Introduction
Summary of the book Faster Than Normal by Peter Shankman. Before moving forward, let’s briefly explore the core idea of the book. Imagine opening a book that promises not just facts and advice, but a whole new way of seeing yourself. Picture discovering that what you thought was a weakness might actually be a unique strength waiting beneath the surface. This is the world of unlocking your ADHD potential – it’s about understanding a different kind of brain, one that moves faster, thinks bolder, and dreams bigger than most. Instead of feeling trapped by restlessness, you learn to guide it. Instead of hiding your quirks, you use them as stepping stones toward achieving great things. In these pages, you’ll find a roadmap to transform uncertainty into power, chaos into structure, and frustration into boundless creativity. Whether you have ADHD or simply want to sharpen your focus, the ideas here can help you shape a life filled with purpose, success, and the confidence to know that you’ve got something truly special inside.
Chapter 1: Discovering The Mysterious Inner Workings Of An ADHD Brain Brimming With Potential .
Imagine waking up in a world where your mind never seems to stand still, where thoughts zoom by as quickly as cars on a highway, and where your energy feels like it could light up an entire city block. This is often what it’s like for someone with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Many people see ADHD only as a difficulty – an inability to stay focused, remember details, or control impulses. But what if, hidden behind those wild spins and leaps of the mind, there were unique powers waiting to be discovered? What if feeling different or restless wasn’t a weakness at all, but actually a special kind of strength? In reality, ADHD can help people learn faster, think more creatively, solve problems differently, and even accomplish amazing feats. The big secret is learning how to tap into these abilities and use them to shine instead of struggling in the dark.
Before you can learn how to harness ADHD’s strength, it helps to understand what’s really going on inside the brain. People with ADHD have brains that produce fewer of the chemicals that help with focus and feeling good about tasks, like dopamine and serotonin. This shortage can make it tough to pay attention for long periods or to calmly complete boring tasks. Yet, when something sparks genuine interest or triggers excitement, a person with ADHD can suddenly become extremely focused, even more than others. This razor-sharp concentration can fuel productivity, creativity, and intense learning spurts. Rather than being lazy or forgetful, individuals with ADHD have a brain that responds best to excitement and proper guidance. Realizing that ADHD isn’t a lazy streak or a character flaw is the first step in seeing it as something wonderful and rare, like a strange and powerful engine ready to roar when given the right fuel.
ADHD has sometimes been misunderstood as merely a childhood condition that means difficulty sitting still in class. But as our understanding grows, we see how it affects people of all ages, from school kids to working adults, creative inventors, and even world-changing entrepreneurs. Many historical geniuses and trailblazers showed traits that resemble what we call ADHD today. These are people who thought differently and pushed boundaries. We now realize they might have shared some of these faster than normal brain features. Their achievements serve as proof that having an ADHD mind can be an extraordinary gift when guided properly. By changing how we see ADHD – not as a burden but as a source of unique talents – we open the door to transforming daily struggles into ongoing victories. This new perspective can help everyone better understand why some people act the way they do, and how they can learn to thrive.
In a world that often rewards people who can sit quietly and focus on a single task for hours on end, having ADHD can feel like swimming against a powerful current. Yet, understanding the nature of ADHD reframes the struggle. The issue is not that individuals with ADHD lack something important. Instead, they have a different relationship with focus, motivation, and energy. They possess a flexible mind eager to jump between ideas and see patterns others might miss. Once a person with ADHD truly grasps this, they can begin to shape routines and habits that match their unique thinking style. They can stop feeling ashamed of their restlessness and instead learn how to channel it into fuel for remarkable achievements. In the chapters that follow, we will explore how to do exactly this, starting with understanding the hidden strengths behind ADHD and eventually embracing the right tools to master it.
Chapter 2: From Chaotic Childhood Moments To Mind-Blowing Transformations: Embracing An ADHD Identity .
Let’s travel back in time to a typical childhood in a bustling city. Picture a young boy who couldn’t help but blurt out his thoughts, who found it nearly impossible to hold back a funny joke or interesting idea. Sometimes it made his classmates laugh, other times it landed him in trouble. This child struggled with everyday things like keeping a bedroom neat or remembering homework. Yet, surprisingly, there were moments when he became so focused on a special project that hours flew by as if minutes had passed. These extremes – from scatterbrained forgetfulness to laser-like attention – often bewildered adults around him. But these childhood struggles weren’t just random challenges. They were clues, tiny signals that his brain worked in extraordinary ways. Accepting these differences, instead of fighting them, can mark the beginning of embracing an ADHD identity and understanding one’s true potential.
Growing up with ADHD can feel like you’re out of step with the rest of the world. While classmates might do chores and assignments with steady effort, someone with ADHD might do nothing for days and then suddenly complete everything in a single, powerful burst of productivity. When others settle into a calm routine, the ADHD mind might crave constant change, excitement, and novelty. This pattern may have caused frustration for parents and teachers who didn’t understand why simple tasks were so difficult. It might have led to scoldings, punishments, or even bullying from peers. Yet, these early experiences also built resilience. They toughened the individual, forcing them to find creative solutions to everyday problems. Each challenge that felt like chaos eventually becomes a lesson, showing that what seems like an impossible maze might just be a playful puzzle waiting to be solved with a fresh perspective.
As one grows older, these childhood patterns don’t simply vanish; they reappear in new forms during adulthood. Managing bills, juggling responsibilities at work, and maintaining stable relationships can all be tricky when the mind wanders easily. But recognizing and naming the cause – ADHD – is like flipping on a light switch in a dark room. Suddenly, what felt disjointed and confusing now makes sense. Understanding that this is not a personal failing but a different brain wiring helps strip away layers of shame and guilt. Instead of blaming oneself for past mistakes, a person can now find strategies that suit their ADHD brain. For example, learning to break tasks into smaller pieces or using alarms to manage time. Realizing that ADHD is part of one’s identity can be incredibly empowering. It transforms old wounds into sources of strength and makes room for self-acceptance.
Embracing an ADHD identity is about acknowledging differences and turning them into advantages. It’s about saying, Yes, I think in fast, broad strokes, and that’s okay. Understanding your ADHD means granting yourself permission to navigate life a bit differently. Instead of feeling trapped in a world not designed for your thinking style, you start designing your personal toolkit. With time, you might even find that what once felt like a never-ending struggle can become an edge. You’ll gain new confidence as you realize that your ability to hyper-focus on topics you love is a super-skill. Your quick mind can adapt to changes faster than others. And your unique point of view can spark brilliant ideas no one else would consider. By fully embracing ADHD as part of who you are, you set the stage for building routines and strategies that transform chaos into a path toward success.
Chapter 3: Understanding ADHD As A Treasure Chest Waiting To Be Carefully Unlocked .
Think of ADHD as a locked treasure chest. Outside, it looks unusual, maybe even a bit unpolished. But hidden inside are precious gems of creativity, intuition, inventiveness, and originality. You just need the right key to open it. Without understanding how ADHD works, you might feel like you’re constantly wrestling with a stubborn lock. Tasks pile up, your mind hops between ideas too quickly, and you feel frustrated. Yet, once you understand what’s inside that chest, everything changes. You realize that the energy rushing through your veins can be directed in meaningful ways. You learn that, with proper guidance, you can produce extraordinary results – writing a book in a short time, developing a business idea faster than others, or finding new approaches to old problems. Recognizing ADHD as a treasure chest waiting to be opened transforms the struggle into a hopeful quest for hidden riches.
To unlock this treasure, you must acknowledge the chemicals in the brain that aren’t always flowing as needed. Dopamine and serotonin, for example, are like helpful guides who keep you focused and feeling good about what you do. Without enough of these, your brain might wander, seek excitement, or act impulsively just to feel engaged. Instead of blaming yourself, understand that your mind is simply searching for its missing puzzle pieces. By introducing routines, certain foods, regular exercise, and sleep habits, you can produce more of these chemicals. This helps turn ADHD’s restlessness into purposeful energy. Over time, mastering this balance begins to feel like controlling the speed of a powerful car. You learn when to rev the engine and when to hit the brakes. The more you understand your ADHD, the more skillfully you can drive your mind toward achieving meaningful goals.
Consider the ways great thinkers of the past might have shared some ADHD characteristics. People like Leonardo da Vinci, who seemed to jump from painting to scientific studies and from engineering designs to anatomy sketches, likely had minds that refused to stay in one lane. This variety of interests led to brilliant breakthroughs in multiple fields. Albert Einstein, known for his unusual ways of thinking, challenged traditional perspectives and made discoveries that changed our understanding of the universe. These examples show that a mind that roams freely isn’t flawed – it’s extraordinary. So when you find yourself daydreaming at your desk or leaping from one idea to the next, remember that ADHD can be a source of original thinking. You too can learn to direct your leaps toward meaningful innovation. The key lies in recognizing your potential and carefully managing your mental environment.
As you become more aware of ADHD’s treasures, you move toward seeing ADHD not as a misfortune, but as a different type of wiring that can lead to remarkable outcomes. This viewpoint opens the door to strategies and plans that fit your style perfectly. Instead of forcing yourself into methods that never worked, you begin adopting personalized rituals that match your speed and rhythm. You realize that, like a treasure chest, ADHD holds valuables that shine brightest when properly tended. This process doesn’t happen overnight, and it can feel challenging to find the right combinations of habits and tools. However, each small success – a day of better focus, a project completed ahead of time, a new idea that impresses your friends – adds up. Gradually, you gain confidence and pride in how you manage your ADHD. This confidence, in turn, fuels even greater achievements.
Chapter 4: Building Rock-Solid Rituals And Thoughtful Routines To Tame ADHD’s Racing Mind .
Imagine standing before a wild horse. It’s strong, fast, and full of energy. Without guidance, it might bolt off in any direction, wasting its strength. But with patience, training, and a steady hand, you can guide it to gallop gracefully toward your chosen destination. The same goes for your ADHD mind. Rituals and routines act like gentle reins, helping focus your mental energy. Instead of fighting your scattered thoughts, you create reliable patterns that calm the chaos. These aren’t just empty promises like typical New Year’s resolutions that crumble after a week. They’re solid rituals – habits built slowly and carefully, day by day. By focusing on why you’re doing something, rather than just what you need to do, you become more motivated. For instance, waking up early isn’t just about getting up at dawn; it’s about enjoying the feeling of accomplishment and readiness that fuels your entire day.
To form effective rituals, start by examining areas in your life where choices lead to distraction. Maybe you lose track of time picking outfits every morning. One simple ritual is creating a uniform – a set of go-to clothes that removes guesswork. Instead of spending precious minutes thinking, What should I wear today? you simply pick up your pre-decided outfit. This frees mental energy for more important tasks. Similarly, planning your meals in advance can prevent you from standing in the kitchen, overwhelmed by countless options. Eating regularly at set times and choosing wholesome foods boosts the brain chemicals you need to focus. It’s not about depriving yourself of fun. It’s about cutting down on the small decisions that steal your energy, so you have more left over for what really matters. Over time, these rituals become second nature, like brushing your teeth or tying your shoelaces.
Exercise is another key ritual. Regular physical activity, even a brisk walk outside, can help balance brain chemicals, reduce stress, and improve sleep – all of which are crucial for someone with ADHD. When you stick to an exercise routine, you’re training your brain and body to work together more smoothly. Additionally, tracking your progress helps reinforce these habits. Use simple tools or apps to record how you feel after exercising, note improvements in your mood, and watch how regular movement sharpens your focus. Each positive change, no matter how small, shows that you’re steering your ADHD rather than letting it run wild. Sleep rituals are equally important. Turning off screens, reading a calming book, or having a set bedtime can mean the difference between waking up scattered or energized. With these rituals firmly in place, you build a sturdier platform to launch your creative and productive efforts.
By building rituals and routines that align with how your brain works, you gradually transform your life. You stop feeling powerless against the whirlwind inside your head. Instead, you feel more like a skilled pilot guiding an aircraft through changing weather. Instead of drifting off-course, you learn to navigate confidently. Rituals provide the stability that an ADHD mind craves. Remember, the purpose isn’t to become a perfect robot or follow a rigid schedule with zero room for fun. It’s about creating a supportive framework where your creativity, curiosity, and drive can shine without getting lost. With these rituals, you’re not fighting against your ADHD; you’re working with it, channeling its energy to reach your dreams. In the next chapters, we’ll talk more about avoiding the traps that can derail your progress and discovering tools that make managing ADHD even more rewarding and exciting.
Chapter 5: Disarming Hidden Landmines: Mastering The Art Of Avoiding ADHD’s Triggers .
Even when you have powerful rituals and routines in place, certain traps can still catch you off-guard. Think of them as hidden landmines scattered along your path. These triggers spark self-destructive behaviors, making you feel out of control. The key is not just to know they exist, but to arrange your life in a way that keeps you out of their blast range. For some, it might be that certain places, like a casino-filled city with endless temptations, can ignite addictive behaviors. For others, it might be substances like alcohol, a habit of staying up too late, or people who encourage poor choices. Everyone’s triggers are unique. Identifying them takes honest self-reflection, a willingness to admit where you are weak, and a commitment to protecting yourself from situations that bring out the worst. By cleverly avoiding these triggers, you help ensure that your ADHD works for you, not against you.
Avoiding triggers often means understanding how time and stress affect your ADHD. Some people with ADHD find that arriving places late sends them into panic mode. This worry might cause them to rush, forget important items, or feel unsettled. The trick might be to live life 30 minutes earlier: leave the house sooner, set earlier alarms, and schedule tasks with a buffer. By doing this, you remove the anxiety and frantic scramble that can trigger poor decisions. Deadlines are another type of time-related trigger. Without a clear deadline, your ADHD mind may wander into endless distractions. Setting firm due dates for yourself, or asking others to hold you accountable, ensures that important tasks don’t get pushed aside. By carefully structuring your time and enforcing deadlines, you avoid situations where impulsiveness can lead to stress and poor outcomes.
Sometimes triggers are connected to people or social settings. Maybe certain friends encourage risky habits, or a particular environment feels too noisy, bright, or chaotic, making it impossible to focus. The solution might be to meet friends in calmer places or limit the time spent in overstimulating environments. It may feel awkward at first, but protecting your brain’s stability is worth it. If alcohol is a trigger, consider choosing social activities that don’t revolve around drinking. If spending hours on social media makes you lose track of time, set digital boundaries and use tools that block distracting apps after a certain period. Avoiding triggers isn’t about living in fear or isolation; it’s about understanding what sets off destructive behavior and having the courage to steer clear. By smartly sidestepping these landmines, you guard your energy and focus, leaving more room for positive growth and achievement.
The more you learn to avoid triggers, the easier it becomes to maintain the balance you worked so hard to achieve with your rituals. Over time, you’ll recognize warning signs before trouble strikes. Perhaps you feel a twinge of anxiety creeping in when you’re tempted to procrastinate, or notice your mood dipping when around certain influencers. These signs become signals telling you to course-correct before falling into bad habits. The process might feel slow, but each small victory builds confidence in your ability to control your environment. Instead of being a victim of circumstances, you become someone who actively shapes their surroundings. By avoiding triggers, you preserve mental energy for what truly matters: exploring your ideas, building your talents, and moving steadily toward your personal definition of success. Once you have a handle on triggers, you can take advantage of helpful tools to organize your life even better.
Chapter 6: Equipping Your Personal Toolbelt: Smart Strategies And Technologies For ADHD Brains .
In our digital age, we have an abundance of tools designed to help people stay organized, focused, and motivated. For someone with ADHD, these tools can feel like a superhero’s gadget belt, each device ready to solve a particular challenge. Start by keeping all your most-used apps on one screen of your smartphone or tablet. This way, you won’t waste time searching through multiple pages, risking distraction by shiny icons. Think about apps that track your exercise, sleep, and diet, like those that record how many steps you take in a day or how well you slept last night. Tracking these areas of life can reveal patterns. Maybe you concentrate better after a good night’s sleep, or maybe your afternoon energy depends on a balanced lunch. Understanding these connections turns chaos into clarity, showing you exactly which habits improve your focus and which habits send it spiraling.
Organizational tools like shared calendars, cloud storage, and reminder apps can turn your ADHD-powered mind into a productivity machine. For instance, a digital calendar helps you know what’s happening each day without relying on your memory, which might wander into daydreams. Cloud-based note-taking apps store your brilliant ideas so you can retrieve them anytime, anywhere. This flexibility is crucial for ADHD brains, which tend to spark new ideas in unexpected moments. Maybe you’re out for a walk and suddenly think of a clever business proposal. With the right tools, you can quickly capture that idea before it slips away. This approach makes every environment – a park, a café, or even a bus stop – a potential creative workspace. By gathering apps and tools that fit your life, you transform your device into a portable command center that keeps you grounded, alert, and productive.
Physical spaces matter too. A cluttered room or messy desk is an open invitation for distractions. With ADHD, it’s easy to collect piles of papers, books, and random objects. Soon, you find yourself losing essential items or feeling trapped in a jungle of stuff. Creating a tidy, minimal environment is not about being perfect or super strict; it’s about designing a place where your eyes can rest and your mind doesn’t jump around with a million Where did I put that? thoughts. Organize your workspace with shelves, boxes, and labels so you know exactly where everything is. Keep surfaces as clear as possible. This helps you stay calm and ready to dive into tasks. The goal is to remove as many stumbling blocks as possible so you can concentrate on what’s important. When your room and digital devices are in harmony, your mind finds its calm center.
Remember that tools are helpers, not magic cures. If one app or method doesn’t fit your style, try another. The journey is about discovering what works best for you. There’s no single correct formula. Over time, as you refine your toolset, you’ll develop a custom system that keeps your ADHD strengths shining brightly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to others for suggestions. There are communities online where people share tips on the latest productivity apps or organizational hacks. By learning from them, you’ll stay inspired and avoid feeling alone in your struggles. Each small tweak you make to your environment and your digital toolkit brings you closer to a state of steady productivity. This careful arrangement of tools ensures that, when a brilliant idea strikes, you can harness it effectively. With a well-organized life, your ADHD becomes an advantage rather than a disadvantage, propelling you forward.
Chapter 7: Painting A Brighter Tomorrow: Turning ADHD Into A Lifetime Of Achievement And Growth .
Having journeyed through understanding ADHD’s nature, embracing it as part of your identity, and learning to manage it with rituals, avoidance strategies, and tools, you stand at a new starting line. This isn’t the end of a story; it’s the beginning of a lifetime of growth. ADHD doesn’t vanish, but it can transform from an obstacle into a powerful ally. Now, you know how to steer your energy, sharpen your focus, and guide your creativity. Each challenge you face will feel less like a random problem and more like a puzzle you’re equipped to solve. With newfound confidence, you can push beyond limits you once thought were immovable, set ambitious goals, and trust yourself to reach them. In doing so, you become not just someone who copes with ADHD, but someone who thrives with it, carving out a unique path of success and personal fulfillment.
The world needs minds that think differently. Your ADHD can bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a daring approach to tasks that might seem ordinary to others. As you continue refining your routines and learning new methods to stay on track, remember that your journey can inspire others. When people see how you have leveraged your ADHD into a powerful force, it may encourage them to reconsider their own differences and hidden talents. Don’t shy away from sharing your experiences, both the highs and the lows. Every triumph and setback is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. Over time, you may find yourself taking pride in the very qualities you once tried to hide. In doing so, you add brightness not only to your own life but also to the lives of those who witness your transformation from a struggling individual into a confident achiever.
Of course, the process is never entirely smooth. There will still be days when it’s hard to focus, when triggers sneak up unexpectedly, or when your energy levels swing wildly. But now, armed with the understanding that ADHD is not your enemy, you can handle these moments better. Instead of feeling defeated, you’ll approach difficulties with a curious mind, asking: What can I learn from this? You’ll reflect on your rituals, check your toolset, and maybe adjust your routines. Treat challenges as opportunities to fine-tune your strategies. In time, you’ll become so skillful at managing your ADHD-driven brain that you’ll see progress in every corner of your life. Whether it’s pursuing sports, mastering a craft, building a career, or nurturing relationships, the principles you’ve learned – self-awareness, preparation, adaptability – will serve as dependable guides. With each victory, you grow more confident in your abilities.
As you move forward, keep in mind that you’re never alone in this journey. Others have walked similar paths, discovered different methods, and faced their own struggles. Some of these people wrote books, gave talks, or created support communities for individuals with ADHD. Peter Shankman, for example, reached out to the experts who wrote about ADHD and turned their wisdom into friendships, mentorships, and opportunities. Now, he invites you to continue the conversation, learn more, and possibly share your own breakthroughs. By connecting with like-minded individuals, you keep expanding your knowledge and perspective. ADHD, once seen as a curse, becomes a connecting thread uniting people who dare to think differently. As you head into your future, embrace your ADHD with kindness, patience, and excitement. With each step, you’ll move closer to a life defined by productivity, creativity, fulfillment, and the joy of being truly yourself.
All about the Book
Discover the transformative power of ADHD in ‘Faster Than Normal’ by Peter Shankman. This guide empowers readers to harness their unique strengths and thrive in a fast-paced world, providing actionable strategies for success in personal and professional life.
Peter Shankman is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker known for his expertise in ADHD, leveraging it to inspire others to unlock their potential and achieve greatness with their unique neurodiverse abilities.
Entrepreneurs, Teachers, Coaches, Mental health professionals, Corporate leaders
Public speaking, Writing, Podcasting, Networking, Mindfulness practices
Stigmas around ADHD, Workplace productivity, Mental health awareness, Harnessing neurodiversity for success
ADHD is not a weakness; it’s a superpower waiting to be utilized.
Richard Branson, Alexis Ohanian, Mel Robbins
Best Business Book of the Year, Top 10 Must-Read Books for Entrepreneurs, National Book Award Nomination
1. How can I harness my ADHD for success? #2. What routines boost productivity in everyday life? #3. How can positive thinking influence my performance? #4. What strategies enhance focus during distractions? #5. How does exercise contribute to mental clarity? #6. Can I create a personalized work environment? #7. What role does nutrition play in brain function? #8. How can I manage time more effectively? #9. What techniques improve my listening skills? #10. How do I cultivate my creative thinking? #11. Can mindfulness practices enhance my productivity? #12. What are the benefits of regular breaks? #13. How can I effectively set and achieve goals? #14. What are the advantages of embracing hyperactivity? #15. How do I balance work with personal life? #16. Can social interactions improve my mental health? #17. What mindset shifts can foster resilience? #18. How can I prioritize tasks more efficiently? #19. What tools help track my productivity patterns? #20. How does my environment impact my work output?
Faster Than Normal book, Peter Shankman, ADHD awareness, Productivity tips, Mindfulness for ADHD, Faster Thinking Techniques, Personal development books, Motivation and success, Neurodiversity, Mental health strategies, Time management, Cognitive enhancement
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1681983137
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