Living with ADHD: Simple Exercises to Change Your Daily Life

by Thom Hartmann, Richard Bandler (Foreword)

A practical system for those with ADHD to take back their personal power and embrace their unique talents for success in the modern world

• Explains how those with ADHD grow up wounded by the negative labels and attitudes surrounding them and their “diagnosis”

• Shares simple and fast-acting techniques from neurolinguistic programming (NLP) to recalibrate painful memories into valuable learning experiences, re-pattern learned behaviors and negative habits, and discover personal motivation

• Reveals how the novelty-seeking behaviors of those with ADHD are valuable assets to society and should be embraced rather than suppressed

One of the first rules of child-rearing is “condemn the behavior, not the child.” Yet this commonsense rule doesn’t seem to apply in the case of attention deficit disorder, or ADHD, where the very name of the condition implies that those labeled with it are “disordered,” “deficient,” and incapable of paying attention. Those with ADHD grow up wounded, told by teachers, guidance counselors, even parents that they are dysfunctional and unable to succeed in the “normal” world. But, as ADHD expert Thom Hartmann explains, those with ADHD are capable of great success if they can shift the negative self-image created by others and learn to work with their unique strengths.

In this accessible guide for adults with ADHD and the parents and teachers of ADHD children, Hartmann offers a practical system of useful tools and strategies to heal the damage done to a person who grew up labeled as “dysfunctional” and help them cope with--and succeed at--daily life. He explains how the character traits of ADHD were once valuable assets in hunter-gatherer societies and that the later dominance of agricultural and industrial societies, where “farmer” and “worker” skillsets excel, left ADHD “hunters” as behavioral outcasts. Sharing simple and often fast-acting techniques from neurolinguistic programming (NLP), Hartmann explains how those with ADHD can take back their personal power, recalibrate painful memories into valuable learning experiences, shed fears and negative habits, and rebuild their self-image in a positive way.

By integrating the strategies in this book into daily life, those with ADHD can transform their way of responding to the world, discover personal motivation, and teach their children to do the same. As Hartmann reveals, it is not ADHD that needs to be healed but our attitudes toward those born with the “hunter” gift.

Genres: Mental Health, Adhd

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2020

About the author

Thomas Carl Hartmann is an American radio personality, author, businessman, and progressive political commentator. Hartmann has been hosting a nationally syndicated radio show, The Thom Hartmann Program, since 2003 and hosted a nightly television show, The Big Picture, between 2010 and 2017.

Reviews

[Kris Mitchell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't waste your time or brain cells

I found myself muttering WTF or laughing in disbelief frequently as I read this. The end of every chapter feels like the author has just finished introducing you to a concept that he fully understands but you're missing the cursory knowledge to fully appreciate what he's saying. It also seemed like there should have been more substance... He says a lot without saying anything at all. More often than not, I was rereading passages trying to understand what point was being made rather than focusing on any practical application. Add in disgust and frustration from his misogynistic and colonizer undertones plus an obvious hero complex, and I was relieved to reach the end.

[SCR · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book presents some interesting ideas, however they're mostly anecdotal. I tend to disagree with the authors views on ADHD, and found the focus on spirituality rather grating.

Probably not useful for anyone with aphantasia. Only after describing numerous visualisation techniques does the author acknowledge that some people aren't actually able to visualise mental imagery (and implies this is due to laziness/tv!). He then ploughs right on with more ways to visualise, and seems convinced that everyone can train themselves to visualise complex imagery (think 3D rotation, zooming, etc) simply through practice.

[Lia · Rating 2 out of 5]

From someone who has AD, I was hoping for a book that could give me more solutions for some daily problems, but it didn't pick my interest, and it's more about inspiration and stories than really how to live with ADHD.
It can give you inspiration or motivation with some stories the author tells, or explain to a non-adhd what it can be like, but not much science or solutions for those who have the disability.

[Leilah Thiel · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the beginning of the book, there's a quote about how there's nothing wrong with people with ADHD that a dose of positive thinking and some new skills can't fix. I went past that hoping it would be backed up by some kind of substance, maybe some science, but it wasn't. Please note, this review is based on the first chapters - I didn't finish the book.

Basically a philosophical treatise on how ADHD isn't really a thing, by someone who uses the concepts of farmers vs hunters as a way to explain different ways of seeing the world. Clearly a concept not related in any way to real hunters or farmers, or to actual science, by someone seems to have only the vaguest grasp of what either activity involves.

Couldn't find anywhere whether he actually has ADHD or not, I'm assuming not from the frequent inaccuracies in the parts I read. Strongly anti-medication, there's a whole weird section on Hitler and Churchill framed as a battle between ways of viewing normality... Not helpful, really ableist, strongly suggest avoiding it.

[Fabricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do you want a brilliant idea to stop procrastination? The author says "image a curious, soft, nurturing, sexy voice inviting you to accomplish the task and pointing out to you all of the warm, wonderful, pleasant things that will result from your action."
Sorry, but it does not help me at all. If the author had at least presented other more detailed and better strategies I wouldn't mind the shallower ideas presented in the book. The problem is that the book is completely shallow.
Not to mention the structure of the book, which is NOT adhd friendly.

[Tamara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this book. In the chapter on motivation, his main strategy was sexy self talk....enough said.

[BlueFalkon95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and interesting self-help book for adults to help give them back empowerment and to embrace and heal themselves from their childhood experiences with diagnosis or non-diagnosis as a child emerging into adulthood. As someone with adult ADHD diagnosis this book I found the book a little long winded, hard to read and understand. I found myself being lost and bored while being interested in something else. I was able to put the book back down and pick up later when my mind could refocus. It is a fantastic informative book which you can answer questions and receive the answers afterwards and being able to know what you need to change or alter and move forward. You are able to reprogram your brain and thinking, also includes a section to help with parenting skills.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Living Traditions; Healing Arts Press via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Living With ADHD. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book. #LivingwithADHD #NetGalley

Review run date was set for 28 April 2020 for Netgalley, unfortunately life stood at a standstill as I finished the final semester and three subjects of my studies. On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 14 October 2021 review will be post on my WordPress blog, Facebook blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, along with the non-linked retail online stores that sell the book is at:

My WordPress blog link is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... I have 27 followers
My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95... I have 27 followers
My Amazon link is: Sorry I do not have any followers, I have a reviewer ranking #10,871

[Kelsey Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to the part where the author goes on a strange, multi-page talk about Nazi Germany, liberals and conservatives, and brainwashing, promptly forgot what the heck I was reading, then decided to read other reviews to see if it gets better. It seems to not do so.
I can't see how this man is an "expert" on anything, let alone ADHD.
Find a different guide. This guy's a kook.

[Erin Adwell Teague · Rating 3 out of 5]

FINALLY FINISHED A BOOK!!!! What a bizarre year 🤦🏻‍♀️

I have some beef with a fee unsubstantiated claims inconsistent with medical research on ADHD, but Hartman manages to offer some great strategies for reframing—especially regarding motivation.

[Shebbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

There were researched based ideas and information in this book that I really enjoyed. However, I didn't really find any of the "simple exercises" personally useful for me. But... I did enjoy learning some new background things!!

[ReadingWench · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for anyone who has a loved one or is curious about ADHD. It is a fairly easy read. After reading this book, I want to learn even more.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting perspective to take with a few grains of salt.

[Violet Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the best resources I've found for dealing with ADHD. The exercises and stories helped my son (and myself!).

[Jake Crenshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

A range of perspectives on ADHD and primarily how NLP (nero linguistic programing) can help some common struggles for ADHD.

[Ryan Sutherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting perspective on ADHD, as well as a series of helpful tips. For those with and without ADHD, the exercises and thoughts are beneficial for any who wish to master their mind

[Bri · Rating 1 out of 5]

the simple exercises were barely covered and only a small percentage of the book. more an advert for his other books.

[RITA RODRIGUEZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

[Summer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read about 50 pages and realized I learned absolutely nothing, didn’t even finish 3

[Gabriella · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was awful. I kept reading hoping for insights into ADHD. The useful information this author had to say could have been 1 paragraph long.