacked immediately, took a bath, and knocked out on the bed while trying to set an alarm. I finished it in the library the next day.
So in two days, I finished the book. If I didn’t sleep here and there, eat a bit, drink little (I don’t want to use the washroom if I can help it) I could have finished it above the ground.
I was extra focus indeed. It got me hooked immediately and looking how thin it is, “I can go through this quickly.” My eyes were nodding and gliding through the paragraphs.
Fortunately, nobody saw my reactions as I agreed and relate to most of the scenarios mentioned on the book. The thing that I related the most was about having an appointment and can’t focus on doing other important things. It’s like having an all-day appointment when my doctor will only see me for less than 15 minutes.
When it comes to my stuff, I can be OCD. I like doing chores and keeping my place in order. Somehow for it brings order also in my inner world.
But just as mentioned in the book, all the signs don’t have to be ticked off to be certain of having ADHD.
I borrowed the book in the library before I leave. And I’ll have to get my own copy physical or digital. I can’t decide yet.
Some books were also mentioned so I also have to read those (of course) and use the strategies to be able to read more, take care of basic needs, and function normally if productive sounds too ambitious or unattainable in some days.
I read two books in a week on vacation so I guessed I love hyper focusing on the things that interest me. Not complaining. Sometimes hyper focusing is a blessing.
Do I have ADHD? I finished three books in a week.
Also I forgot to take my vitamins already set aside in the counter. I needed to make a to-do list today and keep track of the time so I can sleep early. Not midnight early. And I also have to cook and eat a decent meal before reading the 4th book in a week.
**********
Books (to-be) Read on Vacation
Irish Kelly Doesn’t Date - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Extra Focus - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Vol. 20 (manga) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
More Days at Morisaki Bookshop (to-be read before due date)
So in two days, I finished the book. If I didn’t sleep here and there, eat a bit, drink little (I don’t want to use the washroom if I can help it) I could have finished it above the ground.
I was extra focus indeed. It got me hooked immediately and looking how thin it is, “I can go through this quickly.” My eyes were nodding and gliding through the paragraphs.
Fortunately, nobody saw my reactions as I agreed and relate to most of the scenarios mentioned on the book. The thing that I related the most was about having an appointment and can’t focus on doing other important things. It’s like having an all-day appointment when my doctor will only see me for less than 15 minutes.
When it comes to my stuff, I can be OCD. I like doing chores and keeping my place in order. Somehow for it brings order also in my inner world.
But just as mentioned in the book, all the signs don’t have to be ticked off to be certain of having ADHD.
I borrowed the book in the library before I leave. And I’ll have to get my own copy physical or digital. I can’t decide yet.
Some books were also mentioned so I also have to read those (of course) and use the strategies to be able to read more, take care of basic needs, and function normally if productive sounds too ambitious or unattainable in some days.
I read two books in a week on vacation so I guessed I love hyper focusing on the things that interest me. Not complaining. Sometimes hyper focusing is a blessing.
Do I have ADHD? I finished three books in a week.
Also I forgot to take my vitamins already set aside in the counter. I needed to make a to-do list today and keep track of the time so I can sleep early. Not midnight early. And I also have to cook and eat a decent meal before reading the 4th book in a week.
**********
Books (to-be) Read on Vacation
Irish Kelly Doesn’t Date - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Extra Focus - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun Vol. 20 (manga) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
More Days at Morisaki Bookshop (to-be read before due date)
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